Optimal life-cycle modeling in pavement analysis

Optimisation within the field of asset management has often been described as the quest for the three Rs: Right treatment, Right place at the Right time. When taking all possible influences into account, it is computationally intensive to evaluate the entire landscape of options and identify what is optimal. Whilst software exists which considers elements of user impact, these require extensive calibration. A common simplification to resolve this is the use of the net present value (NPV) approach to life cycle cost (LCC) when comparing treatment types based on cost, discounted to today’s value. The NPV calculation makes a key assumption that once a treatment is required, the same treatment type will be repeatedly applied to the pavement until the analysis periods for the treatments are equitable. This paper describes a practical alternative for selecting treatment options based on a benefit cost ratio (BCR). We show how it is feasible to measure a relative benefit using the integrated differential in condition parameters over the lifetime of the treatment. The BCR is computed by normalising the total net change in condition parameters by the potential treatment cost. Benefits in future years are also discounted such that they may be directly comparable.

• Record URL:
  http://arrbknowledge.com
• Authors:
  • Jethwa, M
  • Topp, S
• Conference:
  • ARRB Conference, 26th, 2014, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Publication Date: 2014-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 9p
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 8.2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Construction management; Mathematical models; Pavement performance; Pavements; Tests for suitability, service and quality
• Uncontrolled Terms: LIFE-CYCLE; Road design and asset management
• ATRI Terms: Cost benefit analysis; Maintenance method; Pavement evaluation; Pavement performance
• ITRD Terms: 2428: Ecobalance
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01548076
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 17 2014 10:55AM