Da Silva, W O P; Farias, B A; Monteiro, I B; Pegorini, V; Casanova, D and Bisconsini, D R (2024) Development of global quality index of unpaved roads. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(1): 04023147, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Unpaved roads often are in poor condition, especially in developing countries, due to limited resources, resulting in discomfort, accident risk, vehicle operating costs (VOCs), freight transport damage, and difficulties accessing essential services by rural populations. Previous studies proposed methods that do not enable a complete and cost-effective unpaved road evaluation in the context of an integrated unpaved road management system (URMS). Developing global condition indexes is crucial in establishing a hierarchical classification of the whole road network, rationalizing resource allocation, and facilitating planning maintenance and rehabilitation candidate projects within a medium to long timeframe. The Global Quality Index of Unpaved Roads (GQIUR) development in this work provides data for management at the network and project levels, allowing the evaluation of riding quality and both distress at specific road sections. The GQIUR combines the Ride Quality Index of Unpaved Roads (RQIUR), proposed in this study, with the Unsurfaced Road Condition Index (URCI). By capturing data from cameras, accelerometers, and Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors on smartphones affixed to a vehicle's windshield, it is possible to determine the RQIUR by evaluating ride quality while traveling. Recording surface distresses during walking surveys allows URCI calculation. The URCI and RQIUR classification was established based on the existing literature and the practicality of URMS. The GQIUR incorporates these attributes in a balanced manner, considering the comparable importance of the URCI and RQIUR for managers and users. The evaluation covered more than 10 km of unpaved roads. Asphalt and cobblestone pavement samples were compared with unpaved road data. GIS application to the GQIUR shows the general classification of unpaved roads. Unpaved roads present structural and functional distresses, and gravel roads cause excessive vibrations due to roughness and loose aggregates. The method enables priority section identification in a practical, objective, and cost-effective manner.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ride quality; smartphone; unpaved road; unpaved road management; unsurfaced road |
| Index terms: | distress, unpaved road, developing country, survey, operating cost, aggregate, management system, discomfort, vibration, population, resource allocation, manager |
| Subjects: | economic analysis, management, demography, resource management, mechanical systems, practitioner, health risk and incident analysis, data collection methods, development economics, structural engineering, materials science, infrastructure and transport systems |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Urban Studies, Site Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, International Construction, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here