Characterization of cracking in pavement distress using image processing techniques and k-Nearest neighbour

This study presents characterization of cracking in pavement distress using image processing techniques and k -nearest neighbour (kNN) classifier. The proposed semi-automated detection system for characterization on pavement distress anticipated to minimize the human supervision from traditional surveys and reduces cost of maintenance of pavement distress. The system consists of 4 stages which are image acquisition, image processing, feature extraction and classification. Firstly, a tool for image acquisition, consisting of digital camera, camera holder and tripod, is developed to capture images of pavement distress. Secondly, image processing techniques such as image thresholding, median filter, image erosion and image filling are applied. Thirdly, two features that represent the length of pavement cracking in x and y coordinate system namely delta_x and delta_y are computed. Finally, the computed features is fed to a kNN classifier to build its committee and further used to classify the pavement cracking into two types; transverse and longitudinal cracking. The performance of kNN classifier in classifying the type of pavement cracking is also compared with a modified version of kNN called fuzzy kNN classifier. Based on the results from images analysis, the semi-automated image processing system is able to consistently characterize the crack pattern with accuracy up to 90%. The comparison of analysed data with field data shows good agreement in the pavement distress characterization. Thus the encouraging results of semi-automated image analysis system will be useful for developing a more efficient road maintenance process.

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