Sustainable Road Resurfacing Monitoring System

This technical report outlines a new monitoring system developed by Fraunhofer researchers aimed at making road resurfacing more sustainable and cost-effective. The system utilizes a bio-based fabric embedded with sensors that continuously monitor the condition of the asphalt base layer without causing damage. Traditional methods of assessing road conditions often involve destructive core sampling, which can lead to lengthy and inefficient resurfacing efforts. The new approach allows for real-time assessment of road structures using AI algorithms to analyze data from the sensors. The report details the innovative fabric made from flax fibers and conductive wire, designed to withstand the stresses of road construction and traffic. Initial testing in an industrial zone has shown promising results in detecting deformations caused by vehicles. The project, known as SenAD2, aims to improve maintenance planning and scheduling for road agencies by providing continuous and comprehensive data on road conditions.