Module 1 Part 4:

Methodology for Determining PCI Definition

Pavement Condition Index
Index of pavement structural integrity and
(PCI) ●

surface operational condition;

Evaluation of Maintenance of
Flexible Pavements Flexible Pavements ● Index from 0 (failed) to 100 (perfect)
Basic Components
PMS
Fundamental Theory
of Typical Pavement
Methodology for Determining
Pavement Condition Index
● Repeatable system
Defects and Failures (PCI)
● Visual condition survey
Physical Description
Failure Mechanism
Guides for the Selection
of Sample Unit ● Used by FAA, APWA,
Severity Levels
How to Quantify Them
US Dept. of Defense
Field / Classroom
Workshop (Air Force, ARMY)

100
Rating
PCI
Excellent
Scale 85
Very Good
70
Good
55
Fair
40

Poor
25
Very Poor
10

0 Failed
 Pavement Condition Life Cycle
PCI Methodology
A. Network identification and definition
B. Identification and selection of sample
units
C. Pavement condition survey
D. Distress density computations
E. PCI computation
F. Identification of primary causes

Pavement Pavement
Network Network
Highways Parking Lots

A. NETWORK Branch A Branch B

Network Definition
IDENTIFICATION AND DEFINITION Section 1 Section 2

Sample Unit a Sample Unit b

Pavement Pavement ● All paved areas that provide access to traffic

Network Network
Highways Parking Lots – Highways
– Parking lots
Branch A Branch B – Airfields (runway, taxiways aprons)
– Other unpaved / paved vehicular facilities
Section 1 Section 2 – Other possible networks
• Use
Sample Unit a Sample Unit b • Funding
• Minimum operational standards
 Pavement Pavement Pavement Pavement
Network Network Network Network
Highways Parking Lots Highways Parking Lots

Branch A Branch B
Branch Definition Branch A Branch B
Section Definition
Section 1 Section 2 Section 1 Section 2

Sample Unit a Sample Unit b Sample Unit a Sample Unit b

● Any pavement section that within the ● A subdivision of a branch with uniform
network that has a well-defined function characteristics
(i.e. individual streets, parking areas, – Pavement structure (thickness / materials)
runway, taxiway, etc.) – Traffic volume and load intensity
● A branch is a relatively large unit within – Construction history
the pavement network – Pavement rank / functional classification
– Drainage and shoulders

Pavement Pavement
Network Network
Highways Parking Lots

Branch A Branch B
Sample Unit Definition
Section 1 Section 2

Sample Unit a Sample Unit b

● The smallest component within the

pavement network
● Any identifiable area within a

pavement section
● For pavement evaluation, each

pavement section is divided in sample

BRANCHES
units
 B. SELECTION OF SAMPLE UNITS Example of Selection of Sample Units

1. Divide section into sample units (not required to Pavement Section

have same size) 22 ft – wide x 4,720 ft – long
AC Pavement Sample Unit 4720 ft

Type Area
1 2 3 4 22 ft 45 46 47
Asphalt paved or
unpaved roads 2500 ± 1000 ft2
100 100 100 100 100 100 120

Airfields 5000 ± 2000 ft2

46 sample units of 2200 ft2 and 1 sample unit of 2640 ft2

Number of Sample Units to

Selection of Sample Units
Inspect
2. Determine sample units to inspect N × s2
n=
– Network level: limited sampling e2
• Budget planning × ( N − 1) + s 2
4
• Predict future condition where:
– Project level: higher degree of sampling N = total number of sample units in the section
• Evaluate specific sections (minimum 5 e = allowable error (5%)
units) s = standard deviation of PCI between sample units
(for AC pavements = 10)
 Number of Sample Units to
Selection of Sample Units
Inspect
Network level
Equation with e = 5, s = 5 Used by some agencies
No. of Sample No. of No. of Sample Units No of Sample Units
in Section (N) to Inspect (n)
Units Sample Units
in Section (N) to Inspect (n) 1–5 1
1 1
6 – 10 2
2–4 2 11 – 15 3
16 – 40 4
5 – 20 3
Over 40 10%
Over 20 4 (round up to next
PROJECT LEVEL whole sample unit)

