Total quality design of pavements surfaced with pavers

This paper describes a total quality approach to the specification of pavements surfaced with pavers, which allows those factors that govern the performance of a pavement to be identified and quantified. Case studies are presented for seven projects that have underperformed and for two projects that have performed well. These case studies are used to define those factors that commonly lead to failure. In addition to the usual technical inputs to the specification procedure, the total quality method also includes an appraisal of any unusual environmental conditions that might prevail. It also takes into account the public profile of the project and how visible the project is to the general public. By integrating these "soft" factors with the traditionally applied technical issues, the paper shows how a pavement can be guaranteed to perform to the client's requirements. A total quality chart is presented that guides its user toward appropriate specifications of all of the critical elements in a pavement.