Actual Applications of LTPP Data for Pavement Research and Management Purposes

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) study is a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project being conducted on test sections across North America (originally over 2,500 sections). Objectives of the study are to evaluate existing design procedures; develop improved methodologies and strategies for pavement rehabilitation; develop improved design equations for new / reconstructed pavements; determine the effects of loading, environment, material properties, construction quality, and maintenance levels on pavement distress and performance; determine the effects of specific design features on pavement performance; and establish a national database to support these objectives and meet future highway industry needs. With best practices in equipment calibration, data collection, and quality control having been employed in this program and with many test sections having been monitored for more than 15 years, the LTPP database represents one of the most comprehensive sources of reliable data for pavement information and research needs. Through case studies from projects performed for several Departments of Transportation in North America, this paper presents real life examples that highlight the benefits that can be gained from applying and utilizing LTPP data in pavement research and management studies.