Introduction of a new index to assess pavement functional condition

For most countries, the construction of the road network is completed to a great extent. As a result, the road operators have focused on the management of the current road constructions. The pavement management systems have been the determinative answer to the above need finding the optimal and more efficient solution which minimizes the maintenance cost. In this context, the present paper aims at the development of an index that assesses sections of road networks based both on the pavement essential demands and surface characteristics. This project presents a model for the rating of highway sections taking into consideration criteria and sub-criteria related to the pavement function. The developed model has been formed based on the opinion of a group of experts. The technique of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) has been used to mathematically analyze the above opinions and manipulate uncertainty and subjectivity. This method ends up by calculating the weights of significance which are the factors of the index equation. The index is composed in combination with the variables which have come up from the regular measurements of pavement characteristics assessing the pavement functional condition. The results are compared to those of the regular AHP highlighting the degree of influence by the uncertainty of experts' judgments in some factors of the index. Furthermore, the suitability and ease in the fitting of the FAHP method are verified in pavement management problems. In this project data related to the checks on surface characteristics in the National Highway Network are displayed.

Automated summary

This study aims to develop an index model for assessing sections of road networks based on both pavement essential demands and surface characteristics. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is used to mathematically analyze and handle uncertainty in the index.