Use of Digital Cameras for Pavement Surface Distress Survey

The categorization and quantification of the type, severity, and extent of surface distress is a primary method for assessing the condition of highway pavements. Several methodologies are reviewed that were developed to automate pavement distress surveys. Existing available applications of automated pavement surface distress surveys rely on analog video technology, which poses several limitations on the performance of the systems. Through the use of new digital, high-performance cameras, high-definition images of pavement surfaces were acquired. These images were directly captured, archived, and analyzed by microcomputers. Two types of digital cameras were used in the research: area scan and line scan. Research revealed that high-performance area scan cameras may have advantages over line scan cameras. However, line scan cameras based on the technique of time delayed integration have good potential when tight synchronization and correct timing control are fully integrated into the system. The imaging subsystem of a full digital highway data vehicle that has been developed at the University of Arkansas is also discussed.