University of Auckland research is looking at the variable performance of low volume roads consisting of thin flexible pavements, under what appear to be similar traffic and environmental conditions. Managing road assets relies on the predicted performance of pavements and typical routine maintenance, along with the periodic maintenance costs associated with the life- cycle of pavements. However, there is an 'unknown' risk of failure associated with any pavement due to the variability in design, materials, traffic loading and environmental conditions. This variation can result in unexpected and sudden pavement failures, which presents elements of uncertainty to asset managers and complicates the planning of maintenance. To address this, research is being carried out to develop a risk model that will assist road agencies in better managing their pavement assets. A comprehensive understanding of the causes of unexpected and sudden failures is fundamental to the development of the model.
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