Project management practices for achieving the service life of flexible pavements in coastal areas

Abstract

The durability of flexible pavements in coastal areas is often affected by premature failures associated not only with structural and environmental factors, but also with deficiencies in road project management. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between project management under the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) approach and the service lifeof flexible pavements. The research adopted an applied approach, with a quantitative methodology and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. Questionnaires were administered to 292 professionals involved in pavement projects, and the data were analyzed using Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient. The results showed a positive and significant correlation between project management and pavement service life (rs = 0.685; p < 0.05). High positive correlations were also identified between initiation–planning processes and the quality of technical design documents (rs = 0.702), as well as between execution–monitoring–control processes and construction quality (rs = 0.714). The closing process showed a moderate positive relationship with pavement maintenance management (rs = 0.581). It is concluded that structured project management is associated with better technical conditions for the durability and performance of flexible pavements. In this regard, the findings highlight the importance of strengthening formal management practices in public road infrastructure projects aimed at improving
infrastructure sustainability and maintenance.