Application of Micro PAVER Program for PMMS of Central Sudan Roads

Abstract

The study has developed a pavement maintenance management system (PMMS) for roads which have been constructed by the National Highway Authority (NHA) in Sudan. The scope of the MicroPAVER system aims to manage the maintenance activities within the available resources and reduce cost on maintenance works. The system depends mainly on systemic methods and procedures in data acquiring, recording, pavement evaluation, maintenance priorities, maintenance needs and decisions, and determining the cost and activities of the future maintenance programs, using computer software integrated with geographic information system (GIS) program for managing geographic and inventory data. This study involves field survey data for 617 km on the roads in the centre of Sudan. To achieve these goals the pavement maintenance management system (PMMS) contained basic elements organized in the subsequent items: Identification and coding system, where the pavement samples were divided into equal sections, then a standardized coding method applied to the road network. Inventory of pavement data collection procedure, and use of inspection data survey collection. Local pavement evaluation systems investigated, and compared with MicroPAVER system. A visual inspection procedure was used to evaluate the pavement sections under study using standard field surveying practice. Database Development Computer software’s (MicroPAVER 5.3) was employed for database management. The process includes data storage, manipulation, conversation and retrieving. After determination of maintenance needs and decisions based on predefined standards and constraints, a methodology was set to identify treatment required for each pavement section. Identification and implementation of maintenance standards for maintenance priorities included all the road sections needs maintenance listed in descending ordered. It can be stated that at the end of all section, evaluations in 3 sections of total 7, the pavement condition was good; in 2 sections, the pavement needed maintenance and rehabilitation; and finally 2 sections the pavement needed total renewal or reconstruction. It is believed that, most of the distresses observed on the pavement were due to environmental effects 53%; furthermore, load-related causes were 21%; and other reasons 26% according to Micro PAVER method. The current status of Sudan road network showed an urgent need for an emergency program for pavement maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The results of the study for the 617 km sample indicated, in general, that the majority of these roads possessed high pavement distress indices and consequently low pavement condition index (PCI) values, irrespective of the road classification. A National Agency and Local Highway Agency are recommended to adopt a comprehensive program to keep roadway structures in acceptable conditions. As an initial step, the suggested MicroPAVER for Pavement Maintenance Management System (PMMS) is recommended to be implemented by the National Highway Authority.