Applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for surface condition indicators modeling of a flexible pavement

Abstract

In Morocco, as in all world countries, deteriorating road conditions, increasing traffic loads, and decreasing funds have presented a complex management challenge for the road maintenance and rehabilitation process. Hence the need to assess the condition of the pavement network, decide on maintenance strategies, set rehabilitation priorities and implement a maintenance management system. In this regard, Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data referenced to a geographic location, especially in the field of road infrastructure where information on pavement sections stored in textual databases can be linked by location and attribute in geographical maps. This paper presents a case study, explores the ability of a GIS to visualize the different levels of surface degradation of flexible pavement through the analysis of GIS surface indicator matrices and the reduction of road databases containing the results of the environmental inspection carried out in 2018 on a 50 km section of the Moroccan national road number 06 from KP 0+080 to KP 0+130, applying the Moroccan method carried out by the Moroccan National Center for Road Studies and Research. These thematic maps can justify a budgetary request for the investment of public funds and help in maintenance decisions.