Using PAVER Software to Evaluate Pavement Condition Index of Highway Segment in the North Sector of Najaf City (Case Study)

Abstract

Current paper present part of comprehensive case study for urban highway networks of north sector of Najaf city located 161 km Southwest of Baghdad the capital of Iraq. The main goals of current paper are to evaluation pavement condition index denoted as (PCI). Values of PCI acting a main factor on depending maintenance of pavement, selecting economic alternative, increasing development of engineers and technician’s capabilities, in order to reach the best maintenance management process and achieve the best riding level with lowest costs and the shortest travel time. PAVER software uses surveying data to calculate pavement condition index which should be within rating from zero, which mean pavement in failed condition, to 100, that mean excellent pavement condition. Pavement’s condition is providing predicting its maintenance and Rehabilitation requirements. Free issue of PAVER 5.2 software was used to calculate values of PCI for a minor arterial urban highway in north sector of Najaf city, that is the Najaf-Karbala highway located from Al-Askarain Tunnel intersection to the end of Al-Nidaa district, with length (8011m). Manual geometric and types of distresses survey was depended instead of using assessment technologies to consider the type, degree of severity, of distresses for sample unites along the highway. As a results of implementing PAVER 5.2 software depending on field survey data collection, PCI value is equal to 80. That’s mean this part of the selected study section was in good situation.