ZEB + Ground-Penetrating Radar Combined: 36,000 Data Points per Meter, AI Detection of Anomalies in Road Structure
ZEBRA – Integrated ZEB and Ground-Penetrating Radar Data Acquisition (mFUND Research Project)
Sector: Pavement Management
To date, two separate methods have been available for assessing road infrastructure: Condition Assessment and Evaluation (ZEB) provides detailed information on the visible surface condition of the roadway, while ground-penetrating radar methods analyze the structure of the road pavement beneath the surface. Both methods have been used independently of one another thus far and sometimes require time-consuming manual analysis. The goal of the ZEBRA research project is therefore to combine these data sources and evaluate them automatically using modern digitization and AI methods. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport as part of the mFUND innovation initiative.
In the ZEBRA project, the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Gesellschaft für Geowissenschaftliche Dienste mbH, and HELLER Ingenieurgesellschaft are developing a new method for the combined assessment of road surface condition and pavement structure. To this end, high-resolution ZEB data—including route and surface images as well as flatness measurements—are merged with ground-penetrating radar data on the pavement structure. The goal is to collect the necessary information in the future with just a single drive-by survey and then automatically evaluate it using artificial intelligence methods. In addition to measurement technology, new approaches to data management, data integration, and analysis methods are also being developed.
ZEBRA offers an innovative approach to a comprehensive, digitally supported assessment of road infrastructure. The combination of ZEB data, ground-penetrating radar, and AI-based analysis enables, for the first time, an integrated assessment of the condition of the road surface and the underlying layers. This allows damage, structural weaknesses, and potential causes to be identified and assessed much earlier. Following validation using the city of Kaiserslautern as a case study, the method is set to be used in the future for municipal condition assessments and infrastructure management.
"With ZEBRA, we are taking a major step toward truly integrated digital pavement management. By combining traditional pavement condition survey data, ground-penetrating radar, and AI-powered analysis, we unlock entirely new possibilities for assessing road infrastructure. Our goal is not only to identify visible pavement damage, but also to detect its underlying causes within the pavement structure at an early stage—enabling better-informed, data-driven maintenance decisions."
Christian Komma
Managing Partner, HELLER Ingenieurgesellschaft
