Project Details

Abstract

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) currently relies on the Pavement Quality Rating (PQR) as the primary performance indicator within its pavement management system. Although PQR is conceptually bounded between 0 and 5, the existing formulations occasionally produce negative values due to nonlinear distress transformations, reducing interpretability and limiting long-term forecasting reliability. This research aims to refine, calibrate, and validate an improved PQR model that addresses these deficiencies while aligning with national performance metrics. The study aims to document existing pavement performance practices from state agencies and research institutions, evaluate and modify the current PQR equations to ensure bounded and explainable outputs, incorporate a layered cracking taxonomy, quantify the influence of traffic loading and pavement structural characteristics, and validate predictive capability using historical distress datasets. Expected outcomes include a robust, bounded PQR equation, decision-support thresholds, and associated implementation tools for integration into WYDOT’s pavement management workflows. The resulting model will improve data-driven decision-making, support cost-effective rehabilitation planning, and enhance long-term asset management capability. The project will also provide educational and technology transfer benefits through student engagement, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

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