Asset Management Requires Knowledge

Asset Management Requires Knowledge

The Finnish road network is aging. Without precise measured information of the road structure, maintenance decisions are easily based on guesswork, even as maintenance costs increase and repair funds decrease. For a long time, local traditional knowledge about the road network was preserved and acted upon, but it is no longer available.

Surface Damage Reveals Little, but the Root Cause is Discovered by Measuring

The condition of the road surface tells only part of the truth – the real situation is revealed only by surveying what is beyond the surface. The actual problem may be hidden in the structure or the soil. The more you know, the easier road asset management becomes. A common situation is also this: the road was originally built correctly, but its lifespan has simply come to an end. Increased fine material binds moisture and causes frost damage. This is not visible to the eye, but it is revealed by measuring. Many roads have evolved from old cart paths, and their substructure does not take into account the properties of the soil or current traffic volumes. To make repairs proactive, cost-effective, and long-lasting, diverse information about the road structure is needed.

If the Roof Leaks, the House Falls Apart. If Moisture Rises from the Basement, the Floor Gives Way.

The core of road asset management should be one goal: extending the lifecycle. Preventative measures based on load-bearing and structural studies cost less than delayed repairs. Properly planned and targeted repairs and maintenance measures extend the lifespan of roads, but they also have broader benefits such as reduced fuel consumption – uneven roads cause unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Preventative Maintenance is More Cost-Effective and Responsible

The joint PEHKO project of three ELY centers, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, and Roadscanners proved that preventing pavement fatigue can bring significant savings. Annual calculated pavement costs can decrease by over 50% in ten years, which would mean annual savings of 50–100 million euros for Finland.

From Facts to Actions

Road asset management should not be based solely on solutions for the budget period. However, often reactive repairs are made: the surface is repaired, but the reason for the damage is not investigated. Strategic planning based on what is really under the road is needed to support decision-making. When the causes of damage are known and documented, the next generation can act based on knowledge, not guesswork.

A Partner Who Sees Deeper

At Roadscanners, we combine different measurement techniques, analytics, and decades of experience. Our developed technology reveals hidden problems and helps target measures correctly before visible damage even occurs. We help our customers maintain the value of the road network.

Would you like to discuss how we could help your organization manage road assets more sustainably? Contact our experts.