Developing Pavement Condition Index for Asphalt Roads

Abstract

Pavement maintenance management system is one of the most important aspects of road infrastructure development. Unavailability of pavement condition indication models give a big challenge for the pavement maintenance sector to come up with a decision at a particular surface. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is one of the basic components of the pavement management system. A research study was initiated to develop PCI modeling for asphalt pavements in Sri Lanka. 15 asphalt pavements constituting 65km (both sides) were selected for model simulation and 20 asphalt pavements were selected for validation. Each pavement was separated into 32 meters segments and distresses in pavements were observed and measured. Distress indices were calculated and visual judgment values from engineering professionals were recorded for developing Surface Condition Rating (SCR) index. Finally, all these indices were combined together with Roughness Condition Index to develop a PCI model. Further methodology included the statistical and operational validation of developed SCR and PCI model. Models are validated by using compared mean t-test method for field data and compared with already established performance models in other regions. The proposed index is expected to be a good indicator of pavement condition and performance. The developed PCI can be used to select the maintenance strategy to enhance the pavement management systems of asphalt pavements in Sri Lanka.