Evaluating the Benefits of Accelerated Pavement Testing

Abstract

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.

Economic Benefits Assessment of Accelerated Pavement Testing Research in California

“…These engineers have first-hand knowledge of the HVS test and rehabilitation project that are the subject of this case study. During these interviews, the various rehabilitation alternatives, probabilities for implementation, costs, and perceived effects and benefits were discussed (10). Interviews provided a wide range of opinions as well as the inputs needed for analysis, such as the probability for each alternative and the extent to which the HVS test contributed to benefits.…”

Case Study for Evaluating Benefits of Pavement Research

“…[More information and background details are available elsewhere (7)(8)(9).] The cost-benefit method used in this study is consistent with Caltrans practices for evaluating economic benefits and life-cycle analysis (12) of transportation projects and procedures in the FHWA economic analysis primer (13).…”

“…Detailed descriptions of the methodology for calculating the benefits of HVS research have been published elsewhere (6)(7)(8). This paper presents the latest results from use of the method (June 2012).…”

“…The purpose of the pilot project is to determine the potential for adaption of the method to California conditions. The original and interim work has been published elsewhere (7)(8)(9). This paper presents the final results from June 2012.…”