Technology

RDM’s pavement management and maintenance development links directly to the structural and functional evaluation and design. RDM owns and operates three heavy falling weight deflectometers (HWD) , ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, a core rig and GIS locational tools to define every test location during a pavement evaluation. We have performed numerous projects at airports throughout the U.S. and internationally. Our strong understanding of pavements has led to numerous requests to provide forensic investigations to determine the cause of premature pavement failures and provide appropriate solutions to mitigate future issues.

RDM International stays on top of changing and emerging trends with all of our services. We look for ways to work “smarter” and better for our clients by leveraging technology for providing better products. While the latest changes are occurring on a daily basis, RDM stays on the leading edge and avoids the bleeding edge when implementing new tools, devices or software. We test everything to insure our product meets the needs of our clients without increasing confusion or cost.

RDM looks for ways to “stack” our information for a more complete picture to our clients. An example of this stacking is use of pavement “heat maps”. By converging pavement distress data with pavement strength data, repairs alternatives and solutions become clear. Our use of GPS and hand-held tablets to accurately collect information has reduced our time in the field while improving accuracy.

From the days of paper maps and tapes measures to GPS enabled data collection with digital photos – RDM has grown with the technology over the past three decades.

RDM utilizes Panasonic ToughPADs for our pavement inspection services. These devices allow each of our highly trained inspectors to carry maps and geo-referenced background photos for a high level of accuracy. These ToughPADS include a built-in camera for crews to take geo-referenced photos of each sample and representative distresses. This is far more efficient than trying to recall which photo captured a particular sample.

When even more detail is required, our team used Trimble Handheld data collectors for mapping pavement distresses or changes in pavement geometry. This allows our crews to quantify pavement issues without having to spend excessive time measuring pavements.

All of RDM’s data collection is performed with GPS enabled devices. No matter if it’s our hand-held tablets, Nondestructive Test points or distress photographs – everything is GPS referenced so that accurate locations are established for all key components of our field work. This allows our engineers to load the field data into our GIS database for ease of review and analysis.

RDM International has a DJI Phantom 4 Pro Drone to provide our clients with a unique aerial perspective for worksites, construction progress and site surveys to capture information quickly and accurately.  It can be difficult to capture meaningful progress photos of large scale construction sites such as runways, taxiways and aircraft ramps.  Our UAS can cover acres of construction in just minutes to provide a reliable record of the project status. Our FAA Part 107 licensed pilot is also an Instrument-rated commercial airplane pilot who understands how flight operations can affect work areas.  Safety is always first with our aerial operations.  Ask how our Aerial services can provide records or surveys quickly and safely.

RDM provides the right tool for the right job. Our equipment inventory has been carefully selected to provide a high level of service and meet the needs of our clients. All items are regularly calibrated and maintained to assure accuracy. Some of our tools include:

Two Heavy Weight Falling Deflectometers (HWD) for Nondestructive Testing
A heavy-duty pavement core rig for extracting samples to determine pavement composition
A friction tester, use to see if rubber removal or other pavement surface repairs are needed to optimum service
An Adhesion Tester to provide a numerical value of material pull strength.
An Ultrasonic Imager for visualizing in-place concrete in real-time and determining the quality of the placement as well as the location of reinforcement bars or mesh.

Keeping construction projects on time and on budget can be difficult – or least knowing the status on a regular basis. RDM has worked to improve progress reporting by implementing use of the Raken Daily Recording Construction Application. This application puts daily information on a central server so that reports, delivery tickets and photos can be reviewed on a regular basis. Any issues or problems are immediately documented and can shared with the whole team for quick analysis and resolution.

RDM Inspectors have used Oracle Primavera Contract Management and P6 on past projects to track communications, schedule budgets and checklist items such as punch lists and submittal logs. The biggest benefit of this suite of tools is the ability to customize the reporting – extracting only the data that is immediately needed, while tracking all elements of the overall project including RFI’s, non-compliance notices and daily reports.

Microsoft Project is probably the most common program for creating, tracking and adjusting resource loaded schedules. It is used by contractors, consultants and owners as a common platform that can be easily shared and updated. RDM has used Project on many different projects, and uses it internally for tracking our staff and resources.

To keep all of this technology working and interacting with the whole team, RDM’s inspector’s are provided with Microsoft Surface tablets with cellular connections. This assures that update can be made on timely basis and communications are missed or delayed while waiting to return from the field. These tablets and Smart Phone connectivity make sure that you can always reach your RDM Representative.