Cluster-Based Pavement Deterioration Models for Low-Volume Rural Roads

The management of low-volume rural roads in developing countries presents a range of challenges to road designers and managers. Rural roads comprise over 85 percent of the road network in India. The present study aims at development of deterioration models for the optimum maintenance management of the rural roads under a rural road programme namely Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in India. Visual condition survey along the selected low-volume rural roads considers parameters like condition of shoulders, drainage features, cross-drainage structures, and camber, and pavement distresses, namely, potholes, crack area, and edge break, are collected for a period of three years. The deterioration models have a significant role in the pavement maintenance management system. However, the performance of a pavement depends on several factors. Cluster analysis can be used to group the pavement sections so that the performance of pavements in different clusters can be studied. Nonhierarchical clustering technique of k-means clustering was considered. Separate deterioration models have been developed for each of the clusters. A comparison of the models developed with and without clustered sections reveals that the clustering of pavement sections are preferred for the efficient rural road maintenance management. 1. Introduction Rural roads which connect the villages comprise over 85 percent of the road network in India. The rural roads stimulate overall development by providing access to economic and social infrastructure and facilities. Most of these rural roads were neglected in the past, but with the rapid increase of Indian economy and public demand for better road infrastructure, the Government of India has taken up several road building programmes. For the development of these rural roads, a megaroad development program called Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched in December 2000 by the Government of India to provide all-weather connectivity to unconnected rural habitations. Maintenance of these low volume roads is a routine work performed for upkeep of pavement, shoulder, and other facilities provided for road users. Lack of maintenance of the rural roads affects the people in the villages significantly as the time for access to markets and other social infrastructure is increased. The implementation of different rural road projects improved the mobility and there is a need for further emphasis on preservation of the road assets, through timely and appropriate maintenance. The scheduling of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation is a