Use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the determination of pavement surface condition indices

Road infrastructure plays a fundamental role in the development of nations, both in terms of quality of life and economic growth. In Colombia, pavement management is a crucial aspect of keeping roads in good condition and ensuring their proper functioning. Currently, traditional pavement evaluation methods are expensive and ambiguous, so new technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being implemented to optimize this process. The research presented aims to determine the feasibility of using UAVs to calculate the International Regularity Index (IRI), a key indicator to assess the surface condition of pavements. Through the processing of images captured by the UAVs, detailed information will be extracted from the running surface, which will be analyzed in specialized road management software. This information will make it possible to identify areas with potential damage and predict its evolution over time, facilitating timely decision-making for road maintenance and rehabilitation.The successful implementation of this technology would have a significant impact on pavement management in Colombia, allowing for a more efficient, accurate and economical assessment of the national road network.