Pavement maintenance rehabilitation and strengthening

Every newly constructed pavement, by the time it is opened to traffic, is subjected to the disastrous effect of various factors, such as traffic, weather conditions, solar radiation and so on. At the same time, a gradual deterioration of the pavement s functional and structural quality starts. This is attributed to the ageing and wear of the surfacing material and fatigue of materials composing the pavement. 

The above factors, in combination with the reliability of the design, the compliance of materials used and the quality of the construction achieved, are the only reasons for the emergence of pavement surface distresses, fatigue failure and, finally, pavement disintegration. 

The construction of a new pavement should always be considered as a social investment. The administrator of the public fund is responsible and obliged not only to preserve the capital invested but also to confer a benefit. 

The benefit may be direct or indirect. The direct benefits include reduction of accidents, reduction of travelling time/costs and reduction (or no increase) of vehicle maintenance cost. The indirect benefit is the social benefit arising from comfortable and safe transportation of the users for social and commercial activities. 

To preserve the capital and obtain the above benefits, the pavement should be regularly maintained in order to sustain a tolerable level of service throughout its service life. The profit may be maximised by setting the limit of tolerable level of service high. 

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