Three accepted measures of pavement performance are discusssed: safety, functional performance, and structural performance. Four case studies are described of states (arkansas, iowa, pennsylvania, andwashington) which have completed studies to develop pavement performance curves (or equations) based on information currently in their data bases. The studies illustrate that there are many ways to define and measure pavement performance. It is noted that the key to effective pavement management is not how performance is determined, but rather the commitment to monitor network performance, in whatever terms have been selected. As the period of time over which pavements are monitored increases, so does the confidence level of predicting future performance based on past experience. This aids greatly in thelong-term planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the highway system.
Abstract