August 2022 No.95
Japanese Infrastructure Newsletter

IDI

QUARTERLY
Infrastructure

Development Institute—JAPANCONTENTS
Introduction of Low Cost Road Survey Technologies: Three Free Smartphone Applications forRoad Asset Management

Infrastructure Development Institute – Japan (IDI)
Plaza Edogawa-bashi 3F. 1-23-6, Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0014, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5227-4107 Fax: +81-3-5227-4109 E-Mail: idi17@idi.or.jp Website: http://www.idi.or.jp/en/2

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

Introduction of Low Cost Road Survey Technologies
Three Free Smartphone Applications for Road Asset Management
1. Introduction
We, TOA Road Corporation, are one of theleading road construction and material
manufacturing companies who have started
bituminous emulsion manufacturing as apioneer in 1930. We have embarked on Road
Construction
andBituminous
material
manufacturing such as PMB, Modified
Emulsion and others, Road Survey and Design,
Sports Field Design and Construction
throughout Japan.
Moreover, we have been providing
governmentorganizations
andprivate
construction companies long-term assistance onroad survey, designing, material supply andconstruction in Japan. We recently started newchallenges consisting of Solar Power Pavement
technology, PPP / PFI and Oversea Business.
Oversea Business consists of cooperating withJICA Projects, Technical Cooperation andEducational Programs.
Through our cooperation within the JICA
Educational Program, we have become aware ofroad maintenance circumstances and issues inthe Least Developed Countries (LDC). In
principle, as roads are essential social
infrastructure for economic growth, Road
Maintenance and Survey works should besustainable in order to manage Road Assets
properly. However, in LDC, existing Road
maintenance budgets and road survey budgets
for planning road maintenance can beinsufficient.
On the other hand, LDC continued theirdevelopment through international investment
projects and the length of Road asset to beperiodically managed and maintained, becamelonger.
Therefore, we introduce three smartphone
applications with a high quality, low-cost andeasily useable road survey method for roadasset management targeted towards a wide
range of users (Refer to Figure-1)

Figure-1. Road Survey Technologies<Introduced Smartphone Applications>(1) Bump Recorder
Simple Road Survey Application(2) Pothole Measure
Repair Quantity Calculator Application(3) Pavement Inspection
Site Inspection GPS Mapping Application
2. Outline
Road Survey Method is classified as aspecial survey method using a vehicle, a simple
survey method, and/or an use of an AI camera(Refer to Figure-2).
However, Road survey method is selected
depending on the budget, the number ofequipment / tools, and any other factors in LDC.
As a result, the scope of road survey is limited,and survey data are insufficient for roadmaintenance planning.

2

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

Figure-2. Road Survey Method Classification
Road survey should progress from filtering
survey to detailed survey step by step.
Filtering survey is important for theinitial budget assessment and should widely
cover survey areas in each country. Therefore,
filtering survey tools require simplicity andutility for the surveyors, being low-cost and, notrequiring any special tools in LDC.
From this background, our low-cost roadsurvey concept is as below:
STEP 1: Filtering survey using “BumpRecorder”
STEP 2: Performing a Basic Research Survey
using the following three applications:“BumpRecorder”, using a smartphone with acamera, “Pothole Measure”, and “Pavement
Inspection”
Detailed Research is applied by an
Excavation
surveyfor
detailedroad
maintenance design. However, our proposed
survey method can be applied by a smartphone,excluding Excavation Survey works.
Details of these road survey applications
are as follows.

(1) BumpRecorder App.／Web(App. is Free for Android)

BumpRecorder application can be used for
Simple Road Survey. Survey indexes include IRI(International roughness index), Flatness, MCI,
Bump, PCR, Crack, Speed and LT value for theTrain Upset Measurement.
Additionally, the smartphone camera canbe used for a Basic Survey practically without
any additional cost, and an AI camera can be
combined as required in the future.
(2) Pothole Measurement (Free App.)
Pothole Measure application is for
Supporting Road Survey works and canquantify repair material. Measured Records canbe output as PDF and CSV files.
This application can be applied to not only
potholes, but also on the cracks of pavements.
(3) Pavement Inspection (Free App.)
Pavement Inspection application is for
Supporting Road Survey works on-site andinspection results can be mapped on a GPS Map.
Mappable Contents are Cracking, Rutting
and Longitudinal Unevenness.

