Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute
(Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology)
ROAD SURFACE ASSESSMENT OF POTHOLE SEVERITY BY CLOSE RANGE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY METHOD ON GOMBE-BIU HIGHWAY (CASE STUDY: GOMBE-DADIN KOWA, DADIN KOWA-BAYO AND BAYO-KWAYA KUSAR SECTIONS)
Presenter
Engr. Umar Aliyu Gwaram
SLT Department
Correspondence: gwaramjnr@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Road features are carefully planned and constructed in order to facilitate the safe movement of individuals, goods, and services, enhance road traffic safety, optimize the use of the entire network, and mitigate negative consequences such as fatalities, injuries, and property damage. The emergence of potholes represents a common form of surface deterioration in asphalt pavements. It is crucial to identify cracks at the earliest possible stage to minimize the costs associated with maintenance. In this study, the digital close-range photogrammetry method is utilized as an alternative means of visually assessing the severity of potholes. This method employs a typical digital camera, thereby simplifying, safeguarding, and systematizing the process of visual inspection. A selection of pothole samples was taken from the study area, specifically the Gombe-Dadin Kowa, Dadin Kowa-Bayo and Bayo-Kwaya Kusar sections of the Gombe – Biu highway. Each pothole was recorded using different camera angles and directions, and their severity levels were evaluated using both the conventional (visual) method and the photogrammetric method. The results revealed that 91% of the potholes exhibited high levels of severity, 5% moderate severity and 4% low severity. In addition, a T-test was performed to compare the acquired results, which were detected to be exceedingly successful. Furthermore, sieve analysis, Atterberg limit (shrinkage limit), compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were performed to determine crucial measurements and ensure compliance with material specifications. Some of the soil samples obtained in the analysis were deemed unsuitable for use as construction material. The photogrammetry approach also demonstrated a high level of accuracy in classifying the severity levels of all pothole samples.
Keywords – Pothole, Pothole severity, Surface deterioration, Close range, photogrammetry, Samples, T-test.