Expected Performance of Pavement Repair Works in a Global Network Optimization Model

Abstract

A global network optimization model has been developed for generating a pavement repair plan using expected performance of pavement repair works. The expected performance of pavement repair works is represented by the expected age (service life) associated with potential repair actions. The expected age defines the anticipated pavement condition improvement obtained from applying a particular repair action. The expected age for each repair action is usually known from either experience or assumed as part of a design procedure. A constrained linear optimization model is formulated with its main objective of optimizing the expected pavement condition improvement. Pavement condition improvement is defined as the age gain in year lane kilometer or average age in years extended to a pavement network as a result of applying potential repair actions. The global linear model is subjected to a single budget constraint enforcing the total budget available for the entire network and limitation constraints placing lower and upper limits on the repair variables. The optimum repair plan provides a macroscopic solution as the repair variables represent pavement proportions that should be treated by the corresponding repair actions. The pavement network is divided into a number of systems with similar pavement structures and loading conditions. Presented sample results have indicated that global network optimization of the pavement management problem may not result in a rational budget allocation among deployed pavement systems. This problem can be solved by enforcing system improvement requirement constraints.