Developing a rehabilitation design generally requires extensive investigation into the condition of the existing pavement structure, performance history, and laboratory testing of materials to establish suitability of existing and proposed materials for use in the rehabilitation design. The field investigation will require a deflection survey, drainage survey, and perhaps additional non-destructive testing (NDT) surveys, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), and seismic tools. Examination of multi-year Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) distress and ride data will show performance-related issues. Once these preliminary surveys are conducted, locations for material sampling can be established. In addition, for projects where full-depth reclamation is being considered, samples of the structure should be taken at intervals not to exceed 0.5 mi. These samples will be evaluated in the lab to verify field survey conclusions and establish basic properties necessary to quantify moisture susceptibility, stabilizer compatibility, blending requirements, etc.

The preferred rehabilitation strategy should consider: