Pavement Condition Index

The PCI survey is a standardized procedure for visually inspecting pavement samples by recording distress types, quantities, and severities in accordance with the methods described in ASTM D5340-20 and FAA AC 150/5380-7B.

For each inspected sample, the quantity and severity of defined distresses are recorded and analyzed in accordance with ASTM D5340-20, which identifies 17 flexible pavement (AC) distress types and 16 rigid pavement (PCC) distress types. The table below identifies these distress types.

The PAVER User Guide's clarifies that each distress type falls into one of three categories, as displayed in the tables below.

Any given distress may have more than one cause. For example, depression may be caused by inadequate compaction during construction, or by subgrade softening due to environmental factors, or even by prolonged point loads. In addition, a distress may be initiated by one cause but may progress to a distress of higher severity by another cause. Therefore, engineering judgment is critical in analyzing the actual cause or causes of the distress.

To obtain the section PCI, the distresses and PCI of each inspected sample unit get extrapolated over the entire section. Distresses found in sample units classified as “additional,” which are defined as non-representative instead of random, are not extrapolated over the entire section but merely added to the extrapolated quantity. The table below gives a detailed description of each PCI rating category and shows the seven-category PCI scale.

Section 4.1 of ASTM D5340-20 governing PCI surveys offers this caution:

“The PCI is a numerical indicator that rates the surface condition of the pavement. The PCI provides a measure of the present condition of the pavement based on the distress observed on the surface of the pavement which also indicates the structural integrity and surface operational condition (localized roughness and safety). The PCI cannot measure the structural capacity; neither does it provide direct measurement of skid resistance or roughness. It provides an objective and rational basis for determining maintenance and repair needs and priorities. Continuous monitoring of the PCI is used to establish the rate of pavement deterioration, which permits early identification of major rehabilitation needs. The PCI provides feedback on pavement performance for validation or improvement of current pavement design and maintenance procedures.” 10

Therefore, it is imperative that engineers and planners treat the PCI as a tool that will assist them during the M&R planning process. Any major project should always be preceded by an up-to-date detailed project level evaluation of the pavement in order to re-evaluate maintenance needs prior to the project design process.