Backpropagation Neural Network to estimate pavement performance: Dealing with Measurement Errors

The objective of this study is to apply the Backpropagation Neural (BPN) network with Generalised Delta Rule learning algorithm for reducing the measurement errors of pavement performance modelling. The Multi-Layer Perceptron network and sigmoid activation function are applied to build the BPN network of Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Collector and arterial roads of both flexible and rigid pavements in Montreal City are taken as a case study. The input variables of the PCI are Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESALs), Structural Number (SN), pavement age, slab thickness and difference in the PCI between the current and preceding year (ΔPCI). The BPN networks estimate that the PCI has inverse relationships with AADT, ESALs and pavement age. The PCI has positive relationships with these variables for roads that have recent treatment operations. The PCI has positive relationships with SN and slab thickness that imply the increase in pavement condition with increasing structural strength and slab thickness. The ΔPCI significantly influences the estimation of PCI values. The AADT and ESALs have considerable importance; however, pavement age and structural characteristics of the pavement have an insignificant influence in determining the PCI values, except in the case of flexible arterial roads.