Effects of Pavement Age and Traffic on Maintenance Effectiveness

Abstract

An evaluation of the effects of pavement age and traffic loading on routine maintenance effectiveness is presented. A conceptual framework for the evaluation was developed. Change in surface roughness was considered a measure of pavement surface deterioration. The conceptual framework was tested by using data on a selected number of pavement sections from the state highway system in Indiana. Regression models were developed to examine the effects of routine‐maintenance expenditure level, pavement age, and traffic loading on change in surface roughness. Routine maintenance effectiveness for pavements in fair or good condition was found to be higher than that for pavements in very good condition. In addition, the maintenance work involving premix leveling and seal coating was found to provide a relatively higher effectiveness than the work involving joint and crack sealing and patching.