Managing and Predicting the Condition of Paved Road Network in Finland: Essential Technical Information

Anne Hämäläinen; Kalle Vaismaa; Pauli Kolisoja

doi:10.7250/bjrbe.2025-20.658

Managing and Predicting the Condition of Paved Road Network in Finland: Essential Technical Information

Authors

Anne Hämäläinen Department of Built Environment and Bioeconomy, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5562-7636
Dr. Kalle Vaismaa Research Centre Terra, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4709-2876
Dr. Pauli Kolisoja Research Centre Terra, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7709-180X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7250/bjrbe.2025-20.658

Keywords:

predicting road condition, road condition, road functional condition, road structural condition, road condition management, pavement condition monitoring

Abstract

The condition of roads is recognised as a critical foundation for economic prosperity and, therefore, requires continuous maintenance. Effective management of roads necessitates a clear understanding of the road network’s condition. This study aims to identify the technical condition information currently utilised, needed, and missing within the context of paved roads in Finland. The study is qualitative, with data consisting of fifteen semi-structured interviews: road authorities (7), maintenance specialists in road condition analysis (6), and contractors (2). Based on the results, recommendations were given for monitoring the road network. For monitoring functional conditions, a new method for detecting defects must be introduced, with other measurable parameters being better managed. For monitoring structural conditions, it is recommended to start regular deflection measurements and define the condition criteria. Additionally, more up-to-date information is needed on the condition of drainage structures. With the help of these findings and recommendations, it is possible to enhance the monitoring, management, and optimization of the road network’s condition in a more data-driven manner.

Supporting Agencies

Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency

References

Abaza, O. A., Arafat, M., and Uddin, M. S. (2021). Physical and economic impact of studded tyre use on pavement structures in cold climates. Transportation Safety and Environment, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/tse/tdab022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/tse/tdab022

Adlinge, S. S., and Gupta, A. K. (2013). Pavement deterioration and its causes. IOSR Journal of Mechanical & Civil Engineering, 9–15. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jmce/papers/sicete(civil)-volume6/60.pdf

Barbieri, D. M., and Lou, B. (2024). Instrumentation and testing for road condition monitoring – A state of the art review. NDT & E International, 146, Article 103161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ndteint.2024.103161 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ndteint.2024.103161

Curtis, B., Podborochynski, D., Saarenketo, T., Brent, M., and Colin, P. (2010). Ground-penetrating radar evaluation of moisture and frost across typical Saskatchewan Road soils. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2010(1), Article 416190. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/416190 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/416190

Deblois, K., Bilodeau, J-P., and Dore, G. (2010). Use of falling weight deflectometer time history data for the analysis of seasonal variation in pavement response. Canadian Civil Engineering, 37(9), 1224–1331. https://doi.org/10.1139/L10-069 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/L10-069

Dettenborg, T., Hartikainen, A., Koivisto, K., Nykänen, H., and Ylönen, S. (2021). Frost monitoring of the Finnish road network. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 710, 012045. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/710/1/012045

El Hakea, A. H., and Fakhr, M. W. (2023). Recent computer vision applications for pavement distress and condition assessment. Automation in Construction, 146, Article 104664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104664 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104664

Finlex. (2020). Decree on vehicle’s usage on roads, 4.12.1992/1257. http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1992/19921257, (in Finnish).

FTIA. (2021). Päällystettyjen teiden korjauksen toimintalinjat. Väyläviraston ohjeita, 10/2021, (in Finnish).

Granlund, J. (2008). Health issues raised by poorly maintained road networks (Report No.: III), ROADEX. https://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Health-Issues-RIII.pdf

Halle, M., Rukavina, T., and Domitrovic, J. (2012). Influence of temperature on asphalt stiffness modulus. 5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, Istanbul, Turkey. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329209717_INFLUENCE_OF_TEMPERATURE_ON_ASPHALT_STIFFNESS_MODULUS

Hamidi, A., Mirhosseini, A. F., Hoff, I., Mork, H., Bragstad Grannes, K. R., and Aursand, P. O. (2024). Comparative evaluation of falling weight deflectometer, traffic speed deflectometer and rapid pavement tester in deflection measurement. Transportation Research Record, 2679(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981241270159 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981241270159

Harvey, M. (2012). Optimising road maintenance. International Transport Forum Discussion Papers, No 2012/12. OECD Publishing, Paris, 1–51.

Heilala, A., Herronen, T., Herukka, T., Hiekkalahti, A., Kolisoja, P., and Saarenketo, T. (2023). Kuivatuksen kunnossapidon digitaalisen hallinnan kehittäminen: Projektin raportti 2023. Väyläviraston julkaisuja 76/2023, 3-36, (in Finnish).

