Visual Condition Survey (VCS) / Pavement Condition Evaluation

Surface distress is damage observed on the pavement surface. Visual Condition Surveys are performed to determine the type, severity and quantity of distress. Types of distress can be grouped as follows:

• Surface defects – ravelling, bleeding.
• Deformation – Rutting, depressions.
• Cracking – Longitudinal, ‘alligator’, edge breakup.
• Surface Openings – Patching, pothole, road disintegration.

Severity and quantity ratings can be applied for each type of defect.

Typically the severity is considered as one of three ratings – low, moderate or high, while the quantity/extent of the distress is occasional, frequent or extensive. An example of defect rating criteria can be found in the N.R.A. Pavement Evaluation Procedure.