Decision Framework for Concrete Pavement Maintenance Based on Falling Weight Deflectometer and International Roughness Index Data

Abstract

A reliable decision model in pavement management systems (PMS) is important to maintain the quality and serviceability of pavement systems in the face of increasing traffic volumes and more severe climate conditions. Even though accurate pavement condition assessment is essential for a decision model, there are limited approaches to practically evaluate the structural condition of concrete slabs and the functional condition of concrete pavements. Thus, this study identified practical methods to estimate the remaining service life (RSL) for pavement condition evaluation and developed a decision framework to recommend more appropriate maintenance strategies for concrete pavements. The stress-to-strength ratio (SSR) derived from falling weight deflectometer (FWD) deflection data was selected to estimate RSL based on the structural capacity of concrete slabs. The international roughness index (IRI) was used to estimate RSL based on functional conditions, and a new IRI prediction model was developed for concrete pavements. These structural and functional condition-based RSLs were integrated into the proposed decision framework to provide a more reliable basis for maintenance decisions. Since the proposed framework requires only FWD and IRI data, the most common non-destructive test data sets, it can be practically incorporated into current PMS practices. Furthermore, the RSL calculation equations can be easily calibrated for local conditions, and SSR and IRI threshold values can be adjusted to meet agency needs. This flexibility allows the proposed framework to be implemented by other agencies or in different countries. Therefore, the proposed decision framework can potentially improve current PMS practices, leading to better quality of concrete pavements.