Framework and Strategy for Implementing an Information Technology-Based Pavement Management System

Abstract

The advent of information and telecommunication technologies has had significant effects on the development and implementation of pavement management systems (PMSs) for state departments of transportation (DOTs) and also fosters great opportunities for improving states' highway pavement conditions through increased productivity and effectiveness in managing their highway pavement information. However, it still remains a challenge for state DOTs to successfully implement an integrated PMS due to the complexity of PMS and many issues involved in the development and implementation that need to be resolved. The development and implementation of an information technology (IT)-based PMS by the Georgia Department of Transportation is presented. On the basis of existing pavement management practices by Georgia DOT, the needs and concerns for improvements are identified in light of the advent of IT. The development of the conceptual IT-based PMS framework to meet Georgia DOT’s needs is first presented. The strategies for developing and implementing an integrated PMS are then presented, and the benefits of adopting the strategies are discussed. The need for incorporating a common spatial and temporal reference system to ensure system compatibility and integration for all the databases is discussed. Seven modules of this integrated IT-based PMS have been implemented, including the computerized pavement condition evaluation system, historical pavement performance data conversion and filtering system, network-level data management and analysis system, geographic information system analysis and visualization system, rehabilitation treatment decision system, highway maintenance management system, and the knowledge-based system for diagnosing pavement distress causes. Four modules currently under development are also described.