Description

In this research paper, prediction model is developed for the progression of roughness, which is the most important performance indicator of flexible pavements. Since many stretches of flexible pavements in village roads in India are not exposed to routine maintenance for years together due to the paucity of the funds and models are not available for predicting the performance of the pavements under such conditions, this research is focused to develop prediction model for the roughness of flexible pavements exposed to least or nil routine maintenance. Roughness data were collected from the selected in- service pavements (171 stretches in Tamil Nadu state in India) and model is developed using stepwise regression analysis. The model has been validated with independent field data. The versatile roughness prediction model developed in this study will be useful for practicing engineers in managing the flexible pavements in low volume roads exposed to least or nil routine maintenance.