Pavement Warranty Program in Wisconsin: 12-Year Evaluation

摘要

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) first used pavement warranties in 1995. The intent of this study was to compare performance and cost data for WisDOT pavements constructed under warranty and standard contracts to determine the cost-effectiveness of the pavement warranty program. Warranted Type 1 pavements (hot mix asphalt (HMA) constructed over flexible base) performed better than non-warranted pavements, with lower median PDI and IRI values after 12 years in service. No statistical difference was found in performance between Type 3 non-warranted and warranted pavements (HMA constructed over rigid base). These pavements performed at approximately the same level during the first 10 years in service, with relatively equal increases in PDI and IRI over that time. Non-warranted and warranted Type 8 (Portland cement concrete) pavements also performed at approximately equal levels during the analysis period. An analysis of total pavement costs showed that in recent construction seasons, warranted HMA pavements cost less than non-warranted HMA pavements. For PCC pavements, the cost analysis did not show a statistically significant difference between the two contracting types. Overall, the pavement warranty program is a cost-effective tool for WisDOT, as benefits in both pavement performance and cost have been noted.