Innovative Concepts for Preventive Maintenance

Abstract

The Michigan Department of Transportation is committed to the successful implementation of a preventive maintenance program to protect pavement and bridge structures, slow the rate of deterioration, and correct minor pavement deficiencies using surface treatments that primarily target pavement surface defects caused by the environment and deficiencies in pavement materials. Structural deficiencies of the pavement structure caused by traffic-loading are generally not corrected by this program. Many innovative concepts were incorporated in the Michigan Preventive Maintenance Program. The business processes were simplified, and more responsibility was given to the private sector. All preventive maintenance projects used standard specifications and contained a limited number of pay items. But perhaps the most substantial concept was the introduction of warranty specifications for all surface treatments. The implementation of warranty specifications involved mutual trust and cooperation between the department and private enterprise. All contracting industries, suppliers, and bonding and insurance companies were invited to participate in this innovative venture. Introducing new and untested concepts required significant hours of discussion and negotiation by all groups represented. The final results gave the contractors greater flexibility in selecting the materials and application methods used for warranted surface treatments. The department gained higher quality and longer-lasting surface treatments with a smaller workforce.