ROLE OF PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ANALYSIS IN PRESERVATION PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

The traditional role of pavement management system (PMS) analysis is as an integral part of the preservation program and project development process. The Michigan Department of Transportation already has a well-developed process that does not include a PMS analysis method. To avoid the disruptive effects of injecting or mixing one into this complex but well-defined process, a new role for PMS analysis was created: an application software system that analyzes and processes data from the PMS data base for use by policy makers who are then able to do such things as control long-term network condition and funding requirements [via maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction (MR&R) program development constraints] to reduce the total cost of pavement preservation, and to have decisions flow from the top down. The complete preservation program development process is divided into generic processes: data storage or data base, pre-MR&R program, MR&R program, and post-MR&R program. The pre-MR&R program is conducted at the policy-making level. Policy makers currently must make decisions on the basis of incomplete data of poor technical quality. In addition, no analysis tools are available to enable them to accomplish objectives such as reducing the total cost of pavement preservation, using technology to improve funding efficiency, reducing the cost of overhead, and managing pavements actively. It is proposed that PMS analysis correct these problems by providing policy-level management with complete, high-quality, processed data and analysis tools essential for making rational decisions.