Methodology for Developing Generic Performance Curves for Flexible Pavements in Puerto Rico Using Clustering Techniques

One of the major challenges that state highway agencies face is the need to estimate performance curves for different functional classifications of highways and traffic loads, considering the limitations of resources and equipment required for data collection and management activities. The need to estimate the remaining useful life of pavements in different climatic regions with a variety of subgrade conditions is crucial for the efficient allocation of maintenance and rehabilitation funds. A methodology that addresses both the performance and regional climatic aspects is presented. Essential elements of this methodology include clustering techniques for identifying the homogeneous climatic regions and determining serviceability in terms of accepted relationships of roughness and the use of nonlinear optimization to estimate performance curves based on equivalent 18-kip single axle loads and pavement serviceability index parameters. Generic performance curves have been developed for each climatic region. Application of the methodology for the cluster corresponding to the humid region is presented. The proposed methodology is expected to provide support to the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, Strategic Highway Research Program, and the Long-Term Pavement Performance program in their pavement evaluation processes, thus contributing to the ongoing pavement management system in Puerto Rico.