3

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan
3. Detailed Description
3-1. BumpRecorder Application
3-1-1. Features (inc. Scope of Application)
This application can survey road surface
characteristics, and easily visualize andquantify measured data, improving theefficiency of survey works with necessary but
limited manpower. It is possible for anyone toeasily measure road surface characteristics
regardless of the use of special survey vehicles.
The Measuring Accuracy is Class-2 (Othersmartphone applications are Class-3 on CSIR)
by means of Automatic Calibration function.
Therefore, BumpRecorder road survey canbe conducted by any local vehicle and anyone
using a smartphone. As a result, this survey
method can be applied in many islands andheavy rural areas as well as urban areas
effectively.
After the survey, measured data can beeasily uploaded and visualized on the WEB site.
Survey processes does not cause humanerror by setting initial geographical information
because survey results at every survey section
willbe segregated automatically andinvariantly on GPS map for every survey on thebasis of the World Grid Square Method.
3-1-2. How to USE
BumpRecorderapplication
canbedownloaded from Google Play for free.
(1) After opening the application, thesmartphone must be set in the vehicle tocheck for satellite supplement (necessary toreceive 5 satellite signals for survey).
(2) After receiving satellite signals and tapping“REC”, BumpRecorder will start the survey.
(3) By tapping “REC” again, the survey can bestopped and the data will be saved.
(4) Saved data can be displayed on the data listand be checked on the survey route map.
(5) Approximately 10 minutes later after
uploading the data, BumpRecorder WEB
Site will display survey results.

English Available!!

Application Download

Data List

Save Data

Route CheckSurvey

Satellite Supplement
Signal Confirmation

Visualized Survey Data

Figure-3. How to use BumpRecorder4

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan
3-1-3. Anticipated Results
Furthermore, BumpRecorder can countA sample of BumpRecorder survey results
the height and number of bumps, also recording
in Myanmar is shown in Figure-3. Viewing thetraffic speed. Traffic speed data can be viewed
visualized survey data will be free, however, afor planning smooth transport.
cloud server fee will be incurred for managing
Additionally, prioritization of access roads
the data base, analyzing data confidentiality
from rural to urban areas can be recognized,
BumpRecorder Filtering Method (using IRI Data Analysis)
and/or downloading Survey valued
data.
and defective points can be extracted by thedata analysis referring to IRI and Traffic Speed(Refer to Figure-5 and 6).
IRI (International Roughness Index) Sample View @ Yangon, Myanmar

Number of Sample

Graph

＠100m

BumpRecorder Filtering Method (using IRI Data Analysis)If excluding Road Crossing Part,IRI Average is 4 to 4.5（= “Consider” Level）

Mainly IRI 6 over @Road Crossing

IRI (International Roughness Index) Sample View @ Yangon, Myanmar
RoadCrossing

50m
Replace

Graph

150m
Repairing
Replace

150m

100m
Replace

Determine repair plan by combining survey result, futureplan, budget, continuity and life cycle
TOA Road Corporation

Number of Sample

Page.14■ IRI 2mm / m or less
■ IRI 2-4mm / m■ IRI 4-6mm / m■ IRI 6-8mm / m or more
■ IRI 8mm / m over(in 20m increments)

Road
Crossing

RoadCrossing

200m

＠100m

If excluding Road Crossing Part,IRI Average is 4 to 4.5（= “Consider” Level）
RoadCrossing

50m
Replace

Mainly IRI 6 over @Road Crossing
RoadCrossing

RoadCrossing

200m

150m
Repairing
Replace

150m

100m
Replace

Figure-3. BumpRecorder Surveyed IRI Data
and Data Analysis in Myanmar

Page.14

Determine repair plan by combining survey result, futureplan, budget, continuity and life cycle
TOA Road Corporation

IRI data surveyed by BumpRecorder areevaluated by IRI value specified bygovernment road authorities in each country.
This data analysis can support maintenanceplanning to judge partial repairing or fullpavement width re-laying, and to estimate thebudget of road maintenance.
In case there is no criterion forevaluating IRI value, the maintenance planshould be determined depending on the typeof pavement, prioritization, allocated budget
and any other conditions in each country(Refer to Figure-4).

