Development of a Framework for Addressing the Moisture Damage Potential in Flexible Road Pavements in New Zealand

Abstract

An efficient road network system is essential for achieving the desired economic growth of any country and for maintaining the levels of service. Road network management is an expensive operation and the investment in this sector often constrained. The demand for road maintenance and therefore cost is increasing due to accelerated damage from traffic loading and moisture. Premature failing could often be attributed to moisture ingress, which in turns leads to accelerated failure. Through the sufficient provision of drainage these failures could be avoided. Moisture damage is often referred to as a critical failure that can affect the levels of service and may cause expensive repair or replacement of road pavement. Therefore, the objectives of research are to develop a moisture damage risk assessment framework and verify its reliability and applicability in the drainage needs assessments of any road network. A Moisture Damage Risk Assessment (MDRA) framework has been formulated using moisture damage parameter data obtained from the road network in New Zealand. A preliminary framework was developed based on the literature review and field work in the network. The framework was further updated based on the application and comparative study of the risk analysis techniques that included Fuzzy Logic and Fault Tree Analysis. All of these assisted in developing the revised MDRA which has been implemented in the network (case studies) for evaluating the reliability and applicability of the framework. Finally the framework has been tested for its ability to prioritise the road sections that are at risk of failure and the output has been compared with pavement conditions and other prioritisation frameworks such as the Forward Work Programme and the maintenance cost trends of the road network. Overall, the MDRA framework has been successful in predicting the appropriate moisture damage risk of any road sections and its application and importance in drainage needs assessments have been presented. The framework is ready to be implemented and further research can focus on the implementation of the MDRA in drainage needs assessments throughout New Zealand.