IRC Code 82: Preventive Maintenance - The Key to Long-Lasting, Resilient Roads

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Proper road maintenance is crucial to ensure safety, longevity, and economic efficiency in any country's transportation network. In India, where roads play a significant role in the movement of goods and people, the need for a structured and proactive maintenance approach is paramount. The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) has addressed this need through IRC Code 82:2015 – Code of Practice for Maintenance of Bituminous Road Surfaces.

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This revised code emphasizes preventive maintenance as a cornerstone for preserving road assets and ensuring optimal performance throughout their service life. This blog explores the objectives, techniques, and significance of preventive maintenance as per IRC 82:2015, and why it should be prioritized by highway authorities, engineers, and infrastructure planners.

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Understanding IRC Code 82:2015

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First published in 1982 and revised in 2015, IRC 82:2015 provides a comprehensive framework for the maintenance of bituminous road surfaces. It incorporates advances in materials, equipment, and road management strategies to offer a structured approach to road upkeep. The code classifies maintenance into three main types:

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• Routine Maintenance – Regular tasks such as pothole repairs, patching, and crack sealing.

• Preventive Maintenance – Timely treatments applied before significant deterioration occurs.

• Periodic Maintenance – Scheduled renewal works based on the pavement’s performance and age.

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Among these, preventive maintenance is highlighted as the most cost-effective and impactful strategy to delay expensive rehabilitation and reconstruction.

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What is Preventive Maintenance in Road Infrastructure?

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Preventive maintenance refers to early interventions on roads that are still in good or fair condition to preserve their integrity and delay future damage. According to IRC 82, preventive maintenance extends the functional life of pavement surfaces by addressing potential issues before they escalate.

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Key Objectives of Preventive Maintenance:

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• Extend pavement life

• Improve safety and surface performance

• Reduce vehicle operating costs

• Delay the need for major rehabilitation

• Optimize maintenance budgets

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Preventive maintenance is not reactive; it is a planned, strategic intervention meant to safeguard investments made in road construction.

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Why Preventive Maintenance is Essential

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The IRC 82 guidelines strongly advocate preventive maintenance due to its multifaceted benefits:

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1. Economic Efficiency

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Investing in preventive treatments saves significant costs in the long run. The code states that a timely preventive maintenance program can yield an economic return of 15 to 20 percent, depending on road category and traffic volume.

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2. Enhanced Road Safety

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Road surfaces treated proactively are smoother and safer, reducing the risks of accidents caused by poor skid resistance, potholes, or surface cracks.

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3. Reduction in Pollution and Fuel Consumption

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Well-maintained roads minimize fuel consumption, thus contributing to reduced emissions and operating costs for vehicles.

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4. Improved Road User Experience

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Good-quality roads ensure a smooth, comfortable ride for commuters and reduce travel time and vehicle wear and tear.

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Key Preventive Maintenance Treatments as per IRC Code 82

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1. Crack Sealing

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Applied to hairline, transverse, longitudinal, and reflection cracks using bituminous or rubberized sealants. This treatment prevents water ingress, which is a primary cause of structural damage in pavements.

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2. Fog Seal

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A thin application of diluted bitumen emulsion used on dry or aged surfaces. It restores flexibility and prevents raveling.

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3. Slurry Seal / Microsurfacing

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Used for minor surface corrections, these treatments improve skid resistance and overall surface texture, making the pavement safer and more durable.

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4. Surface Dressing

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Applied using bitumen and aggregate to improve skid resistance and protect against surface oxidation.

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5. Patching and Minor Repairs

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Localized defects such as potholes or shallow depressions are addressed using open-graded or dense-graded bituminous mixes.

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When Should Preventive Maintenance Be Applied?

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Preventive maintenance should be scheduled before visible distress becomes severe. IRC 82 provides detailed tables (5.1 to 5.3) for evaluating road condition based on:

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• Cracking percentage

• Potholes and patching extent

• Rut depth

• Surface roughness

• Skid resistance

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These indicators help assign a pavement rating (Good, Fair, or Poor), which in turn guides the maintenance strategy.

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Example:

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• Highways: Preventive maintenance should begin before the road transitions from “Good” (rating > 2.1) to “Fair” (rating 1.1–2).

• Urban Roads: Interventions are required when skid resistance drops below 55 SN (Skid Number) or roughness exceeds 2600 mm/km.

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Planning Preventive Maintenance Activities

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1. Pavement Condition Surveys

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Condition evaluation is critical. IRC 82 prescribes:

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• Visual Assessments (Appendix 1)

• Measurement-Based Evaluations (Appendix 2)

• Instrumented Surveys (Appendix 3)

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These surveys identify distress type, location, and severity to aid in planning suitable interventions.

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2. System-Based Maintenance Planning

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The code promotes the Pavement Maintenance Management System (PMMS) – a framework that supports:

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• Identifying maintenance needs

• Setting priorities

• Allocating resources effectively

• Monitoring pavement performance

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PMMS ensures data-driven, systematic decision-making for maintaining road infrastructure.

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Tools, Equipment, and Safety Measures

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IRC Code 82 also details the tools and techniques required for preventive maintenance:

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• Hand tools for crack filling and patching

• Bitumen sprayers for fog seals and surface dressing

• Mobile road maintenance units for mechanized treatments

• Traffic safety devices like cones, barriers, and signage to protect workers and commuters during maintenance activities

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Conclusion: IRC Code 82 as a Strategic Guide for Road Longevity

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IRC Code 82:2015 offers a well-structured approach to maintaining bituminous road surfaces with a strong emphasis on preventive maintenance. By focusing on early intervention and efficient resource use, this code empowers road engineers and agencies to maintain road quality, reduce life-cycle costs, and ensure commuter safety.

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Preventive maintenance is no longer optional; it is an essential practice for building and sustaining resilient roads in India’s growing infrastructure ecosystem. Adopting these guidelines can lead to smarter investments, safer roads, and more sustainable development.

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RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing artificial intelligence and computer vision AI to revolutionize road safety and management. By leveraging advanced computer vision artificial intelligence and digital twin technology, the platform enables the early detection of potholes, cracks, and other road surface issues, ensuring timely repairs and better road conditions. With a mission to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI tackles challenges like traffic congestion and ensures full compliance with IRC Codes. By empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights, the platform reduces costs, minimizes risks, and enhances the overall transportation experience.