#34 Norfolk, VA Tunnel Thermographic Analysis Featuring Automated Imaging Technology

NEXCO-West USA was awarded a tunnel leak inspection contract by Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) based on its proven experience inspecting civil structures using infrared technology and performing pavement inspections within the same jurisdiction. NEXCO acquired images by traveling approximately 1.2 km inside the tunnel using vehicle-mounted infrared cameras and line cameras, detecting leaks and deformations on the tunnel's concrete surfaces. In addition to the roadway section, pushcart-type equipment was developed to walk and capture images within a neighboring utility corridor housing cables, pipelines, and emergency evacuation passages. As a means of capturing data in the utility corridor, a robot furnished with field-proven embodied AI was used to traverse the length of the corridor passages. This fully autonomous quadrupedal robot was developed by FieldAI, a strategic partner of Kajima Corporation. It was introduced experimentally to test whether fully autonomous movement could improve on-site operational efficiency. The robot proved capable of avoiding numerous obstacles without pre-mapping, recognizing and avoiding openings in the floor, and allowing for the addition of external equipment like cameras. Initial results showed promising potential for reducing long and strenuous labor hours while enhancing the efficiency and stability of imaging results.

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#33 15th National Conference on Transportation Asset Management

NEXCO-West USA, Inc. (NEXCO) participated in the Transportation Asset Management (TAM) Conference in Chicago, IL. We gave two presentations. Building Resilient Highways Through Innovation and Collaboration, How can AI sustain safe, resilient highways in a country facing demographic challenges? This question guided Nexco-West's pilot with Vaisala RoadAI, where patrol vehicles were equipped with cameras to capture real-time data on potholes, cracks, signs, etc. The project demonstrated how AI can complement the expertise of engineers, supporting Japan's shrinking workforce while strengthening maintenance practices. At the 15th TAM Conference, we shared these insights and met peers such as PSI Technologies, whose technical rigor and sustainability focus reflect the values essential to resilient infrastructure. The combination of AI-enabled workforce support and the commitment of experienced, trusted peers to sustainable pavement practices shows how innovation and responsibility can shape safer, smarter and more resilient highways worldwide. Mobile Non-Destructive Testing (NDE) Technology Applications for Bridges and Road Pavements NEXCO presented on the application of mobile non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques for bridges and roadway pavement. The presentation included an introduction of two categories of NDE: direct coupling methods and rapid collection methods. Focusing on the rapid collection methods, NEXCO showed how visual, infrared, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) sensing can be used to quantify deficient findings in concrete and asphalt structures. Two case studies were reviewed: a reinforced concrete bridge deck analysis by vehicular scanning and a mixed material pavement evaluation. The bridge deck involved a daytime, posted speed-limit scan of the deck surface and shallow subsurface using visual and infrared sensors, then a subsequent nighttime scan which captured GPR data by rolling lane closure at 10mph. Findings included quantities of things such as cracks, subsurface delamination, and patches of rebar corrosion. The pavement case study featured a hybrid approach to the inspection of a strip of roadway within the city of Peoria, IL. Teaming with a reality capture partner company, NEXCO help produced a comprehensive condition assessment of the roadway, with findings being reported in a 3D manner both above and below ground. Subsurface layers were mapped, feature of interest were marked with polygons at appropriate depths (surface or subsurface), and the general location and measurements of ancillary structures near the roadway were mapped.

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#32 NEXCO Presents at IBTTA Technology Summit 2025

NEXCO-West USA, Inc. (NEXCO) participated in the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) Maintenance, Engineering & Roadway Operations Workshop held in Detroit, Michigan, USA from July 26th to 29th, 2025. IBTTA is a vibrant, international organization composed of toll road operators and industry stakeholders from around the world. Our president, Masato Matsumoto, participated as a panelist alongside Lowell Choate from Roy Jorgensen and Associates during the workshop. They gave a joint presentation on efficient road maintenance strategies using road surface condition surveys collected by vehicular scanning systems. This PPP project incorporated the design, construction, installation, operation and management, and financing of a roadway entrusted to a private operator through a concession system. It is necessary to monitor the health of the pavement through annual road surface condition inspections and develop appropriate repair plans, and Roy Jorgensen has retained NEXCO to conduct road surface condition inspections any analysis for four consecutive years starting in 2022. The road surface condition inspection involves reporting the status of three types of pavement deficiencies: cracking, rutting, and International Roughness Index (IRI) values. Previously, findings for each matrix was reported individually in comparison with the maintenance performance target values, and Roy Jorgensen responded by repairing any areas that exceeded the target values. Because this maintenance strategy was reactive in nature, it may not necessarily represent the most cost-effective manner. . To introduce opportunities for more to proactive and strategic maintenance plan, NEXCO utilized the metrics combined to provide some idea of data-driven decision making from our toll road operation experiences in Japan. To help understand the visual presentation of the road condition, we proposed to display all findings on a GIS view and determined best repair methods based on the geographical distribution of the findings . Ideally, multiple repair efforts could be bundled into a single lane closure event by accurately determining the nature and extent of findings within target roadway areas. We also proposed that even if certain findings do not exceed the target threshold values, they could be subject to a preventive maintenance if they can be carried out in conjunction with the lane closure opportunity. . This approach introduces efficiencies for preventive maintenance, and serves as a representative example of supporting strategic data-driven decision making.

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