Improved Structural Condition Index for Pavement Evaluation at Network Level

Pavement's structural evaluation that provides valuable information about the expected behavior and response can be used at the network level of pavement management to prioritize projects. A deflection measurement such as the falling weight deflectometer (FWD) can be used to identify problematic areas and group pavement sections with similar structural capacities. The structural condition index (SCI), a ratio of the existing structural number (SNeff) and the required SN (SNreq), is a screening tool for the pavement network-level management. For the successful implementation of the SCI concept at the network level, one critical issue is the accuracy of the index in evaluating the structural and deterioration conditions of the pavements. A field visit illustrates that the current SCI analysis underestimates the existing structural condition and results in overestimated treatments in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation. This paper presents and discusses how to improve the current SCI algorithm, mainly enhancing the estimation of the SNreq.