A methodology for evaluating micro-surfacing treatment on asphalt pavement based on grey system models and grey rational degree theory

This paper presents and demonstrates a methodology for evaluating a micro-surfacing treatment on asphalt pavement based on the grey system model and grey relational degree theory. Firstly, over 5,375,000 data points from the Guangdong Province are collected and processed using the Pauta criterion and short-term trends of selected performance indicators including pavement surface condition index (PCI), riding quality index (RQI), rut depth index (RDI), and skid resistance index (SRI) are analysed. Grey models of different types of indicators are then established for predicting long-term performance. A new PQI model was developed using the optimum predicted long-term performance with the application of the grey rational degree theory. Finally, the service life of the micro-surfacing treatment was determined using the new PQI model. Results demonstrate a representative service life over 4.5 years for the micro-surfacing treatment with a critical PQI value of 80. The proposed methodology validated the micro-surfacing treatment as a valuable assessment system that can be successfully applied with or without other pavement maintenance treatments.