Automatic Segmentation of Asphalt Cracks on Highways After Large-Scale and Severe Earthquakes Using Deep Learning-Based Approaches

This study develops a deep learning-based automated system for detecting and segmenting earthquake-induced asphalt cracks, offering a rapid and reliable solution for post-disaster road condition assessments. Unlike traditional manual inspections, which are time-consuming and error-prone, our approach leverages advanced segmentation techniques to ensure accurate, pixel-level classification of various crack types. The main challenge of this study was determining the damage caused to highways by earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.0, which occur approximately once every 200 years. The most crucial step in the automatic detection of these damages is the reliable preparation of a high-accuracy dataset. To achieve this, pixel-based labels were created by experts in the construction field by analyzing each pixel value. Following two major earthquakes, a unique dataset for segmenting roadway deterioration was created through intensive and detailed studies. This study aims to present the performance results of popular deep learning-based segmentation models in an unbiased manner, providing a feasible infrastructure for future real-time applications. The innovative aspect of this research lies in the creation of a unique post-earthquake dataset, collected and labeled from highways affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Turkey (Mw = 7.7 and Mw = 7.6). Deep learning models, including SegNet, Attention SegNet, U-Net, FCN (8s), and DeepLab, were trained and tested on this dataset. Among these, the SegNet model achieved the best performance with an average accuracy of 86.72%, precision of 92.99%, and sensitivity of 78.45%. By demonstrating superior performance metrics compared to existing methods, this study provides a robust framework for future infrastructure monitoring and maintenance strategies, ensuring safer and more resilient transportation networks in disaster-prone regions.