Distress Prediction Models for Rigid Pavements for Texas Pavement Management Information System

Abstract

The development of distress prediction models for nonoverlaid portland cement concrete (rigid) pavements in Texas for the Texas Department of Transportation's pavement management information system is described. The regression models presented quantitatively predict distress level versus pavement age and are based on pavement condition data maintained by the Center for Transportation Research at The University of Texas at Austin. Models are available for the following distress types in continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP): punchouts, portland cement concrete patches, asphalt patches, serviceability loss as measured by loss of ride score, transverse crack spacing, and crack spalling. Preliminary models are available for the following distresses in jointed concrete pavement and jointed reinforced concrete pavement: patches, corner breaks, faulted joints and cracks, spalled joints and cracks, transverse crack spacing, and slabs with longitudinal cracks. A sigmoidal regression equation was used for all distress types. Modifying factors to CRCP models, which are intended to capture the effects of structural, environmental, and traffic loading variables, are included. The models for CRCP represent a significant improvement from preliminary estimates made in 1993. The improvements to the models were made possible primarily by data collection efforts undertaken in the summer of 1994.