A Simplified Approach using Option Evaluation Systems for Investigating the Optimal Pavement Preservation Strategy of a National Road Network

Abstract

Option evaluation systems (OESs) have been widely recognized as a powerful means for investigating optimal pavement preservation strategies (OPPSs) of road networks in various situations. OESs, however, entail exogenously specified alternatives of pavement preservation. A combined optimization- simulation methodology has been generalized (called GCOSM) for finding optimal maintenance strategies without relying on user specified options in OESs, taking into account of various treatments including resealing, overlay and reconstruction. Based on GCOSM, the objective of the paper is to propose an approach to investigating OPPSs for a national road network in a systematic manner. The HDM-4 system is employed as an OES in the study for Vietnamese national road network. The findings may provide a guideline for highway agencies in better applying the appropriate maintenance policies based on site surveys in terms of pavement conditions and traffic situations with regard in saving the total transport costs to society.