RoadIT 1.0

Development of a sensor-based, AI-supported traffic detector for the real-time analysis of road surface stress

Project duration: 01/2023 – 12/2025

A measurement system based on acceleration and temperature sensors, integrated into the road surface, will be used to determine current and historical stress data. The vibrations generated by vehicles passing over the road are to be translated into vehicle information using artificial intelligence techniques. This information, together with the temperature data, will be transmitted wirelessly to a live web dashboard, visualised and interpreted in accordance with current road construction guidelines.

Technical components (sensor elements, computing hardware for AI integration, communication gateways) will be tested as part of preliminary studies. Once a practical integration concept for construction has been drawn up, the components will be integrated across three different test scales. By comparing the sensor data collected with various types of (vehicle) stress, the aim is to train the AI model and optimise the hardware concept. The final test section in an urban area is to be maintained and monitored throughout the project duration.

Outside the motorway network, there is currently no measurement system in use that provides a realistic representation of the stresses placed on the road surface by heavy goods traffic and climatic influences. However, such stress data is necessary in order to carry out targeted rehabilitation of the road network and thus sustainably extend the service life of the roads. Systems used on the main road network are not employed in the local authority sector due to high installation and operating costs and a lack of flexibility. The aim is to integrate the developed system into pilot operations in the south of Leipzig as early as possible.