An Estimation of Pavement Remaining Life Using the Surface Distress Index (SDI)

https://doi.org/10.46610/JoTS.2026.v011i01.002

Abstract

Effective pavement maintenance is essential for ensuring road safety, optimizing performance, and managing infrastructure costs efficiently. This study presents a practical approach for estimating the remaining service life of pavement using the Surface Distress Index (SDI), with a focus on the Kamalbinayak–Dekocha road section in Bhaktapur, Nepal. A comprehensive visual condition survey was conducted to identify and quantify various surface distresses, including cracks, rutting, potholes, and exposed base layers. The distress data were analyzed by segment, and SDI scores were calculated to assess the overall health of the pavement. Based on terrain type and traffic volume, a standard maintenance cycle of six years was implemented. Age correction factors were applied to adjust the pavement age according to the SDI values, allowing for the estimation of the remaining service life for each section. The findings revealed that two out of three segments had already exceeded their expected lifespan, while the third was approaching a critical condition. The overall average remaining life was approximately 0.45 years, indicating an urgent need for maintenance. This SDI-based methodology demonstrates itself as a cost-effective and reliable tool for evaluating pavement conditions and can facilitate improved decision-making in road maintenance planning, particularly in resource-constrained environments.