Exploring Remote Sensing and Monitoring Technology for Highway Infrastructure Inspection

The integration of cutting-edge technologies has become prevalent, promoting state departments of transportation (DOTs) to progressively adopt an array of digital tools and advanced technologies to improve their highway construction projects. There is a wide range of remote sensing and monitoring technologies, including light detection and ranging (LIDAR)/3D laser scanning, radio frequency identification (RFID), remote sensors (RS), infrared sensors (IS), and unmanned aerial systems. However, the varying approaches adopted among the state DOTs can lead to unclearness and inconsistency. This study aims at investigating how state DOTs use sensing and monitoring technologies for highway construction inspection during construction and asset management. This study engaged a research methodology that included an extensive literature review and a survey questionnaire of 50 state DOTs. Results show that 28 state DOTs use remote sensing and monitoring technologies to measure material strength and temperature, capture site photos and videos, and measure construction progress. The main challenges to using sensing and monitoring technologies are a lack of training, device maintenance and user support, a lack of reliable internet connection, and cost issues. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the use of sensing and monitoring technologies for highway construction inspection.