Pavement condition rating using multiattribute utility theory

Keeping asphalt-surfaced highways and roads in satisfactory condition is a major challenge that departments of transportation strive to overcome. According to a recent assessment of roads in both Canada and the United States, road surfaces are in a critical condition state. Accordingly, an accurate condition-rating system is needed to simulate the actual effect of climate, traffic, and operational factors on asphalt-surfaced highways. This research develops a comprehensive condition-rating model that incorporates a wide range of possible factors impacting flexible-pavement performance. Data are collected through questionnaires from experts and from various pavement tests in order to assess condition using multiattribute utility theory (MAUT). The developed model prioritizes the identified factors, with transverse cracking amount having the highest impact, 24.52%, in determining flexible-pavement condition. The model is validated through several stages showing 94% accuracy compared with actual results. Finally, it is applied to a case study and the results are compared with widely used pavement indicators for which the model showed a similar pattern. The developed model will facilitate the selection of maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for road networks.