Course Catalogue.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the key performance modelling input data
• Recognize potential sources of error
• Understand available statistical tools to develop performance models
• Describe methods used to update and improve performance models for pavements

Description

Roadway owners across North America have collectively constructed trillions of dollars of roadway infrastructure, including pavements, bridges, safety appurtenances, drainage structures, etc. Our focus over the past 30 years or so has changed from the construction of new transportation infrastructure to the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing facilities. In order to assist in “managing” the infrastructure, agencies have developed processes and procedures such as pavement management systems. 

A pavement management system uses asset condition data to monitor the rate of deterioration of pavement infrastructure. Deterioration models are typically developed for pavement surface distress, and some agencies incorporate pavement smoothness, rut depth, surface friction and an indication of structural capacity in the overall condition index, which typically ranges from 0 (failed) to 100 (excellent).

The process for the development of deterioration models typically includes the segregation of pavement sections by one or more of the following elements:

• Roadway classification
• Pavement surface type (rigid, flexible, chip seal, etc.)
• New construction or rehabilitation
• Pavement base/subbase type (unbound granular, stabilized, etc.)
• Age since construction or last rehabilitation
• Subgrade type
• Climate (wet freeze, wet no freeze, dry freeze, dry no freeze, etc.)
• Traffic level
• Other relevant local factors that may impact pavement performance

One of the key factors of the items outlined above is age since construction or last rehabilitation. Grouped sections are then analyzed by age and condition to develop performance prediction models. These models provide an indication of asset performance and establish target levels of service for maintenance and rehabilitation activity and timing, as well as funding needs. Given the variability of the performance of pavement assets, it can be very difficult to develop models that provide accurate and repeatable results that can easily be understood by all stakeholders. 

Course Outline

This course covers:

• Pavement
• Overview of the importance and use of performance models
• Data input needs evaluation (what to collect and why)
• Data quality and reliability
• Types of performance models
• Examples of performance model development
• Assessment methods to improve performance models

Who Should Attend

• Civil engineers, statisticians and data managers responsible for the collection, processing and use of pavement performance data
• Agencies and other owners of highway, municipal and private sector pavement infrastructure
• Operations personnel responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of pavements