DA Form 5146-R: Asphalt Pavement Inspection Sheet (LRA)

DA Form 5146-R: Asphalt Pavement Inspection Sheet (LRA) – U.S. Army form used for evaluating the condition of asphalt pavements. It supports the Pavement Maintenance Management system (PAVER) outlined in TM 5-623.

This form helps military installations, engineers, and contractors document pavement distresses, calculate the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), and guide maintenance and repair (M&R) decisions. It remains a key tool for infrastructure management on Army facilities and related projects.

Download the official DA Form 5146-R here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A5146_R.pdf

What Is DA Form 5146-R?

DA Form 5146-R, titled Asphalt Pavement Inspection Sheet (LRA), is a specialized inspection document released in November 1982. The proponent agency is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). It is designed specifically for asphalt-surfaced pavements, including asphalt over concrete.

Inspectors use the form to record visible distress types, measure their quantity and severity, and compute a PCI score (0–100) for each sample unit. This objective rating supports data-driven pavement management.

Purpose and Importance in Pavement Management

The primary purpose of DA Form 5146-R is to support systematic pavement condition surveys as part of the PAVER system in TM 5-623. It enables:

  • Consistent documentation of asphalt pavement distresses.
  • Calculation of the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which rates overall pavement integrity and operational condition.
  • Identification of maintenance and repair needs.
  • Long-term tracking of pavement deterioration for budgeting and planning.

A higher PCI (closer to 100) indicates excellent condition; lower scores signal increasing distress and the need for intervention. This form is essential for military installations managing roads, parking lots, and airfields, and it aligns with broader engineering practices for flexible pavements.

How to Use DA Form 5146-R: Step-by-Step Guide?

  1. Prepare the Pavement Section: Divide the pavement into sections and sample units per TM 5-623 guidelines (typically 5,000–10,000 sq ft for asphalt).
  2. Conduct the Inspection: Walk the sample unit and identify distresses. Use tools like a hand odometer, 10-foot straightedge, and ruler for measurements.
  3. Record Data: Fill in branch, section, date, surveyor, and area details. Document each distress type, quantity, and severity (Low, Medium, High).
  4. Calculate PCI: Determine density, deduct values for each distress, apply correction for multiple distresses, and compute PCI = 100 – Corrected Deduct Value (CDV).
  5. Summarize: Use results for section-level evaluation and M&R planning.

One form is completed per sample unit. Inspections can cover the entire section or use random sampling for efficiency.

Key Distress Types on the Form

The form lists 19 common asphalt pavement distress types. Each is measured in square feet (most), linear feet (some), or count (potholes):

  • Alligator Cracking
  • Bleeding
  • Block Cracking
  • Bumps and Sags
  • Corrugation
  • Depression
  • Edge Cracking
  • Joint Reflection Cracking
  • Lane/Shoulder Drop Off
  • Longitudinal & Transverse Cracking
  • Patching & Utility Cut Patching
  • Polished Aggregate
  • Potholes
  • Railroad Crossing
  • Rutting
  • Shoving
  • Slippage Cracking
  • Swell
  • Weathering and Raveling

For each distress, record quantity and severity levels. Deduct values are assigned based on density and severity using curves in TM 5-623 Appendix C.

Calculating the Pavement Condition Index (PCI)

The PCI is the core output of the form:

  • Measure and rate each distress.
  • Calculate deduct values.
  • Adjust for combined effects (Corrected Deduct Value).
  • Subtract from 100 to get PCI.

This numerical rating standardizes assessments across different pavements and over time, helping prioritize repairs objectively.

Who Uses DA Form 5146-R?

  • U.S. Army engineers and facility managers.
  • USACE personnel.
  • Contractors performing inspections on military installations.
  • Pavement management professionals using the PAVER system.

It is primarily for Department of Defense and Army applications but provides a robust framework adaptable to other asphalt pavement inspection programs.

  • TM 5-623 Pavement Maintenance Management — The primary manual detailing procedures, distress identification, and M&R guidelines.
  • Distress Identification Guides (Appendix B in TM 5-623) for accurate classification.
  • Complementary forms: DA Form 5147-R (Section Evaluation Summary) and others in the PAVER series.

Best Practices:

  • Train inspectors on distress identification and measurement.
  • Perform inspections under appropriate weather and lighting conditions.
  • Retain completed forms for historical records and verification.
  • Combine with materials testing and traffic data for comprehensive evaluations.

Download and Access

Official DA Form 5146-R PDF: Download Here

Always use the latest version from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for official use.

Conclusion

DA Form 5146-R is a vital tool in the U.S. Army’s pavement maintenance management toolkit. By standardizing asphalt pavement inspections and PCI calculations, it helps extend pavement life, optimize maintenance budgets, and ensure safe, functional infrastructure. Whether you’re a military engineer, contractor, or pavement professional working on U.S. Army projects, mastering this form is essential for effective asset management.

For detailed instructions, refer directly to TM 5-623 and consult USACE guidelines. Proper use supports proactive maintenance and cost-effective infrastructure stewardship.