Implementation of pavement management systems

The purpose of pavement management systems (pms) is to serve as an aid to road managers at local and central levels in programming roadworks so as to best meet some definable goals. This paper begins by reviewing the systems approach to pavement management, which is seen to involve formalising objectives, setting criteria and monitoring the output. It is also shown that pms can be categorised as rudimentary, guidance or definitive systems. It is noted that a major problem is the lack of suitable pavement performance data. The component analysis techniques used in the various levels of pms are then reviewed. It is concluded that complex pavement works program optimisation is not currently feasible. An incremental approach to the implementation of pms is proposed and practical guidelines to the first stages of implementation are given (a).