PURPOSES: The objectives of this study are to analyze the current status of pothole during a rainy season and to suggest a future pavement maintenance method via pothole analysis.
METHODS: Potholes are caused by moisture submerged in pavement. The pore pressure caused by traffic and environmental loads causes failure between the aggregate and asphalt binder. Thus, heavy rain is a primary pothole creator, especially in aged pavement. To prevent accidents on roadways, Gyeonggi-do has initiated a fast pothole repair program. However, the number of potholes increase every year. In this study, the current status of potholes and maintenance methods are analyzed. Based on these results, a future pavement maintenance method is suggested.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS : Gyeonggi-do’s pothole situation is worse than Seoul’s. Problems were founded, as follows. The amount of potholes was large, and the number increased annually. Pothole management is done at a basic level, because there is no long-term plan. Potholes occur frequently at the same site because of the poor quality of emergency repair. Finally, there is no systematic and comprehensive pavement management. Thus, pothole prevention measures are ill-prepared. Therefore, to reduce potholes and to manage high quality pavement, it is necessary to make a long-term pavement management plan.