Pavement Condition Index (PCI), Life Expectancy & Rehabilitation for a Road Project, Houston, Texas

Geotech Enginering and Testing was contacted by a local developer to evaluate the conditions of an existing asphaltic concrete pavement structure and evaluate its potential life expectancy. The road is a major thoroughfare and is located in the Houston Metro area. We conducted a geotechnical study including a (1) detailed site visit evaluating the existing pavement condition, (2) evaluating the existing pavement structure, (3) conducting traffic loading analysis to see if the existing pavement can handle the traffic loading, and (4) developed recommendations on modifications to the existing pavement, if any to handle the prescribed traffic loading. The pavement repair options consisted of conducting milling and overlay, Full Depth Reclamation, and total removal and replacement of the pavement structure. As part of our study, we conducted a detailed site visit and developed Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for the road segments. The PCI values registered from 48 to 80. We conducted field exploration by doing borings, checking and measuring the pavement thickness components and conducting depth checks using phenolphthalein on the subgrade stabilizations. We reviewed the traffic loading for the 10 years to see if the existing pavement can carry prescribed loading. Finally, we developed recommendations on various pavement repair techniques including 1) milling and overlay, 2) Full Depth Reclamation (FDR), 3) Full Depth Reconstruction. Based on our study, we found out that the existing paving condition was not in very good condition and required a combination of repairs and reconstruction to last another 10 years.Training Videos