Selection of Sample Units Example of Selection of Sample Units

● 3. Determine sampling interval i N = total # of sample units in section = 47

n = minimum # of units to be inspected =12.1 = 13
N
i= i = interval = N / n = 47 / 13 = 3.6 =3
n S = random start =3
● 4. Select random start (S) between sample unit
1 and i
● 5. Identify specific sample units to inspect (S, S
+ i, S + 2i, etc.)
 Drawbacks of Selection Scheme C. PAVEMENT CONDITION SURVEY

● Not selecting an exceptionally poor (or ● Inspect sample units

excellent) sample unit ● Determine distress types and severity levels
● Selecting a sample unit with a one-time ● Calculate total quantity for each distress type at each
occurrence type of distress severity
● To overcome this: 100 ft
– Sample units in the conditions stated above 22 ft
should be inspected as additional units
– Need to adjust PCI
Polished Aggregate (all slab)

D. DISTRESS DENSITY COMPUTATION E. PCI COMPUTATION FOR A SINGLE UNIT

1. Area Measurements
1. Determine Deduct Values (DV)
Density = distressed area per defect in ft2 X 100
sample unit area in square feet 2. Compute Total Deduct Value (TDV)
2. Linear Feet Measurements 3. Compute Corrected Deduct Value (CDV)
Density = amount of defects in linear feet X 100 4. Compute PCI = 100 - CDV
sample unit area in square feet
3. Pothole Frequency
Density = # of potholes of same diameter and depth X 100
sample unit area in square feet
 R66 K01-10 3
Determine PCI: 1. DEDUCT VALUE AFM 12-18-00 2200 Polished Aggregate

Determine the penalty associated with each

defect-density-severity combination
FAILURE 10L 10 10 10 10 40 1.8
1M 15 15 0.6
12 2200 2200 100

NO IMPACT
TDV =
 R66 K01-10 3
AFM 12-18-00 2200 Polished Aggregate

10L 10 10 10 10 40 1.8 4
1M 15 15 0.6 17
12 2200 2200 100 20

TDV = 41

Determine PCI: Determine PCI:

2. TOTAL DEDUCT VALUE 3. CORRECTED DEDUCT VALUE
● TDV = sum of individual DV Determine the maximum allowable number of
deducts (m) for sample unit
TDV = 4 + 17 + 20 = 41
CDV (from graph) ' 9$ For airfields &
● mi = 1 + % "(100 − HDVi )
– If only one individual DV (or none) is over 2 (paved & 95 # unpaved roads
roads), or over 5 (airfields / unpaved roads), TDV is
used instead CDV ' 9$
mi = 1 + % "(100 − HDVi ) For paved roads
– otherwise, list the individual DV in descending order & 98 #
and determine the maximum allowable number of where
deducts (m) for sample unit HDV = Highest Individual Deduct Value for sample unit
 Determine PCI: Determine PCI:
3. CORRECTED DEDUCT VALUE 3. CORRECTED DEDUCT VALUE
● The number of individual DV is reduced to m, including
the fractional part
– If less than m DV are available, then all the DV are used

' 9$
mi = 1 + % "(100 − 20 ) = 8.35
& 98 #
● Determine the number of deducts q, over 2 for paved
roads, or over 5 for airfields and unpaved roads
m = 8.35 > q = 3
q=3 Then CDV is determined for q = 3

DETERMINE PCI FOR

SAMPLE UNIT

Compute PCI for each sample

unit using CDV that corresponds
to the maximum value for a
pavement without visible defects
25 – PCI = 100 – CDV
– PCI = 100 – 25 = 75
– Condition - VERY GOOD
 DETERMINE PCI FOR F. DETERMINE PRIMARY CAUSES OF
PAVEMENT SECTION PAVEMENT DETERIORATION
● Compute the average PCI of all the sample units Add the DV for the three deterioration causes
within the section being evaluated at random 1. Load
● If additional sample units were inspected (non- 2. Climate
random) calculate weighted average
3. Other
& ( N − A) PCI random + A( PCI additional ) #
PCI sec tion = $ !
% N " % of Pavement
= (DVcause/TDV) x (100%)
A = # of additional samples inspected Deterioration
N = total # of samples in section

