Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of SMA Pavement and SMA Application Guidelines
The objective of this research project was to provide a comparative cost analysis of pavements constructed using stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures versus those built with Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT’s) conventional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures, based on parallel life-cycles (inclusive of any required maintenance) and resultant performance. The research entailed a thorough evaluation of SMA and conventional HMA mixture performance on Wisconsin highways, collection and review of SMA and conventional HMA unit costs, and full-scale life-cycle costing to determine the cost-effectiveness of SMA pavements. Performance analysis, consisting of Pavement Distress Index (PDI) and International Roughness Index (IRI) threshold-based life projections combined with survival analysis techniques, resulted in SMA and HMA overlay service life estimates when placed on three groups of like pavements: (1) low-volume asphalt pavements on U.S./State routes, (2) high-volume jointed reinforced concrete (JRC) pavements on Interstate/U.S. routes, and (3) moderate-volume JRC pavements on U.S./State routes. Based on the results of the performance analysis, pavement life-cycle models were developed for SMA and HMA overlays corresponding to each group. Using the life-cycle models and historical-based best estimates of pay item unit costs, deterministic and probabilistic life-cycle cost analyses (LCCAs) were conducted. For group 1 overlay applications, SMA was found to be more cost-effective than conventional HMA, leading to the recommendation that SMA mixture use under this scenario be considered on a case-by-case basis. For group 2 and 3 overlay applications, the reverse was observed, with HMA found to be more cost-effective. However, a similar recommendation for SMA use under these scenarios was given, based on indications that the SMA overlays examined in the study were placed on rougher (possibly more deteriorated) pavements.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Applied Research Associates, Incorporated
505 West University Avenue
Champaign, IL United States 61820-3915Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Bureau of Highway Construction, 3502 Kinsman Boulevard
Madison, WI United States 53704Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Smith, K L
- Titus-Glover, L
- Rao, S
- Von Quintus, H L
- Stanley, M
- Publication Date: 2006-8-16
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 100p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Concrete pavements; Cost effectiveness; Hot mix asphalt; Life cycle costing; Overlays (Pavements); Pavement distress; Pavement performance; Service life; Stone matrix asphalt; Unit costs
- Identifier Terms: International Roughness Index
- Geographic Terms: Wisconsin
- Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Finance; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01033127
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: WHRP 06-11
- Contract Numbers: SPR # 0092-04-06
- Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Sep 25 2006 3:33PM