Enhancing Pavement Management Through a Comprehensive Framework for Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Evaluation of Asphalt and Concrete Pavements

Abstract

Hossein Alimohammadi

The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is one of the most widely used methodologies for assessing the surface condition of asphalt (flexible) and concrete (rigid) pavements. As transportation infrastructure continues to age under increasing traffic demands, environmental stresses, and constrained maintenance budgets, the need for consistent, objective, and cost-effective pavement evaluation tools has become critical. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for PCI evaluations in accordance with ASTM D6433, including a detailed review of its application to both asphalt and concrete pavements. The methodology involves visual identification of distress types, severity levels, and quantities, which are converted into deduct values to determine PCI at the sample-unit and section levels. The study summarizes the major distress mechanisms observed in flexible and rigid pavements including structural, climate/durability-related, and other surface-related deficiencies and highlights their implications for pavement performance and service life. Evaluation results further emphasize the significance of the “critical PCI range, below which deterioration accelerates and rehabilitation becomes more cost-effective than routine maintenance. General maintenance, rehabilitation recommendations, and short-term remediation strategies are provided for asphalt and concrete pavements depending on their PCI levels. The proposed framework aims to support agencies and practitioners in implementing systematic pavement management programs that optimize maintenance investments and extend pavement service life.

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