BACKGROUND

Since its publication in 2012, the AASHTO Pavement Management Guide, Second Edition, has served as a national guide on the different aspects of pavement management. During this period, advances in technology and processes have taken place and substantial research on the different aspects of pavement management has been performed. This research and experience gained from pavement management applications has produced many relevant findings and lessons learned. However, additional research is needed to address the gaps in available pavement management guidance and identify the updates needed to incorporate the findings into a new edition of the pavement management guide.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to develop recommendations on all aspects of pavement management to support state departments of transportation and other organizations with pavement management decision making.

Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks.

TASKS

PHASE I

Task 1. Identify and critically review information relevant to the different aspects of pavement management (e.g., data collection and processing, condition assessment, performance modelling, and using pavement management results). This information may be obtained from published and unpublished sources and contacts with public and private organizations.

Task 2. Identify, evaluate, and prioritize the weaknesses and gaps in the AASHTO Pavement Management Guide, Second Edition (herein called the Guide), and identify those aspects of pavement management recommended for further consideration/investigation in Phase II.

Task 3. Based on the evaluation performed in Task 2, prepare an updated, detailed work plan to be executed in Phase II to address those aspects of pavement management recommended for further consideration/investigation and prepare draft language for consideration by AASHTO to incorporate the research results into the next edition of the Guide (herein called Proposed Guide Updates). The plan shall identify sections and chapters of the Guide that are likely to be impacted by the research findings and the anticipated change (e.g., addition, deletion, modification) and proposed new chapters, and includes a proposed outline of the future Guide.

Task 4. Prepare an interim report that documents the research performed in Tasks 1 through 3. Following review of the interim report by the NCHRP, the research team will be required to make a presentation to the NCHRP project panel. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until the interim report is approved and the Phase II work plan is authorized by the NCHRP. The decision on proceeding with Phase II will be based on the contractor’s documented justification of the updated work plan.

PHASE II

Task 5.  Execute the Phase II plan approved in Task 4. Based on the results of this work, propose enhancement to current pavement management guidance and prepare the Proposed Guide Updates.

Task 6: Prepare a stand-alone technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products” to facilitate implementation of the Proposed Guide Updates.

Task 7. Prepare material, in a PowerPoint or other format, for use in webinars and presentations to facilitate implementation of the Proposed Guide Updates.

Task 8. Prepare and submit (a) a draft final deliverable that documents the entire research effort and includes (1) a research report documenting the work performed in the project and used to develop the Proposed Guide Updates, (2) Proposed Guide Updates, (3) the presentation material, and (4) the implementation plan and (b) a final deliverable that addresses the review comments.

STATUS: Proposals have been received in response to the RFP. The project panel will meet to select a contractor to perform the work.