The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a report by The Transtec Group and Wood that aims to help state departments of transportation (DOT) improve their data quality management practices.
The report, Successful Practices for Quality Management of Pavement Surface Condition Data Collection and Analysis (FHWA-RC-20-007), provides successful practices for data quality management programs (DQMPs) based on state-of-practice and recently developed or ongoing research projects. The report includes procedures to increase data accuracy, precision, accessibility, consistency, believability, relevance, and other data quality metrics while maintaining a cost-effective data collection process.
The report is the first phase of a two-part project that aims to improve pavement surface condition data quality management. Currently, state DOTs and local transportation agencies have pavement condition metrics specific to their decision-making processes. Many states may have different definitions for pavement distresses. For example, DOTs may have varied definitions for cracking and record different parameters, such as type, severity, and length. Furthermore, each state may use distress data differently to classify pavement conditions, triggering maintenance and rehabilitation decisions. Non-standardized data definitions and decision-making processes may complicate data quality practices.
Recent 3D data collection technologies have impacted data collection and management. These new technologies and data collection methods have generated the need for standard data quality assurance procedures. Transportation Pooled Fund study (TPF)-5(399), which funds this DQMP project, focuses on developing certification and verification procedures for these technologies and data submittals.
“Pavement surface condition data collection technology has advanced rapidly,” said Dr. George Chang, Transtec’s Director of Research. “DOTs need insurances on the quality of data that they receive.”
The report combines successful pavement surface condition data quality management practices of DOTs and summarizes recent developments, including AASHTO transverse pavement profiles (TPP) certification standards.
“Think of it as the one-stop shop for pavement surface condition data quality,” said Dr. Chang, referring to the report’s inclusion of other relative project findings.
Phase 2 of the project will implement and test the report protocols in three pilot projects in Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Washington in 2021. The pilot studies will be used to refine the processes in the published report. These findings and lessons learned will then be included in a final report, expected in 2022.
The results from this project will lead to proven data quality practices that DOTs can tailor to fit their DQMP needs. The principles uncovered in the project can also be helpful for other pavement data quality management needs worldwide.
