Developing a Five-year Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R) Plan for HMA and Concrete Pavement Networks

Abstract

In the face of increased demand and exposure to environmental effects, the condition of road pavements continues to decline while resources for their preservation remain limited. Thus, the task of managing pavements has to be done systematically and objectively. This paper outlines the steps involved in developing a multi-year pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R) plan. These include: (1) condition assessment; (2) network inventory and database development; (3) identification of pavement sections requiring M&R; (3) needs analysis; and (4) impact analysis. As a case study, the project was performed on the road network inside the Texas A&M University campus that consists of 13.95 miles of roadway, 80% and 20% of which are concrete and HMA pavements respectively. Condition assessment was done according to ASTM D 6433-07 and using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) as indicator of pavement performance. Data collected were then entered into a database which also contains information on traffic and roadway characteristics. PCI threshold values were established to identify sections that are in need of M&R and the most cost- effective treatment based on long-term performance benefit and life-cycle cost was proposed for each project. Candidate projects were then prioritized by ranking based on benefit-cost analysis. The needs estimate provides meaningful information on the total amount of budget required to correct all deficiencies in the network. Finally, the impact analysis is used to determine the impact of a reduced budget on network condition as well as the amount of backlog that needs to be addressed.