Figure-4. IRI Data Evaluation

Figure-5. Use of Traffic Speed Data forTransport and Construction PlanningFigure-6. Recognition of Road Prioritizationfrom Traffic Speed Data
These BumpRecorder survey results can beused for the prioritization of road maintenance,
consideration of budget assessment, as well as
filtering and sectionalizing (extracting detailed
survey section).
Filtering of survey results is very importantfor supporting work with limited manpower(engineers), reduction of survey costs, properroad maintenance planning, improvement ofwork performance, and the consideration for theeffect of pavement life cycle cost (LCC) on Road
Asset Management.
5Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan
3-2. Pothole Measurement Application
3-2-1. Features (inc. Scope of Application)
Pothole Measurement Application is forcalculating the quantity of Pavement Repairing
Materials which can quantify the amount ofasphalt concrete mixture and tack coat to be
applied to both potholes and patching locations.
This application will be useful to support
both site surveyors and chief engineers with its
function to automatically prepare a reportdisplaying photos and GPS Information.

Tap “Photo”

3-2-2. How to USE
Photo-1 displays how to use the Pothole
Measurement application. The Procedure isvery simple.
(1) Firstly, tap the “Photo” button on theinterface of the application.
(2) Secondly, take a photo of the repair area,
paint it with your finger, and tap the “NEXT”
button.
(3) Thirdly, input the height and estimatedthickness of the repair part on yoursmartphone (camera) and tap the “calculate”
button.
(4) Lastly, the measured results can be saved
and be output for report preparation.
In case of larger Repair areas, where they arelarger than the camera’s focus range, calculated
data of a sample unit will be multiplied by anumber such as shown in Photo-2.

Input Height & Thickness
and tap “Calculate”

How to USE of Pothole Measure (Repair Quantity Measurement) Application

In case of Big POTHOL

Scale Setting and Typical Loc
Scale
SurveySetting andTypical Location
SurveyDATE, TIME and Number ofshould be recorded when you
Quantity

After
Survey, Quantity will m
Date,
Timewithlocationandnumber.
Number of multiple
Asphalt Mixture
should24.84
bekg/loc.
recorded* 5 loc. = 124.
whenTackyou
survey.
Coat
0.42 L/loc. * 5 loc. = 2.1L①②Ex) Asphalt Mixture
24.84 kg/loc. * 5 loc. = 124.20kg
0.42 L/loc. * 5 loc. = 2.1LCalculateResults

Photo-1. How to use Pothole Measurement

3-2-3. Anticipated Results
Through “JICA Road Asset Management
KCCP”, issues such as Insufficient number ofengineers, Long road survey distance (2,000km/ rainy season) and Difference in survey results
due to engineer’s experience were reported.
Pothole Measurement application cansolve or mitigate such issues.

Tack Coat

Save data

Paint Repair Area

Take photo③④⑤AfterSurvey,In caseof Too Many Pot
Quantity
will beQuantity
Approximatelymultipliedby easy
can be estimatedlocation
number.
by the same as this meth

Note: In case of Too Many Potholes, Approximate Quantity can be
TOA Road Co
also estimated easily by same procedure as this method.

Page.26

Photo-2. How to use for Large Repairing Area6

3-3. Pavement Inspection Application
3-3-1. Features (inc. Scope of Application)
Pavement Inspection is a GPS mapping
application which can perform inspection onsite and visualize survey results on a GPS Map.
Contents of Inspection include Cracking,Rutting and Longitudinal Evenness.
However, for Longitudinal evenness, theaforementioned BumpRecorder IRI data can beused for the evaluation of road conditions onbehalf.
Inspection Results can be recorded by ascreenshot and locational details can be checkedby enlarging them on GPS Map.
3-3-2. How to USE
Photo-3 displays how to use Pavement
Inspection. The procedure is very simple.
(1) Firstly, tap the “Carry out Inspection”
button on the interface of the application.
(2) Secondly, select the inspection item and tap
the “Start inspection” button.
(3) Thirdly, results during inspection will berecorded automatically and continuously.
Inspection and evaluation can be finished bywalking at the same time.
(4) Fourthly, stop the inspection by tapping the“end” button and save data.
(5) Lastly, inspection results can be checked on
Data records.

