GOOD TECHNICAL FOUNDATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT

Pavement management has progressed from a concept in the 1960's to current, widespread and successful implementation in many countries around the world. The reasons include a sound, underlying framework and an extensive foundation of technology. However, a range of issues remain to be resolved. These include technology associated issues involving data, engineering and systems as well as institutional issues. There are also major needs involving succession planning, integration, adaptation to privatization, longer lasting pavements, performance models, quantification of benefits, incentive programs and very long term life cycle analysis which have to be addressed if progress in pavement management is to continue. By the same token, these issues and needs can also be seen as opportunities; for example, the integration of well established pavement management systems into the development of asset management systems. Finally, there are realistic expectations for the future of pavement management, such as incremental advances in technology. There are also more idealistic but achievable expectations such as widespread adoption of effective succession planning, quantum increases in pavement service lives, a new SHRP program which targets innovation, grant funding for high risk ideas, and comprehensive protocols for very long term life cycle analysis and for long term performance specifications.