Quantitative Assessment of Key Performance Indicators Influencing the Pavement Condition Index for Cold Mix Asphalt Pavement in Low Volume Roads

Sailas Fanuel Dilliwa; Jubily Musagasa

doi:10.37284/eaje.9.1.4450

Sailas Fanuel Dilliwa Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology
Jubily Musagasa, PhD Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eaje.9.1.4450

Keywords: Pavement Condition Index (PCI), Cold Mix Asphalt, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Rutting Depth, International Roughness

Share Article:

Abstract

This study quantitatively examines the factors affecting the performance of low-volume cold mix asphalt pavements using a data-driven analytical framework. Documented field records and historical pavement performance data from costal region were used to evaluate seven Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Rutting Depth (RD), International Roughness Index (IRI), Crack Density (CD), Moisture in Subgrade (MS), Traffic Load (TL), Rainfall (RF), and Binder Content (BC). Descriptive statistics, Stability Index (SI), correlation analysis, and a combined weighting method were applied to assess deterioration patterns and the relative influence of each KPI on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Correlation analysis showed strong negative relationships between PCI and RD (-0.99), IRI (-0.995), CD (-0.985), MS (-0.997), TL (-0.995), and RF (-0.992), indicating declining pavement condition with increasing distress, loading, and environmental factors. BC demonstrated a strong positive correlation (0.991), highlighting its significance in maintaining pavement durability. Stability Index results identified BC (SI = 16.953) as the most stable and reliable parameter, while CD (SI = 1.017) and RD (SI = 1.339) were the most variable. The combined weighting analysis ranked BC (23%), RF (19%), and MS (18%) as the most influential KPIs, followed by TL (17%) and IRI (14%), with RD (7%) and CD (2%) having lower impacts. Min–max normalization ensured comparability across variables with different units and scales, and radar plots were used to visualise overall KPI contributions. The study provides a comprehensive evidence base for predictive modeling of PCI and recommends improved binder design, moisture control, traffic regulation, and timely maintenance to enhance pavement service life and performance

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Chikuni, E., & Mbewe, M. (2021). Sustainable road maintenance practices: Indicators and implications for rural road networks in Malawi. Sustainable Cities and Society, 65.

Cook, J., Petts, R., & Kalumba, D. (2014). Rural Road Maintenance: Sustaining the Benefits of Improved Access. GIZ.

Cook, J., & Petts, R. C. (2003). Low-Cost Road Construction and Maintenance: A Guide for Developing Countries. Intermediate Technology Publications.

Dube, M., & Moyo, T. (2018). Comparative analysis of labor-based and equipment-based road maintenance methods in Zimbabwe. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 24(4).

FHWA. (2013). Life-Cycle Cost Analysis in Pavement Design: Interim Technical Bulletin. U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration.

Ghorbanikia, H., Jahangiri, B., & Vafaeipour, M. (2021). Development of a hybrid model for pavement condition prediction using machine learning approaches. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 22(9), 1190–1204.

Gourley, C. S., & Greening, P. A. (1999). Performance of Low Volume Sealed Roads: Results and Recommendations from Studies in Southern Africa. TRL Limited.

Greening, P., & Spon, E. (2012). Low Volume Road Design Manual for Sub-Saharan Africa. DFID.

Hair, J. F., Celsi, M., Money, A., Samouel, P., & Page, M. (2016). Essentials of Business Research Methods (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Huang, Y. H. (2004). Pavement Analysis and Design (2nd ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.

Jones, T., & Petts, R. (2000). Rural Road Maintenance. A Manual for Practitioners. ILO/DFID.

Nkhata, B., & Chikuni, E. (2020). Assessing the effectiveness of labor-based maintenance methods for rural roads in Malawi. Journal of Transport and Land Use, 13(1), 123-140.

Rahman, M. S., & Ward, J. G. (1997). Performance of Low Volume Roads on Weak Subgrade Soils. ARRB Group.

Tiwari, G., & Jain, S. (2017). Sustainable practices in road maintenance: A comparative study of labor-based and mechanized methods. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 11(5), 345-357.