An integrated solution for pavement management and monitoring systems in South Africa.

Abstract

Globally, South Africa has the tenth longest road network. The current condition of the road network has been deemed poor to extremely poor and is deteriorating further as years progress. Road Authorities have a responsibility to understand the status quo of each road so maintenance and construction works can continue in a given time making roads safer for all road users. The aim of this study is to explore and understand the methodologies utilised in the Pavement Management System for collection of road condition data in South Africa. The road condition data is utilized to design roads, road safety improvements, construction methods, and financial evaluation for South Africa. This study is significant as the road infrastructure is considered as one of the key components that help organisations contribute to the development of the economy of South Africa. This qualitative study utilised stratified purposive sampling to identify and select a total of twenty-one pavement engineers at various Civil Engineering firms and a Roads Authority in South Africa as participants. Data was collected from selected pavement engineers having extensive knowledge on the subject and were able to provide pertinent data on the methods utilised in industry and their view on the gaps in relation to data collection and the viable solutions for the future. The data for this study was collected by an interview process which took place over an online platform due to COVID-19 protocols. The interview guide provided participants the openness that enabled the researcher to obtain dominant themes by using thematic analysis. The results exposed the shortcomings at government level regarding planning, systems in place, execution of projects and reasons why adequate pavement data has not been received in the required timeframes to make strategic decisions for the road network of South Africa. The research performed exposed the shortcomings of manual visual assessment methods which has been used in industry which slowed production and performance of various organisations. The results further highlighted the evolution to the existing Pavement Management System through technology. The contribution technology can make creating an effective and efficient Pavement Management System whereby synergising the components of the PMS life cycle creating an integrated solution for South Africa. This will include Designs, Construction, and a fixed Asset evaluation of the road network for forecasting and budget allocation at government level which in the future can dissolve the maintenance backlog that is experienced. The study exposed the notion that adapting to the fourth Industrial Revolution for pavement engineering can improve businesses and effectively grow the economy as swift outputs of intelligent pavement technology can improve performance and increase profitability of businesses. The suggested recommendations will guide policy and decision makers for future planning making the South African Road infrastructure safer for all.