Load-related Climate-related
Other Causes Related Distress
Distress Distress
● Bleeding
● Alligator cracking ● Block cracking
● Bumps and Sags
● Edge cracking ● Joint reflection ● Corrugation
● Potholes ● Longitudinal & ● Depression
transverse cracking ● Lane / Shoulder Drop-off
● Rutting ● Patching and Utility Cut Patching
● Shoving ● Weathering / ● Polished Aggregate
raveling ● Railroad Crossing
● Slippage Cracking
● Swell
 Primary Causes
of Pavement Deterioration QUESTIONS / COMMENTS
% of Pavement
= (DVcause/TDV) x (100%)
Deterioration
% of Pavement
Deterioration = (17 / 41) x (100%)
Load = 41.5 %
% of Pavement
Deterioration = (4 / 41) x (100%)
Climate = 9.8 %
% of Pavement
Deterioration = 100 – 51.3 = 48.7 %
Other
 Module 1 Part 5: Field Workshop Objectives
Field Workshop ● Provide participants "hands-on" application of the
Evaluation of Maintenance of
distress identification and reporting principles learned in
Flexible Pavements Flexible Pavements the classroom
Basic Components Fundamental Theory Methodology for Determining
● Field exercise provides the opportunity to apply the
PMS of Typical Pavement
Defects and Failures
Pavement Condition Index
(PCI)
principles of:
– Distress Identification
Physical Description
Failure Mechanism
Guides for the Selection
of Sample Unit
– Severity Rating
Severity Levels
How to Quantify Them
– Distress Measurements
– Mapping
Field / Classroom – Map Summarization
Workshop

Distress Identification Basics Inspection Equipment

● Distress Identification / type of distress present ● PCI Distress Manual ● Video camera & digital
● Distress Severity / How severe is the distress? ● Hand odometer camera
• Early stages (Low)
● Spray paint / chalk ● Hard hat & safety vest
• Well manifested (Moderate)
• Can't get much worse! (High) ● Straightedge
● Distress Quantity / Measurement Types ● Ruler / measuring tape
– Linear measurements
– Area measurements
● Laptop
– Number of occurrences ● Calculator
– Varies by level and type of survey - Network / Project / ● Clipboard / blank forms /
Research level pencils
 Sample Unit Area

AC Pavement Type Sample Unit

Area
Asphalt paved or un- 2500 ± 1000 ft2
paved roads
Airfields 5000 ± 2000 ft2

Distress Maps Field Procedure

● Show exact location of each distress type existing ● To map the test section, a 30 meter (100 feet) tape
measure may be placed on the shoulder adjacent to the
on the sample unit sample unit (or use a wheel) and mark 5-10 ft intervals
● One map is used for each sample unit with chalk/spray
● Distresses are drawn on the map at the scaled location
● Distress types and severity levels should be and extent
identified by using the DIM ● Label distresses using the distress type number and the
severity level (L, M, or H)
● Each sample unit must be laid out consistently ● Any observed distress not described in the DIM should
each time a survey is conducted be photographed and/or video taped and identified on the
map
 Cheat Sheet
(developed for
LTPP survey,
different
severity levels)

Useful for
identifying
typical symbols

Distress Data Sheet Distress Data Sheet

● Record measured values for each distress type ● Add the measurements for each distress-severity
and severity observed in each sample unit in the combination and record the total on the TOTAL
left column column
● The number and units of measurement for each ● Calculate the density for each distress-severity
distress are shown in the top box combination using the respective density equation
● The particular measurement of each distress- (length, area, or frequency)
severity combination is entered in the ● Use the deduct curves for each distress-severity
QUANTITY columns combination to record its penalty value
 SAFETY RULES! SAFETY RULES!
1. Hats and safety vests worn at all times if going on the 5. Conduct surveys with one eye and always face
road! Visibility is crucial for safety. oncoming traffic!
2. No one on the road until traffic control is set: this 6. Warn others of unsafe conditions: if any unsafe
includes all signs, cones, etc. condition is noticed (e.g., wide loads, high speed traffic,
debris or pets in the road, etc.) yell a warning to the
3. Stay within traffic cones at all times. entire group.
4. Surveys to be performed from the shoulder. Although 7. Summarize distress data off the roadway - When finish
distresses can look different from different angles, in no mapping and rating the section, find a safe place off of
case should personal safety be compromised for the roadway to summarize the data.
distress ratings. 8. Traffic control will remain in place until everyone has
completed their summaries, to ensure any missed
information can be collected under safe conditions.

