Many important decisions are necessary in order to successfully provide and manage a pavement network. At the heart of this process is the prediction of needed future construction events. One approach to providing a single numeric on the condition of a pavement network is the use of pavement remaining service life (RSL). However, many issues exist with the current RSL terminology and resulting numeric that complicate proper interpretation, interagency data exchange, and use. A major source of uncertainty in the current RSL definition is the use of the term “life” to represent multiple points in the pavement construction history. The recommended path to consistency involves adopting terminology of time remaining until a defined construction treatment is required (i.e., RSL is replaced by remaining service interval (RSI)). The term “RSI” has the ability to unify the outcome of different approaches to determine needs by focusing on when and what treatments are needed and the service interruption created. This report provides guidelines for implementing the RSI concept as a replacement to the current remaining life terminology for pavements. The RSI concept is broken down into a series of steps that follow a logical progression. Examples of the concept are presented using pavement engineering methodologies in current use. Suggestions are also provided based on the results of the RSI process. While this report focuses on pavements, it is also applicable to other types of transportation infrastructure. A companion report presents the framework for replacing the current RSL terminology with one based on more exact construction event terms.

This report is intended for use by pavement managers and pavement investment decisionmakers across the United States.