Are New Pavement Condition Indices Necessary for Long-Poor Pavements?

Abstract

In Minnesota, pavements are considered to be in poor condition when the ride quality index (RQI) is less than or equal to 2.0. However, because there are pavement sections that have remained in poor condition for multiple years, it is not clear whether RQI accurately quantifies the “true” condition of certain sections. In this study, sections that had maintained a poor RQI over time were identified in each district and extensive additional information was obtained from interviews with district engineers and planners. The analysis of the additional information showed that most pavement sections that had remained in poor condition for extended periods were not in poor condition. They represent “anomalies” with unique characteristics, and new parameters must be established to quantify the true condition of these sections.