What kind of data do real-time pavement condition assessment sensors provide?

Real-time pavement condition assessment sensors provide continuous, up-to-date data on various pavement characteristics that reflect its structural health and functional performance. These sensors can measure parameters such as pavement strain, stress, temperature, moisture content, and dynamic loading from traffic. Embedded sensors, for instance, can measure the strain within the pavement layers under traffic loads, providing insights into the pavement's structural response and potential for fatigue cracking. Other sensors can monitor temperature and moisture variations, which are critical factors affecting pavement deterioration. Additionally, some systems use weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensors to collect data on axle loads and traffic volumes, providing real-time information on the loading environment. This data allows for a proactive approach to pavement management, enabling timely identification of potential problems and implementation of appropriate maintenance or rehabilitation strategies. Instead of waiting for periodic inspections, pavement managers can have a constant stream of data reflecting current conditions, allowing them to respond quickly to emerging issues and optimize maintenance efforts.