Economic Benefits Assessment of Accelerated Pavement Testing Research in California

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.