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:
  http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/04-06sma-f.pdf
• Record URL:
  http://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/handle/1793/53454/SMA%2520Final%2520ReportCompiled_Submitted%25208-16.06.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Applied Research Associates, Incorporated

  505 West University Avenue
  Champaign, IL  United States  61820-3915

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Bureau of Highway Construction, 3502 Kinsman Boulevard
  Madison, WI  United States  53704

  Federal 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