2.1 Overview
This section will review condition categories currently evaluated in visual condition surveys by pavement type. For consistent and reliable survey results, it is important to decrease subjectivity and variability in the identification of distresses typically found on flexible and rigid pavements, and to provide instructions in recording these observations in an “orderly and consistent manner.” To this end, certification training for visual raters is conducted annually in regional sessions.
The designer/planner is interested in the type, extent, and severity of visible distresses or corrective action taken on previous distresses (such as number of patches or length of sealed cracks). Depending upon the type of distress, occurrences are recorded in terms of percent area, linear feet per 100-ft. station, number per station, or number per section.
- For network level evaluation, these statistics are typically captured for each 0.1 mi. section and further summarized by 0.5 mi. section when entered into the New Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) PA database.
- For project level evaluation, condition statistics may be summarized over the length of the project or in any other fashion amenable to the district planner/designer. Project level surveys are often conducted on foot in order to map the type and extent of distresses in detail. The root causes of these distresses must be addressed in any comprehensive rehabilitation strategy.
For more information on identification and cataloging of visual distress, refer to the PMIS Rater’s Manual found in the Maintenance Division website under the link and the Flexible and Concrete Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies Training courses found in the Construction Division website under the link. These courses discuss typical pavement distresses, their causes, and actions required to remedy.