?The technical capabilities of systems to collect and analyze pavement surface distress and transverse profile (PSDATP) have increased dramatically in the last 5-10 years. Many State highway agencies (SHAs) are in the process of assessing the procurement of equipment/systems or procuring vendor services for network and project level pavement condition assessments. The collection of quality PSDATP is critical for pavement management and design. The current national and State efforts to develop and refine pavement performance measures highlight the high value provided by quality PSDATP. The implementation of new project delivery methods with medium- to long-term maintenance agreements (Design Build Maintain, Design Build Operate, etc.) justifies the need for high-quality PSDATP data. Accurate and repeatable measures are essential for proper planning and the allocation of funding. The implementation of the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) highlights the need for quality PSDATP to maximize the potential of the MEPDG and all other pavement design models. The emphasis on preventive pavement maintenance activities provides the opportunity for additional value from greater resolution of pavement surface distress quantification. TPF-5(299) and TPF-5(399) comes to end in 2026, and this pooled fund study will continue the work of that pooled fund study. The 24 State Highway Agencies of TPF-5(399) support starting this new pooled fund study. The activities of the pooled-fund study will be communicated with other appropriate committees and groups in the pavement community, such as, the Road Profiler User Group, the FHWA, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Materials and Pavements (COMP), National Cooperative Research Program (NCHRP) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). The AASHTO COMP currently manages several standards related to pavement surface characteristics measurement. Many of these standards continue to need refinement and updating. This pooled-fund study is being established to provide direction and funding to unify the strategies, support implementation efforts, and promote best practices that improve the accuracy and repeatability of the data collection and analysis systems, as well as advance the understanding of PSDATP measurements. It is expected that this study will be completed within 5 years.

?Improve the Quality of Pavement Surface Distress and Transverse Profile Data Collection and Analysis by assembling SHAs, the FHWA, and industry representatives to:

• Identify data collection integrity and quality issues

• Identify data analysis needs

• Suggest approaches to addressing identified issues and needs.

Based on this information, the SHAs and the FHWA will:

• Initiate and monitor projects intended to address identified issues and needs

• Disseminate results

• Assist in solution deployment 

?Task 1. Administration - Assemble a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)

It is proposed that all the SHAs that elect to participate in the study will be afforded the opportunity to attend and participate in a kick-off and periodic meetings. The main mission of the kick-off meeting is to organize the specifics of the pooled-fund study. It is expected the first activities will include the development of a “Study Charter” to outline how the TAC will function in carrying out its main duties of identifying needs, proposing projects, and selecting projects to be carried out within the pooled-fund study. It is envisioned that the TAC will meet twice a year over a 5-year period. The participating SHAs will receive priority for all the developed equipment and procedures. 

Task 2. Identify, prioritize, and select projects 

As necessary, identify, prioritize, and select projects to be conducted within the pooled-fund project. As needed, update the project list. Potential projects may include efforts that are conducted by members of the TAC or contracted resources. Potential projects may include, but are not limited to: 

•              Verification/validation of existing standards 

•              Field Evaluations of vendor data collection and analysis systems (rodeos) 

•              Implementation/demonstration of results 

•              Procurement standards for vendor services 

•              Calibration standards 

•              Verification standards 

•              Feasibility studies for innovative technologies 

•              Technical assistance services to assist SHAs in implementing standards 

•              Define critical accuracy requirements 

•              Monitor emerging technologies 

•              Develop surface distress indices

Task 3. Project Execution 

?The pooled fund is seeking $20,000 per year for 5 years.  The proposed pooled fund study will require participation of 20 states to complete the work.