Fugro supports targeted maintenance of Dutch roads

Fugro is commencing a five-year contract to undertake road pavement condition surveys in the Netherlands for Rijkswaterstaat (part of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management). The contract includes an option to extend to 10 years.

Collecting surface condition and road measurement data from 8,600 kilometres of principal highways each year, Fugro will use the latest generation of its Automatic Road Analyzer (ARAN), which is adapted to meet European specifications and includes improved crack detection technology. The platform enables surveys to be conducted at traffic speed, providing a cost-effective, safe, precise means of condition monitoring that enables asset managers to identify and predict deterioration and prioritise expenditure.

The ARAN provides fully automated collection of multiple data streams via state-of-the-art positioning, video and laser imaging systems that can be tailored to project needs. Options include profile, camber, rutting, cracking, texture and roughness as well as pavement thickness and structure based on ground penetrating radar. Rijkswaterstaat will receive a clear picture of network condition in a format that complies with national standards. With the condition surveys repeated annually, maintenance plans can be optimised to target areas of deterioration based on high resolution and repeatable datasets.

Speaking about Fugro’s new pavement asset contract, the project lead, Richard Bun, said, “We are excited to be introducing the latest and most advanced version of this survey technology to the European market and continuing Fugro’s longstanding relationship with Rijkswaterstaat. In line with Fugro’s strategy to provide fully integrated digital solutions, the updated ARAN will further enhance the efficient transfer and usability of important data for Rijkswaterstaat’s asset management system.”