Real Life Experience with Major Pavement Types

Abstract

Pavement performance is a complex issue which depends on many contributing factors. Examining the performance of real-life pavements across the state determines what the actual service lives are for the pavements. For the purposes of this study, only selected LTPP projects were examined, along with a database containing all the historic repair projects completed in Indiana. Pertinent information present in the Indiana Historic Contracts Database was extracted concerning the types of pavement repair and treatments options commonly employed within the state, the time between repairs, etc. These data were used to determine descriptive statistical parameters and was summarized in graph form. Similarly, data about selected LTPP GPS and SPS sites were downloaded from the online website, LTPP InfoPave and a comparative study between companion sites was performed. These data included study site and pavement-related information, such as construction dates, pavement structure details, maintenance and repair history, and pavement distress surveys. These data were used to draw conclusions about the impact of treatment applications, climatic and geologic factors, traffic volume, and pavement structures on pavement performance. Gaps in knowledge about pavement failure modes, distress data, and effectiveness of treatment applications mentioned in the contracts database file hampered efforts to form a complete picture of the effectiveness of treatment options and their timely (or untimely) application. Similarly, details about pavement mixture design and differentiating factors between companion sites prevented researchers from narrowing down the causes leading to the observed pavement distress.