Smart geosynthetics and RFID tags for tracking road resurfacing data

27-Nov-14

An innovative technology uses smart geosynthetics and radio-frequency identification tags for tracking road resurfacing data. The technology from Provlies GmBH has received a 2014 Energy Globe award for sustainability. During the road resurfacing procedure, the tag-equipped geosynthetic material is laid in between the road bed and the new surface layer of asphalt, bonding the two together. The asphalt nonwoven geosynthetic material is mechanically bonded and made from 100% virgin high tenacity polypropylene fibre and provides significant protection against reflective cracking of the new road surface. The tags embedded in the geosynthetic material will provide data to road inspectors, creating a better system of road up-keep. The tags technology has been in operation since 2012 but its combination with the geosynthetic material has won Provlies' Energy Globe award for sustainability. The RFID tags are embedded in the road bed layer around 150 metres apart and are coded with a unique identification number. When resurfacing takes place, data can be input into the tag about the date and location of resurfacing, and details such as the asphalt compaction pressure. This information is linked to the unique ID number, enabling inspectors to gain the information about the road's resurfacing history without the lengthy process of calling back to the central office for a colleague to filter through the relevant paperwork. A RFID data reader is installed on the back of an inspection vehicle and, when the vehicle passes over the spot in the road where the tag is embedded, is captures the unique ID of the tag and transmits its resurfacing data to a computer server system in the vehicle itself, enabling the inspectors access to live data on the road's history.