Why Preventive Maintenance?
Delays in maintenance increase the quantity of pavement defects and severity; therefore, when corrected the cost is much greater. Periodic inexpensive treatments are more economical than infrequent high cost rehabilitation or reconstruction. "Compared to rebuilding a road, studies have shown that for every dollar spent on preventive maintenance to extend pavement life, a savings of $ 6 to $ 10 can be realized." (source: FHWA video. " Protecting Our Pavements: Preventive Maintenance.")
What is Preventive Maintenance?
Preventive maintenance is planned treatment of the pavement which provides protection, decreases the rate of deterioration and adds 5 to 10 years to the service life of the pavement. AASHTO (the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) defines preventive maintenance as the planned strategy of cost-effective treatments to an existing roadway system and its appurtenances that preserves the system, retards future deterioration and maintains or improves the functional condition of the system without increasing load carrying capacity.
When Should Preventive Maintenance be done?
Preventive maintenance on pavements that are in fair to good condition is the most cost effective. Periodic preventive maintenance that is done at the right time can extend the pavement service life by 5 to 10 years. Placing the right preventive maintenance treatment at the right time keeps the pavements from falling into poor condition where expensive rehabilitation and reconstruction would be required.
What are the Types of Preventive Maintenance and How are They Selected?
MRPA contractor members do crack and joint sealing, all types of surface seals for bituminous pavements and concrete pavement enhancements and repairs. Preventive maintenance treatments are selected based on the existing pavement's condition. Cracking, rutting, ride quality, traffic type and volume of traffic are considered in the selection of preventive maintenance treatments .
