Why is it essential to have representative data regarding pavement distress?

It is essential to have representative data regarding pavement distress because pavement management decisions are based on accurate assessments of pavement condition. Representative data means the data collected accurately reflects the overall condition of the entire pavement network being managed. If the data is biased or unrepresentative, it can lead to incorrect decisions about which pavements need maintenance or rehabilitation, potentially resulting in wasted resources, premature pavement failures, and increased life-cycle costs. For example, if distress surveys are only conducted on the best-looking sections of a pavement network, the overall condition will be overestimated, and necessary maintenance may be delayed or ignored. Conversely, if surveys are only conducted on the worst-looking sections, the overall condition will be underestimated, and excessive maintenance may be performed. A representative sample ensures that the collected data accurately reflects the true distribution of distress types and severities throughout the network. Proper sampling techniques, such as random sampling or stratified sampling, should be used to ensure that the data is representative. The sample size should also be large enough to provide a statistically significant representation of the pavement network. By using representative data, pavement management agencies can make informed decisions about pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, leading to more effective and efficient use of resources.