The PaveSpec software allows a highway agency to evaluate the quality of the construction by entering measurements of these acceptance quality characteristics. When these values are entered, the program can predict how the constructed pavement will perform and what its life-cycle costs will be. PaveSpec can also simulate the risks and consequences of achieving different levels of quality for a project. These different quality levels can be used to determine whether a contractor receives incentives or disincentives payments. The 2.0 program is an upgraded version of the PaveSpec 1.0 program originally developed by ERES Consultants.
Work is already underway, meanwhile, to further upgrade the software.
Implementing the most basic level of PRS, for example, might include defining the general project information, defining the distress indicator models for pavement performance, and choosing the maintenance and rehabilitation techniques that will be used in response to predicted distress conditions, among other steps. The Indiana DOT used PaveSpec 2.0 in late 1999 to develop PRS for a paving project on I-465 in Indianapolis. The paving is expected to be completed this month. Indiana DOT is now planning a second PRS paving project, while Florida DOT is planning its first project. For both projects, PaveSpec 3.0 will be used.