Henning, T. F. P., Alabaster, D., Arnold, G., and Liu, W. (2014). Relationship between traffic loading and environmental factors and low-volume road deterioration. Transportation Research Record: Journal of Transportation Research Board, 2433(1), 100–107. https://doi.org/10.3141/2433-11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3141/2433-11

Herronen, T., Hiekkalahti, A., Matintupa, A., Saarenketo, T., and Varin, P. (2022). PEHKO-projekti: Vuosi 2022, 1–71.

Horak, E., Hefer, A., Emery, S., and Maina, J. (2015). Flexible road pavement structural condition benchmark methodology incorporating structural condition indices derived from Falling Weight Deflectometer deflection bowls. Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction, 4(1), 1–14. https://www.techrev.org.uk/jcec/4.1/jcec.4.1.1.pdf

Islam, M. A., and Aldaihani, F. M. F. (2022). Justification for adopting qualitative research method, research approaches, sampling strategy, sample size, interview method, saturation, and data analysis. Journal of International Business and Management, 5(1), 1–11. https://rpajournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/JIBM-2021-09-1494.pdf

Jia, X., Woods, M., Gong, H., Zhu, D., Hu, W., and Huang, B., (2021). Evaluation of influence of pavement data on measurement of deflection on asphalt surfaced pavements utilizing traffic speed deflection device. Construction and Building Materials, 270, Article 121842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121842 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121842

Jones, R. H. (1980). Frost heave of roads. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 13, 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.QJEG.1980.013.02.02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.QJEG.1980.013.02.02

Katicha, S., Flintsch, G., & Diefenderfer, B. (2022). Ten years of traffic speed deflectometer research in the United States: A review. Transportation Research Record, 2676(12), 152–165. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981221094579 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981221094579

Levenberg, E., Pettinari, M., Baltzer, S., and Christensen, B.M.L. (2018). Comparing traffic speed deflectometer and falling weight deflectometer data. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2672(40), 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198118768524 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198118768524

Lim, W. M. (2023). Philosophy of science and research paradigm for business research in the transformative age of automation, digitalization, hyperconnectivity, obligations, globalization and sustainability. Journal of Trade Science, 11(2/3), 3–30. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTS-07-2023-0015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JTS-07-2023-0015

Marcelino, P., Antunes, M. L., and Fortunato, E. (2019). Current international practices on pavement condition assessment. In Pavement and Asset Management (1st ed., pp. 359–363). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429264702-43 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429264702-43

Niu, F., Hu, H., Liu, M., Ma, Q., and Su, W. (2021). Studies for frost heave characteristics and the prevention of the high-speed railway roadbed in the Zoige Wetland, China. Frontiers in Earth Science, 9, Article 678655. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.678655 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.678655

Peraka, N.S.P., and Biligiri, K.P. (2020). Pavement asset management systems and technologies: A review. Automation in Construction, 119, Article 103336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103336 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103336

Qu, S. Q., and Dumay, J. (2011). The qualitative research interview. Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, 8(3), 238–264. https://doi.org/10.1108/11766091111162070 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/11766091111162070

Ranyal, E., Sadhu, A., and Jain, K. (2022). Road condition monitoring using smart sensing and artificial intelligence: A review. Sensors, 22(8), Article 3044. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22083044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s22083044

Saarenketo, T. and Männistö, V. (2021). From reactive to proactive maintenance in road asset management. 18th IRF World Meeting & Exhibition, 963–974. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79801-7_67 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79801-7_67

Shtayat, A., Moridpur, S., Berthold, B., Avinash, S., and Divyajeetsinh, R. (2020). A review of monitoring systems of pavement condition in paved and unpaved roads. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 7(5), 629–638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtte.2020.03.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtte.2020.03.004

Simonsen, E., and Isacsson, U. (1999). Thaw weakening of pavement structure in cold regions. Cold Regions Science and Technology 29(2), 135–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-232X(99)00020-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-232X(99)00020-8

Thiessen, P., Collins, J., Buckland, T., and Abbell, R. (2017). Valuing the wider benefits of road maintenance funding. Transportation Research Procedia, 26, 156–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2017.07.016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2017.07.016

Traficom. (2023). Maantieverkon kunto. https://tieto.traficom.fi/fi/tilastot/maantieverkon-kunto, (in Finnish).

TRB. (2019). Workshop on the use of traffic speed deflection device data in network- and project-level pavement decisions (Transportation Research Circular Number E-C254). https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec254.pdf

Virtala, P., Alanaatu, P., and Eskola. T. (2016). Tien epätasaisuustunnusluvun kehittäminen. Liikenneviraston tutkimuksia ja selvityksiä 46/2016, 1-104, (in Finnish).

Zhang, M., Jia, X., Fu, G., Polaczyk, P. A., Ma, Y., and Xiao, R. (2023). Traffic speed deflectometer for network-level pavement management in Tennessee. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2678(6), 458–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981231197665 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981231197665

World Road Association. (2014). The importance of road maintenance, 1–38. https://nc-piarc.si/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Importance_of_road_maintenance_2014-4.pdf