RECENT TECHNIQUES IN PAVEMENT ENGINEERING

This paper discusses three aspects of pavement engineering technology in India: the use of artificial neural networks in pavement evaluation, the use of geographical information systems in pavement management, and nationally developed techniques for measuring surface roughness. Artificial neural networks can be used with falling weight deflectometer tests to predict pavement layer properties and thus pavement performance. Geographical information systems, already used in pavement management systems, need further development to provide temporal data, which could be analyzed for decision-making and planning purposes. The Central Road Research Institute has developed the Automatic Road Unevenness Recorder to survey the riding quality of a road; however, the device needs frequent recalibration to ensure accurate data. A profilograph has also been developed to determine prevalent road characteristics and causes of deterioration, and to assess riding quality in terms of the International Roughness Index. For the covering abstract see ITRD E116046.