Effect of Initial Pavement Smoothness on Future Smoothness and Pavement Life

Abstract

Initial pavement smoothness has an effect on the future smoothness and life of asphalt concrete (AC) and portland cement concrete (PCC), as well as AC overlays of existing AC and PCC pavements. Initial pavement smoothness has a significant effect in 80 percent of new construction (both AC and PCC pavements) and in 70 percent of AC-overlay construction. Furthermore, using two different analysis techniques, added pavement life can be obtained by achieving higher levels of initial smoothness. Combined results of roughness-model and pavement-failure analyses indicate at least a 9 percent increase in life corresponding to a 25 percent increase in smoothness from target profile index (PI) values of 7 and 5 in./mi (0.11 and 0.08 m/km) for concrete and asphalt pavements, respectively.