Pavement maintenance activities have tended to concentrate on correcting deficiencies which are potentially hazardous or which immediately affect the serviceability of the pavement. Maintenance activities which address defects having a potential for accelerating degradation in serviceability, have been spasmodic and sometimes futile. The concept is advanced, of systematically waterproofing, draining, and locally strengthening pavement to retard the progression of defects and create benefits through extension of useful pavement life. The types of treatment used to effect preventive maintenance are described, and the timing and reasons for their application are discussed. The benefits achieved through extension of life are quantified and used to calculate benefit/cost ratios. An example is given of the development of a program of preventive maintenance based on priority through assessment of benefit/cost ratios, the risk element, and traffic. The influence of preventive maintenance programs on rehabilitation programs is discussed. It is recommended that preventive maintenance be recognized as an inclusive part of any maintenance or pavement management system, and that a program of 'catch-up' and 'on-going' preventive maintenance be implemented forthwith. (A)
Abstract