Michael Baker International deploys automated pavement data collection

Pittsburgh — Michael Baker International recently purchased the Pavemetrics Laser Crack Measurement System (LCMS), a technology solution that automatically detects cracks, rutting and other roadway characteristics by capturing 2D and 3D images of a highway with high-speed cameras, custom optics and laser line projectors. With the addition of Pavemetrics, Michael Baker now offers an integrated source of data to its surface transportation clients so they can make informed decisions on road resurfacing and replacement projects.

“We are now the only company with the ability to map features above, on and below the pavement surface in one pass,” said Jim Twomey, executive vice president and national market lead – surface transportation. “LCMS completes Michael Baker’s ‘all-in-one’ mobile data collection capability and represents a huge value proposition to our clients who seek real-time data on the condition of their roads. By collecting data with one exercise rather than multiple surveys or tests, we can also save them money.”

Michael Baker International has combined the Pavemetrics solution with its existing mobile Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) vehicle and Ground-Penetrating Radar systems. The company can now deploy a fully equipped diagnostic vehicle that provides a turnkey, cost-effective approach to gathering pavement conditions. When mounted high on the vehicle, the Pavemetrics LCMS maps the whole width of the lane and eliminates the effect of vehicle wandering during data collection, ensuring more consistent and repeatable results year to year.

“With the combination of the Pavemetrics solution and mobile LiDAR, we’re collecting precise data and imagery of nearly all the assets along the roadway for a holistic approach to transportation asset management. Using LiDAR can also lead to greater safety on the road for motorists as well as our on-site employees,” said Robert Hanson, senior vice president and the firm’s Geospatial Practice leader. “When we deploy mobile LiDAR, our engineers and surveyors no longer need to stand along the road to gather critical data. This protects them and helps to eliminate congestion on the roadways.”

“Michael Baker has always been at the forefront of mobile mapping technology, and the addition of the LCMS gives the company’s clients a total solution when it comes to data collection,” said Richard Habel, president and CEO at Pavemetrics. “As an industry-leading provider of high-speed 3D scanning sensors, Pavemetrics is proud to partner with Michael Baker and help them complete their array of offerings.”

Michael Baker collaborated with Pavemetrics to help LCMS achieve certification from the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University, which performed rigorous tests on the solution.