What are the trade-offs involved in selecting between preventive maintenance and reactive maintenance strategies?

Preventive maintenance involves applying treatments to pavements in good condition to extend their service life and prevent more serious distresses from developing. Reactive maintenance involves repairing pavements after they have already deteriorated. Selecting between these strategies involves several trade-offs. Preventive maintenance typically has a lower initial cost than reactive maintenance, as it is applied to pavements in good condition and involves less extensive repairs. However, preventive maintenance requires a proactive approach and a long-term perspective. Reactive maintenance allows agencies to address immediate needs and respond to emergencies, but it can be more expensive in the long run because the pavements are already in poor condition and require more extensive repairs. Preventive maintenance can extend the service life of pavements, reducing the need for more costly rehabilitation or reconstruction in the future. Reactive maintenance addresses only the immediate problem and does not improve the overall condition of the pavement network. Preventive maintenance can improve ride quality and safety by addressing minor distresses before they become more serious. Reactive maintenance typically addresses only the most severe distresses, leaving other problems unaddressed. Preventive maintenance can be more cost-effective over the long term, as it reduces the need for more expensive repairs and extends the service life of pavements. Reactive maintenance can be more expensive over the long term, as it leads to a cycle of repeated repairs and eventual reconstruction. Preventive maintenance requires a well-established pavement management system to identify pavements that are suitable for preventive treatments. Reactive maintenance can be implemented without a sophisticated management system, but it is less efficient and cost-effective. Ultimately, the choice between preventive and reactive maintenance depends on the agency's goals, resources, and risk tolerance. A balanced approach that combines both preventive and reactive strategies is often the most effective way to manage pavement assets.