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Pavement Management

Pavement Management is a systematic objective approach undertaken to mathematically quantify in terms of Pavement Condition Index (PCI) the relative health or condition of roadway pavements in the entire network, sub-networks, neighborhood level or individual street level. Initially, physical inspections are conducted and ratings are developed based upon predetermined factors and entered the automated Pavement Management System. The system software then recommends specific repair strategies commensurate with levels of observed pavement distress throughout the network. This applies to both the Primary/Arterial and Residential/Rural sub-networks. Repair strategies include: routine maintenance, preventive maintenance, pavement rehabilitation, pavement reconstruction and systematic permanent patching. The unconstrained objective of the software is to elevate the overall PCI value of the entire system.

Pavement Management is often described as a science. The science of Pavement Management prescribes specific repair strategies with specific and commensurate levels of pavement distress. In summary, it applies the optimum repair strategy to the level of distress noted with an overarching objective of elevating the health of the entire network given the budget parameters of any given year. In 2010 all Primary/Arterial and Residential/Rural roadway pavements were inspected and rated. Prior to 2010 the pavements were inspected and rated in 2008.

The output(s) of the Pavement Management System result in the automated system recommending specific repair strategies to achieve the highest Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of the transportation network. Generally speaking, the system attempts to keep good roads in good condition and also targets roads with marginal ratings from falling into lower ratings and consequently into much costlier repair strategies (repairs). In general, DOT has developed a Four Tiered Program to address the outputs of the Pavement Management System.

Four Tiered Residential Resurfacing Program

Tier One - Keep good roads in good condition.
The Pavement Management System identifies roads that are excellent candidates for pavement preservation. In an effort to not allow these roads rated as "Good Condition" to slip to fair condition (or worse) and into costlier repair strategies, crack seals and Slurry Seals are recommend to preclude moisture and extend the service life of the pavements..

Tier Two - Restore structural capacity of roads rated as fair and poor.
Resurface, using Hot Mix Asphalt, all roads classified in the network analysis as Fair and Poor condition. Full depth patching and resurfacing using hot mix asphalt restores the structural capacity and provides a 12-15 year lifespan. At the program level, an in-depth investigation and testing determines the optimum restorative approach to restore structural capacity. Typically, full depth patching, followed by profile milling and overlays varying in depth from one-inch to two-inches are provided.

Tier Three - Rehabilitate roads that have reached the end of their service life.
This element of the program includes full-depth "bottom up" reconstruction. Alternatively, based on a detailed analysis and field testing, this approach may include extensive full-depth patching (>35%), deep milling, and new base and wearing courses. Rehabilitation provides for a new pavement expected to last 12-15 years.

Tier Four - Permanent Patching: Rural/Residential Roadways
Based upon current funding trends, many roads requiring reconstruction will not be reached for more than 40-years. This element of the program will enable DOT to provide systematic permanent (long lasting) patching in this residential arena - potentially improving the road Pavement Condition Index (PCI), increasing its rating and lowering the future cost of pavement rehabilitation. More importantly, this program will ensure structural viability of older residential pavements until such time that road rehabilitation occurs.

What is Pavement Condition Index (PCI)?

The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) was developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is based on a visual survey and a subsequent (calculated) numerical rating of the pavement. A numerical value between 0 and 100 defines the condition of any pavement or an entire network with 100 representing an excellent (new) pavement condition. The national standard of 85 is considered "very good" pavement. Typically a PCI rating less than 60 is considered as "fair to poor".

All county maintained pavements are inspected and rated on a biennial basis to develop a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating which numerically describes and identifies their current structural condition. The inspection and resulting rating takes into account the severity and extent of observed pavement distress (cracks, patches, pot holes) as well as considers the average daily traffic (ADT), road classification and pavement type. The type of pavement distress as well as the extent of pavement distress are the key factors in determining the PCI value of the pavement.