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan3-3-3. Anticipated Results
Evaluation during site inspection should
be determined by the judgement of theclassification depending on road class,pavement type, budget, prioritization, or any
other conditions in each country same as IRI
data evaluation.
An evaluation example is shown in Photo4 for reference. The observation (monitoring) of
damaged pavement on-site is indispensable.
This inspection is not a formal method in
accordance with the evaluation classification,requiring a detailed check on whether thecracked area, appearing to have a whitenedsurface, is caused by the fine material of basecourse or not.
Before using Pavement Inspection, thePavement evaluation method should be
lectured to engineers and individuals in chargeof road survey.
Good (Cracking Ratio under 20%)

Good (Rutting Depth under 20mm)

Fair (Cracking Ratio 20%～40%)

Fair (Rutting Depth 20～40mm)

Bad (Cracking Ratio 40% over)Bad (Rutting Depth 40mm over)Whitening Phenomenon by the Traffic
Vehicle Tire Pumping action

NOYES

Is Fine Material of Base Course appeared on pavement surface?

Tap “Carry outInspection”
buttonSelectInspection Item

Walking andInspection

Photo-4 Pavement Evaluation

Saved Data on list

Check GPS
Mapping

Photo-3 How to use Pavement Inspection
7

4. Record of implementation
BumpRecorder has been utulized through
JICA projects such as the “Formulation of theNational Transport Master Plan in theRepublic Cuba (2018-2020)”, and “JICA
Technical Cooperation Project in Myanmar(2019-2022)”. We have been assigned assurveyors by several munincipal governments
for road asset management in Japan
continuously and have been utulizing roadsurvey for our private company’s road researchin Myanmar and Rwanda (2018-2022). (Referto Photo-5)
Pothole Measurement and Pavement
Inspection were the only domestic smartphone
applications until year 2021, but these two
applications were modified to have an English
version, which started to be shared freeworldwide as one of the TOA Road
Corporation’s SDGs activities to support roadsurvey in LDC (Since Apr.2022).

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan
5. Conclusion
The road maintenance work and planningrequires data of IRI, Cracking, Rutting, Repair
Quantity Calculation, Photo, Site Visual
Inspection and Excavation survey for checking
the bearing capacity and existing pavement
structure.
Our proposed low-cost road survey
methods can carry out the required road survey
by a smartphone only, excluding excavation
survey. These applications are free and can beused not only in urban areas, but are also mosteffective in Rural area and Islands where people
suffer from insufficient budget for road survey.
In conclusion, we would like to express
our deepest gratitude for giving us thisopportunity, and we hope that the low-costroad survey method using smartphone
applications introduced here can support roadsurvey works and maintenance planning forroad asset management in your country.

ABB■ IRI 2mm / m or less
■ IRI 2-4mm / m■ IRI 4-6mm / m■ IRI 6-8mm / m or more
■ IRI 8mm / m over(in 20m increments)[Contact Information]
TOA Road Corporation
Construction Business Department
International Business Promotion Division
Section ManagerKenji MURAKAMIEMAIL: kenji_murakami@toadoro.co.jp
TEL: +81(0)-3-3405-1813
HP: https://www.toadoro.co.jp/en/

Photo-5. BumpRecorder Survey in Rwanda

Technical Cooperation by BumpRecorder Co., Ltd.

A

Application from

BumpRecorder Simple Road
Survey Application

Pothole Measure Repair Quantity
Calculator Application

Site Inspection GPS Mapping
Application
8

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

About IDI and IDI-quarterly
Infrastructure Development Institute-Japan (IDI) is a general incorporated
association operating under the guidance of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism of Japanese Government.
IDI provides consulting services to facilitate international assistance to developing
countries, to promote international exchange of information and human resources,
and to support globalization of project implementation systems targeting bothdeveloped and developing countries in the field of infrastructure.
IDI has been publishing a free quarterly journal called “IDI Quarterly” since1996 tointroduce information related to public works and construction technologies
developed in Japan, to foreign countries. We have distributed the journal toadministration officials in more than 90 countries around the world via e-mail.
It will be highly appreciated if you could send us your opinions, impressions, etc.
regarding the articles.
We also welcome your specific requests regrading technologies you would like tosee on following Quarterly issues.

9