The deteriorating condition of paved road networks and the limited resources available for rehabilitating these roads in developing countries underscore the need for more rational approaches to select priority links on a road network. As a result, some developing countries have established pavement management systems (PMSs) to better manage their road infrastructure assets. A main objective of a PMS is to use reliable information and decision criteria in an organised framework to produce a cost-effective pavement program. Pavement management was developed in the United States and Canada and has been widely applied in North America, but there is a tremendous benefit to be gained by applying pavement management technology in developing countries. This has been proven in Brazil, a typical middle-income developing country, and can be applied to great benefit in other developing countries. The PMS implemented in Brazil is described, the special limitations and standardisation requirements for the proper use of pavement management in a developing country are discussed. Such PMS must often be done at a technology level below that in the United States. Recommendations are presented for developing countries and for upgrading such technology. (A)
Abstract