Improving Pavement Sustainability and Resilience: Pavement Life Cycle Cost Analysis Case Study

Abstract

The effects of climate change and extreme weather have caused flooding and inundation of many roadways, resulting in numerous pavement failures and negatively affecting the condition and functionality of pavement networks. This has driven a growing focus on creating resilient infrastructure, including the use of rigid pavement sections in flood-prone areas. The higher cost of these solutions requires justification through performance and economic analyses. In this study, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of rigid and flexible pavement designs is conducted using the North Carolina pavement design procedure to develop equivalent performance across alternatives. Initial and long-term costs were evaluated using deterministic and probabilistic methods. Findings suggest that optimized jointed plain concrete pavement can be a cost-effective alternative in widened lane configurations without shoulder drains. Unbonded concrete overlays also proved to be competitive when rigid pavement pricing remained stable. The high variability in rigid pavement pricing remains a concern. Probabilistic LCCA results revealed that including shoulder drains significantly influences cost-effectiveness. Rigid pavements with high truck traffic volume are required to have shoulder drainage in accordance with the agency's pavement design guidance. In this study, the LCCAs for the rigid pavement alternatives were analyzed with and without shoulder drainage to determine its impact on the cost-effectiveness of rigid pavement. Full-depth asphalt was the most economical option in over 80% of cases when shoulder drains were included, whereas rigid alternatives became more competitive when drains were excluded. Results underscore the need for a balanced approach in pavement design requirements and competitive bidding environments to enhance sustainability, resilience, and cost-effectiveness in pavement investments.