Evaluation of selected pavement management systems for microcomputers

Significant shortages in pavement maintenance funds compared to funds needed for proper highway maintenance have focused interest on pavement management systems as a tool for maKing cost efficient maintenance decisions. Lowered costs of microcomputers have increased the possibility of even smaller agencies being able to afford to implement and maintain a pavement management system (PUS).

Three public domain PHS software packages for microcomputers, the Galtrans/FHWA FPHS, the Tulare County, California PHS, and the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Area HTC PHS, were evaluated on the basis of total initial and annual cost, data collection requirements, available output, ease of use, and the validity of the methodology used by each system to develop a pavement condition rating. The evaluation consisted of applying each PHS to a sample street network in Knoxville, Tennessee, to determine the differences in condition rating, suggested repair strategy, prioritization, and estimated repair costs among the PHS on the same sample network. A detailed description of each PHS along with tabulated results of the sample network test is provided to assist potential users in selecting among the PHS discussed.

The Bay Area MTC PMS was determined to have more useful features, at roughly the same Initial and annual costs than the other two PMS evaluated. The Bay Area HTC PHS is recommended as the system of choice for all sizes of agencies with pavement maintenance responsibility.