DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE-LEVEL LONG-TERM PAVEMENT PERFORMANCE PROGRAM

The procedures for developing a state-level long-term pavement performance (LTPP) program for rigid pavement performance modeling for future pavement management efforts are documented. The program builds on principles already developed for the national-level Strategic Highway Research Program LTPP program. A method used to develop an experimental design that meets current pavement design standards is described. The description of the experimental design is followed by a discussion of the type of data that should be collected. The data items to be collected are divided into two categories: (a) inventory data items and (b) monitoring data items. Inventory data item sources are identified. The human and financial resources required to establish the data base and the resources required to maintain and monitor this data base periodically are reported. In addition to developing the design specifications and implementation requirements for a state-level LTPP program, the implementability of the procedure is evaluated through a case study LTPP program for Texas. The results are an important contribution to providing a basis for collecting the data items needed for the analysis to update current pavement design standards, direct needed research covering climatic and geographic needs, and improve pavement management system efforts overall.