LTPP TRAFFIC DATABASE AND ITS POTENTIAL IMPACT(S) ON FUTURE PAVEMENT DESIGN

This paper describes the objectives of the United States Long Term Pavement Performance Program (LTPP). Special reference is given to the creation of the National Pavement Performance Data Base, which is the first step towards the achievement of these objectives. The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) is gathering data for this data base through a number of carefully designed studies of in service pavements. These studies have been designed to show the effects upon pavement distress and performance of the following criteria: a) loading; b) environment; c) material properties and quality; d) construction quality; and e) maintenance levels. The traffic data requirements of such a database are discussed, as are the problems involved in collecting and processing the relevant data in a standard manner across a wide range of jurisdictions and geographical areas in both the US and Canada. In all, 52 US state highway agencies and 10 Canadian provinces are participating. The potential of the research and its impact upon future pavement design are also discussed. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 852196.