Abstract

This paper describes the application of an integrated pavement management optimization model that includes both Life-cycle assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis, on a road network. The objective of this paper is to find an optimal maintenance plan at the network level that minimizes the total cost to society, which is the sum of: (i) the environmental impact cost during the entire pavement life-cycle; (ii) agency costs (i.e. cost of pavement maintenance and improvement works); and (iii) user costs (or vehicle operating cost, VOC). The model explores the relative significance of each phase of a pavement Life-cycle assessment on the overall environmental footprint of a road, namely: (i) production of materials, (ii) transportation, (iii) placement and maintenance activities, (iv) usage, and (v) the end-of-life. The paper also shows how change in components such as traffic or unit price of CO2 may have an impact on the overall results.