Pavement Surface Distress Evaluation Using PCI

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the condition of the road performance for maintenance that occur due to surface distresses of various sections along the study area using Pavement Condition Index (PCI) concept. The study area along the Vidya Path and Vigyan Path in Chandigarh consisting of flexible pavement is selected to develop a Pavement Condition Index so as to assess the maintenance and rehabilitation needs. The PCI method was used as it is a distress based rating which evaluates the comprehensive visual condition of a road by categorizing different distresses and their severity. The mathematical expression for pavement condition index (PCI) provides an index reflecting the surface distresses which are the manifestations of pavement failure. The model for computing PCI is based upon the summation of deducts points for each type of observable distress. The paper involves extensive use of Google Earth Pro Software for drawing elements of Sections on Map and transferring the coordinates of sections to the field using GPS instrument. Surface distress and severity level data is acquired on the PCI inventory by visual field inspection on different sections. The weighted PCI of the different Sample Units along both the sections is calculated and subsequently results can be used for resurfacing/maintenance work on priority basis.