Project-Level Sustainable Asphalt Roadway Treatment Selection Framework Featuring a Flowchart and Analytic Network Process

Abstract

Sustainable development is one of the most widely studied contemporary issues in the transportation sector. However, few of the existing project-level, sustainability-oriented decision tools account for complex interdependencies between elements of the triple bottom line of sustainability. To address this gap, this paper proposes a decision flowchart that covers sustainable treatment alternatives for asphalt roadways and an analytic network process (ANP)-based treatment technique evaluation model that considers technical, economic, social, and environmental factors and their interdependencies. A survey of state departments of transportation (DOTs) was conducted to collect background information and inputs for the ANP model. Research deliverables were validated through an interview with officials at the New York State DOT along with two demonstration case studies based on real-world roadway rehabilitation projects. It was concluded that the proposed decision framework generates rational recommendations and can be effective in establishing quick and reliable decision-making procedures for sustainable asphalt roadway treatment selection. This work is expected to contribute to the body of knowledge on how to make decisions under complex and interdependent factors from sustainability perspectives.