Abstract:
Pavements need to be managed, not simply maintained. Although it is difficult to
change the way we do business, it will be more difficult to explain to future generations
how we failed to manage our resources and preserve our infrastructure.
When asked for reasons why they did not use the latest in pavement management
technology, pavement managers gave many answers.
"The only time I have is spent fighting fires."
"We normally use a 2-inch overlay."
"Just spray the pavement black at the end of the year."
"I can't afford to do inspections; I'd rather use the money to fix the pavement."
Managers and engineers who have adopted pavement technology understand that
pavement management is a matter of "Pay now, or pay much more later." Agencies are
finding that they cannot afford to pay later; it is more costly to rehabilitate badly deteriorated pavements. Unfortunately, the pavement infrastructure managed by some agencies is at a point where a large sum of money will be needed for restoration. Agencies
blessed with a good pavement infrastructure need to start a pavement management
system as soon as possible. They need to: inventory the pavement infrastructure,
assess its current and projected condition, determine budget needs to maintain the
pavement condition above an acceptable level, identify work requirements, prioritize
projects, and optimize spending of maintenance funds. The primary objective of this
book is to present pavement management technology to engineering consultants, highway and airport agencies, and universities.
