APPLICATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE HIGHWAY DATA BASE TO PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT IN JIANGSU PROVINCE, CHINA

This paper describes a project initiated in 1994 to develop and implement a highway data bank and pavement management system (PMS). The intent was to provide the Jiangsu Provincial Communications Department (JPCD) with a tool to more effectively plan and program highway improvements and in turn maximize the return on limited funds. The paper summarizes the development of the highway data bank and PMS, specifically with regard to the following: 1) data collection and equipment needs assessment; 2) training elements and actual field data collection procedures; 3) design of the data and the PMS; 4) application of the PMS to development of a five-year improvement priority program and budget needs; and 5) on-going use of the PMS and periodic future enhancements.