A cost–benefit analysis method for determining the economic benefits of heavy vehicle simulator testing was evaluated. The University of California and its research partners began conducting accelerated pavement testing in 1994 on behalf of the California Department of Transportation. The authors present the findings of a pilot project intended to define a method suitable for measuring the direct economic benefits of heavy vehicle simulator testing in California. The chosen method was based on a cost–benefit analysis initially developed in Australia and later enhanced and applied in South Africa to determine economic benefits of their respective accelerated pavement testing programs. Results of a case study applying the Australian–South African method to heavy vehicle simulator tests conducted in California are presented. The case study evaluated benefits (in cost savings) from heavy vehicle simulator tests performed to validate innovative pavement mixes and designs proposed for the rehabilitation of a high-traffic urban Interstate route in the Los Angeles, California, area. Although local conditions in these countries differed significantly, the method was successfully applied and consistently showed positive results, presented as discounted net present value and benefit–cost ratio. Sensitivity analysis is recommended to determine a range of savings instead of a single benefit–cost ratio.

A pilot study was conducted to determine the direct economic benefits of accelerated pavement testing with heavy vehicle simulators in California. The study discusses the identification and comparison of methods used in various countries to determine the benefits from the research. The study highlights approaches in use since the 1990s, compares alternative methods in a global context, and describes the attributes of an economic evaluation methodology applied to benefits from accelerated pavement testing that was initially developed and used in Australia and subsequently enhanced in South Africa. Promising developments include a toolbox created recently in the United States, consisting of more than 30 measures, in which European and Asian transportation research agencies have expressed substantial interest. The pilot study identified a wide variety of methods at state, national, and international levels and found an emphasis on qualitative benefits. Case studies found that the Australian and South African methodology provided advantages such as quantitative, direct economic benefits (a benefit–cost ratio of around 10:1); an analysis of alternative outcomes; accounting for uncertainty; and validation interviews with implementers of research findings. Challenges identified in using this methodology included intensive cost, labor, and time requirements; sensitivity to assumptions; and subjective input.

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Heavy-duty pavement innovations developed through research for a major rehabilitation project in California were evaluated. The performance benefits of the innovations were examined, and the economic benefits from implementation of the pavement designs were analyzed. Benefits are presented through descriptions of the rehabilitation project, background on the development of long-life pavement rehabilitation innovations, and design requirements that limit permanent deformation (rutting) within the first 5 years of service. Results from field measurements confirmed that the innovative pavements met the performance criterion. The final results of a pilot study to quantify direct benefits stemming from accelerated pavement testing are presented. Cost–benefit analysis that included agency costs with and without road user costs was used, and the influence of the discount rate in net present value calculations is given. Road user costs had a significant influence on cost–benefit calculations, especially in the case of a heavily congested freeway. This influence led to cost savings ranging from $1.128 million to $121.570 million, which emphasized the importance of performing a sensitivity analysis instead of reporting a single estimate of savings and benefit–cost ratio. The final results showed clear field performance benefits of the pavement innovations and indicated positive economic benefits from the research that led to innovations.

How the California Department of Transportation Accelerated Pavement Testing (CAL/APT) Program was established is described. Discussion includes history of the program, search for full-scale pavement testing technology suitable to California, results of a pilot project conducted on test pavements built in South Africa, laboratory tests included in the CAL/APT program, and development of an organization to manage CAL/APT and implement its products. A status report on testing and planning is included.