Optimal Timing for Pavement Maintenance Based on the Relationship between Pre- and Post-Treatment Performance Models

摘要

The presented study investigated the performance of 168 pavement maintenance projects in the long term pavement performance (LTPP) database. The relationship between the pre-treatment and post-treatment performance models were analyzed. It is found that the deterioration rate and performance level of old pavement sections are statistically significant factors determining the new deterioration rate and performance level after maintenance treatments. Pavement maintenance treatments deteriorate faster when they are applied on pavement sections with higher deterioration rate or lower performance level. Then the "benefit" area of maintenance treatments were calculated for different combinations of deterioration rate and performance level of old pavements. Analysis results indicate that if the deterioration rate of old pavement is higher than 0.06 m/km/year, maintenance treatments should be applied as early as possible. If the deterioration rate of old pavement is lower than 0.06 m/km/year, the benefit is maximized when the roughness level is between 2.0 and 2.9 m/km. Findings from this study can be used as a guide to help determine optimal pavement maintenance time.