MEMS Application in Pavement Condition Monitoring – Challenges by Nii O. Attoh-Okine* Stephen Mensah # ABSTRACT Although the universal definition of MEMS product possesses a number of distinctive features, they are miniature systems involving one or more micro-mechanical components or structure. Infrastructure assessment has recently addressed an important field for MEMS application. For example, satisfactory laboratory experiment in the area of concrete monitoring has been developed. Although the experiment is at an infant stage, it demonstrates the enormous potential of MEMS application in civil infrastructure systems. This paper proposes to develop a framework for the application of MEMS technology in pavement condition monitoring and evaluation. Some difficulties which may be encountered, especially in asphaltic medium and loading condition of the pavement will be discussed. Keywords: devices, evaluation, microelectromechanical, monitoring, non-destructive, pavement, system 1. INTRODUCTION Pavement condition monitoring and evaluation is important in many areas of pavement engineering, especially in pavement management. The in-service performance of the pavement depends on consistent, cost-effective and accurate monitoring of condition for early scheduling of repair and maintenance. For the past decade, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) testing has played a major role in pavement condition monitoring, assessments and evaluation. The NDE evaluation methods include seismic evaluation such as wave propagation, vibration methods, acoustic and ultrasonic methods, electromagnetic method and electrical resistivity methods. The accuracy and repeatability of the interpretation of these NDE techniques are dependent on the limitations imposed by the operating conditions and material properties. For example, the use of acoustic methods is well established in water but in a dense material, especially concrete pavements, specially developed sensors are required [1]. Researchers from diverse disciplines especially electrical, computer and mechanical engineering, have been drawn into vigorous efforts to develop sensing technologies and nano-technology in infrastructure condition assessment [2], crack detection [3] and building monitoring [4]. Recently, MEMS have been proposed as a tool in infrastructure condition monitoring. Researchers over the years have developed microfabricated sensors for measuring position, acceleration, pressure, force, torque, flow, magnetic field, temperature, gas composition, himidity, and biological gas/liquid molecular concentration [5]. Its miniature size has enabled widespread use in the medical field and the automotive industry. MEMS have had a tremendous impact on our modern society: it has led to creation of jobs; it has a significant leverage factor enabling the production of sensor-based systems exceeding sensor cost by several orders of magnitude; and in some instances have even become critical components that determine the feasibility of new products [6]. While the success of MEMS continues to grow, it appears its use in civil infrastructure monitoring is yet to make any impact. This paper delves into the potential application of MEMS in infrastructure monitoring and some of the