A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Pavement Sections that have Remained in Poor Condition for 5-Plus Years

Abstract

The 2014 Transportation Asset Management Plan calls for developing a method to annually track, monitor, and identify road segments that have been in poor condition for more than 5 years and consistently consider them when programming. In Minnesota, pavements are considered in poor condition when the ride quality index (RQI) is less than or equal to 2.0. There are still pavement segments that have remained in poor condition for more than 5 years. However, it is not clear if RQI and RSL metrics accurately quantify the "true" condition of the system. In this study, the roadway segments that have maintained a poor ride quality index over time were identified in each district and extensive additional information was obtained from interviews with district engineers and planners. The analysis of the additional information shows that most pavement sections that have remained in poor condition for extended periods are actually not in poor condition. They represent “anomalies” with unique characteristics, and new parameters must be established to quantify the true condition of these sections.