Non-conformities in flexible pavements: A theoretical and experimental study on pay adjustment

Highway pavements are multi-layered and complex systems. Inspection, sampling and testing are necessary to determine the degree of compliance of the as-constructed pavement with the as-designed pavement (i.e. contract requirements). This phase is called acceptance and a pay adjustment system is finally required in order to assign pay factors and contractors' liabilities. In particular, conditions may occur in which the friction course is a premium material and performs very well, while in the binder course many defects are detected and thus the milling of both the binder and the surface course is required. In such cases, a method to identify liability, estimate pay adjustment and contribute to dispute resolution is needed in order to divide responsibilities and penalties among different subjects and layers. Such a method is proposed. A model, based on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of the flexible pavement has been formalized and an experimental application (case history) is presented. Results demonstrate that acceptance criteria based on pavement experimental investigation and LCCA can give a reliable solution for pay adjustment quantification and subdivision.