Analytical methods to determine effectiveness of slurry seals in wet/freeze climate using pavement management information systems

With increasing economic pressures worldwide, the amount of money spent on pavement preservation needs to become more effectively utilised. Historically, the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) study has led to data-driven performance expectations for treatments. Pavement management systems (PMS) allowed many to form analytical methods to evaluate pavement performance, from trend fitting to benefit analysis. Taking these methods and applying them to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) pavement management information system (PMIS) database can determine preservation utility as well as provide expectations of pavement treatments. Thirteen slurry seal projects across the wet/freeze climate of Iowa, U.S.A., were analysed to determine the service life extensions and yearly benefit for their pavement condition, rutting, riding, and cracking indices. This study aims to provide a framework for future analysis of more preservation treatments and other PMS databases. Understanding local performance of various preservation methods leads to better pavement management and economically sound decisions.