RELATING PAVEMENT DISTRESS TO SERVICEABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

In 1970 an FHWA Workshop defined major problems relating to improved pavements. The number one problem cited was the problem of relating pavement distress to pavement performance in an understandable predictable way. This report examines available data on all types of pavement distress and on several forms of pavement performance to define meaningful relationships. Regression analyses, Markov Processes, Bayesian Analysis, and Utility theory are examined as analytical tools useful in relating distress to performance. Several specific performance models of limited applicability are reported, along with some generally applicable techniques and recommended methods. This study shows that useful relationships can be obtained from existing data and are, in fact, being used in several states and other highway agencies. In each case, however, it is shown that significant improvements in the distress-performance relationships are needed which can only be obtained through the conscientious observation of distress and performance of pavements under a variety of environmental and load conditions for a reasonable period of time. e.g. (approximately ten years) Several suggestions and recommendations for improvement are included in the study. (FHWA)

• Corporate Authors:

  Austin Research Engineers Incorporated

  2600 Dellana Lane
  Austin, TX  United States  78746

  Federal Highway Administration

  Engineering Research and Development Bureau, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hudson, W R
  • Finn, F N
  • Pedigo, R D
  • Roberts, F L
• Publication Date: 1981-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 271 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bayes' theorem; Defects; Markov processes; Pavement distress; Pavement performance; Pavements; Regression analysis; Utility theory
• Old TRIS Terms: Pavement serviceability ratings
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Economics; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00341184
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-80- 98 Final Rpt., FCP 35D1-282
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-9393
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 22 1981 12:00AM