Pavement Condition Index Adjustment for Multi-Level Severity Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face difficulties in accurately comparing and prioritizing infrastructure assets with numerous instances of deterioration factors at multiple levels of severity and frequency, leading to anomalies in Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ratings.
Innovation Solution
A computer apparatus and method that processes multi-level condition data by consolidating frequency_of_occurrence values and adjusting data sets to produce an adjusted index value, ensuring standardized prioritization of infrastructure maintenance by comparing magnitudes of adjusted and actual index values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple severity levels of the same fault type are counted separately in PCI calculation, then the detailed condition assessment is achieved, but anomalies occur in prioritization logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple severity levels of the same fault type into a single consolidated count for PCI calculation. Instead of treating low, medium, and high severity instances separately, the system merges them into one aggregated value that reflects the total impact of that fault type, thereby eliminating prioritization anomalies while preserving condition assessment accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If assets with many deterioration factors are ranked using traditional PCI methods, then comprehensive condition data is utilized, but accurate prioritization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the prioritization approach by changing the parameter from counting individual fault instances to calculating a consolidated PCI value that integrates multiple severity levels. This parameter change enables accurate comparison and ranking of assets with numerous deterioration factors by producing a single standardized metric that reflects overall condition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a complex index with inherent anomalies due to the presence of multiple quality levels of the same indexed characteristic in a single sample. Select embodiments of the present invention provide for adjusting the complex index where at least two or three quality levels of the same characteristic are present in the inspection sample. Various embodiments of the present invention provide an adjustment for a pavement condition index (PCI) established with ranges of severity estimated as low, medium and high for each distress type.