Project Overview
GeoSolve sought to enhance their pavement testing capabilities by acquiring a portable structural testing device. After evaluating existing market options for over a decade, they partnered with MeasureRoad to implement the MEASURE Deflectometer. The goal was to move away from rigid, vehicle-dependent systems and long data-processing lead times toward a more flexible, integrated operational model.
1. Technical & Operational Challenges
For several years, GeoSolve faced significant barriers to entry in the structural testing market:
- System Integration Constraints: Available technologies were largely tied to the purchase of entire, specialized vehicles. GeoSolve required a standalone device that could be integrated into their own existing fleet and style of operation.
- Data Processing Latency: With previous suppliers, the turnaround time from field testing to the delivery of processed results often spanned several months, creating a significant lag in project timelines.
- Reliability and Support: Existing equipment in the region had shown issues with reliability and data accuracy. Furthermore, a lack of direct technical support from suppliers made troubleshooting and system optimization difficult.
2. The Solution: The MEASURE Deflectometer
GeoSolve selected the MEASURE Deflectometer, the world’s first self-contained deflectometer system. The implementation focused on technical transparency and direct engineering collaboration.
Key Technical Aspects:
- Portability and Integration: The system was provided as a self-contained unit, allowing GeoSolve to mount and operate the device within their preferred vehicle configuration.
- Doppler Technology: The system utilizes Doppler laser technology to ensure high-accuracy data collection at normal traffic speeds, addressing the reliability issues identified in earlier equipment generations.
- Direct Technical Access: During the commissioning phase, GeoSolve held weekly technical meetings with the system developers, Lasse Høi and Kåre Sloth Jensen. This direct access to the engineers who built the system was critical for a smooth setup and mastering the data interpretation.
3. Outcomes
Since the implementation of the MEASURE system, GeoSolve has realized several objective improvements in their data delivery and operational efficiency:
- Reduced Lead Times: The time from field testing to data availability has been reduced significantly. Raw data is now available on the same day as testing, with fully interpreted results typically finalized within 24 to 48 hours. This took months in the past!
- Continuous Traffic Flow: The system operates at normal traffic speeds. This allows GeoSolve to collect structural data without the need for lane closures or traffic control, improving safety and allowing for rapid mobilization across multiple sites.
- Data Accuracy: Comparative testing showed that the MEASURE system provided better accuracy and higher reliability than the equipment previously used in the region.
- Technical Responsiveness: The ability to communicate directly with the manufacturer’s technical team has ensured that technical queries are resolved quickly, reducing downtime.
Conclusion
By adopting the MEASURE Deflectometer, GeoSolve has transitioned to a more responsive and technically superior structural testing model. The move to a self-contained system has provided the operational flexibility required for the New Zealand market, backed by a significant reduction in data processing time and a closer relationship with the technical developers.
“The reason we bought it was because it took many months from testing to deliverables [with the competitor]. Here we have the data same day… and we’ve interpreted it by the next day.” — Graham, GeoSolve