Determining Performance, Economic, and Environmental Benefits of Pavement Preservation Treatments: Results from a Systematic Framework for PMS

This study evaluated the benefits of pavement preservation treatments across two climatic zones using data from the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Pavement Preservation Group Study. Longitudinal data analysis was conducted to quantify pavement performance over time. Results indicate that in the freeze zone, treatments significantly improved pavement smoothness, as evidenced by reductions in the progression of the International Roughness Index (IRI), whereas similar trends were not observed in the no-freeze region, highlighting the need for further research to quantify the benefits in these zones. Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) showed that selected preservation treatments reduced user costs by 54–57% due to lower excess fuel consumption, particularly in high-traffic corridors. These treatments also contributed to reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by decreasing fuel use. Despite these findings, comprehensive, high-quality data are needed to fully evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of preservation treatments at the project level and to improve decision-making in pavement management strategies.