Evaluating the performance of e-construction tools in highway resurfacing projects

Interest in integrating E-construction in highway construction projects has increased in recent years due to reductions in staffing and resources across Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and initiatives from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Specifically, the addition of e-construction methods offers a boost in efficiency and safety in highway resurfacing jobs. E-ticketing, Paver Mounted Thermal Profiling, and Intelligent Compaction were incorporated on resurfacing projects in the state of Kentucky. Using GPS and GIS technology tied with electronic report-out systems, a fleet tracking system traces haul routes, travel times, and tonnage. The addition of paver mounted thermal profilers that allow for remote monitoring of temperatures, and intelligent compaction offers the ability to monitor roller patterns and track the overall compaction effort. The contribution of this manuscript is to document recent advancements, lessons learned, and evaluate their effectiveness compared to traditional inspection practices. Future work discussed include the possibility of combining these technologies into a singular interface for easier integration into the industry.