QUESTIONS / COMMENTS
 AF ST CROIX
10/10/05

Defects: D. Distress Density Computations

19H 1L: 2 Wx26 L
9L:1 in Dx100 L
19M: 1 Wx22 L
19H: 4 Wx100 L 1. Area Measurements
9L
1L Density = distressed area per defect in ft2 X 100
19M
sample unit area in square feet
2. Linear Feet Measurements
Density = amount of defects in linear feet X 100
sample unit area in square feet
19H

9L
3. Pothole Frequency
Density = # of potholes of same diameter and depth X 100
sample unit area in square feet

Sample unit 1 MP ##: local road, hilltop – 100 ft long x 14 ft wide,

10-ft macadam-paved width + 4-ft unpaved width (loose aggregate)

Hilltop Lane A 1
AF 10/10/05 1400 sq ft

1L 52 52 3.7
9L 100 100 7.1
19M 22 22 1.6
19H 400 400 28.6

TDV = 101
 Hilltop Lane A 1
E. Determine PCI:
AF 10/10/05 1400 sq ft
2. Total Deduct Value

2. TDV = sum of individual DV

1L 52 52 3.7 22
9L
19M
100
22
100
22
7.1
1.6
9
9
TDV = 22 + 9 + 9 + 61 = 101
19H 400 400 28.6 61
Determine the maximum allowable number of
deducts (m) for sample unit

mi = 1 + % "(100 − 61) = 4.6

' 9$
& 98 #
TDV = 101
 E. Determine PCI:
3. Corrected Deduct Value
• Determine the number of deducts q, over
2 for surfaced roads, or over 5 for airfields
and unsurfaced roads

q=4

m = 4.6 > q = 4
Then CDV is determined for q = 4

E. Determine PCI for Sample Unit 1

PCI = 100 – CDV

PCI = 100 – 58 = 42
Condition: FAIR

25
 Defects:
9L:1in Dx100 L
AF ST CROIX
10L: 28 in
10/10/05 13M: 1
Hilltop Lane A 2 13H: 2
AF 10/10/05 1400 sq ft 19M: 1.5 Wx13 L
19H: 4 Wx100 L
Defects:
19H 9L:1in Dx100 L
10L: 28 in
13M: 1
13H: 2
9L 19M: 1.5 Wx13 L
19H: 4 Wx100 L

9L 100 100 7.1 9

10L 2.3 2.3 0.16 0
13M 1 1 0.07 27
13H 2 2 0.14 62
19M 19.5 19.5 1.4 9
19H 400 400 28.6 61
19H

9L
10L 13M 13H 13H

19M

Sample unit 2 MP ##: local road, hilltop – 100 ft long x 14 ft wide,

10-ft macadam-paved width + 4-ft unpaved width (loose aggregate) TDV = 168

E. Determine PCI:
2. Total Deduct Value

2. TDV = sum of individual DV

TDV = 9 + 0 + 27 + 62 + 9 + 61 = 168

Determine the maximum allowable number of

deducts (m) for sample unit

mi = 1 + % "(100 − 62 ) = 4.5
' 9$
& 98 #
 E. Determine PCI:
3. Corrected Deduct Value
• Determine the number of deducts q, over 2 for
surfaced roads, or over 5 for airfields and
unsurfaced roads

q=5
m = 4.5 < q = 5 25
Then CDV is determined for q = 4
TDV = 27 + 62 + 9 + 61 = 159

E. Determine PCI for Sample Unit 2 Determine PCI for SECTION A

• Average PCI = (42 + 14) / 2 = 28
PCI = 100 – CDV
PCI = 100 – 86 = 14 Condition:
Condition:
POOR
VERY POOR