INFRACOMS Appraisal Toolkit for NRAs to Assess Emerging Technologies in Bridge and Pavement Management

Abstract

National Road Authorities (NRAs) draw on a wide range of technologies and tools to support robust decisions on asset maintenance. However, in recent years there has been significant progress in the development of sensing technologies for data collection and advanced techniques for data processing. These technologies present an opportunity to improve asset management decisions, but also present a challenge for NRAs, as they seek to realise the benefits. This contribution presents the appraisal methodology for emerging technologies proposed by the INFRACOMS project commissioned by the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR). The methodology provides objective appraisals since technologies are scrutinised against proposed subsequent criteria. Cost factors, potential benefit categories and limitations are identified. Technologies are ranked by key imperatives and scored. Technologies with a good score are evaluated more thoroughly, which may need specialist input and discussions with the technology supplier. It results in a technical score, a benefit/cost assessment and identified steps in a roadmap toward implementation. The NRAs can share their individual appraisals in a database. The second part of the project develops an action plan to guide NRAs in adapting and implementing promising emerging technologies and training sessions on the use of the developed appraisal toolkit.