Investigation of the Data Variability of Network-Level Pavement Condition Data

Abstract

For pavement management purposes it is essential to have quality data for a pavement network. Here the data collected at the network level are investigated for quality using additional statistical approaches. As a part of the quality assurance, randomly sampled pavement sections are evaluated using an independent verification and validation process, and are compared with the network-level data collected by the data collection vendor on the same pavement sections. If the established criteria are met, with composite condition indices, the vendor data are considered acceptable. These criteria are developed based on engineering judgment and experience. The accepted data are further investigated to determine whether any statistical differences exist in individual distress type, severity, or extent. Investigation reveals no statistical differences based on composite condition indices, distress type, or extent. There is no misclassification of any distress type with any other distress type. However, a few distress types have statistical differences in severity levels. Steps are identified to minimize these differences.