Comparison of performance of overlay pavements constructed on deteriorated concrete pavements using LTPP database

Deteriorated roads should be rapidly repaired to minimize traffic congestion when detours are unavailable. Various overlay methods have been developed to achieve effective repairs of aged and deteriorated concrete pavements. To select the most effective type of overlay, it is necessary to analyze and compare the performance of various types of overlay pavement sections. In this study, the performances of Unpretreated Asphalt Overlay (UAO), Pretreated Asphalt Overlay (PAO), and Bonded Concrete Overlay (BCO) sections constructed on Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP), Jointed Reinforced Concrete Pavement (JRCP), and Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) were analyzed and compared using the U.S. Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. Calculations of the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of overlay sections were performed and predictions and comparisons of their lifespans were made. In addition, correlations between predicted lifespans and related factors were analyzed based on overlay type. It was mainly concluded that the BCO pavement showed the best performance whereas the UAO pavement had the worst performance of the three overlay types.