Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Flexible and Rigid Pavements for a Major Highway PPP in Turkiye

Abstract: This study investigates the cost-effectiveness of pavement design alternatives for a major highway Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in Turkiye, focusing on two main pavement types: flexible (asphalt) and rigid (concrete) pavements. The objective is to identify the most economical option by analyzing both the initial construction costs and the long-term maintenance costs over a 30-year period. Two different road configurations were considered in the analysis: 2x2 lanes and 2x3 lanes.
The project involves detailed traffic volume projections for each road section, accounting for heavy vehicle loads over the expected lifespan of the highway. Based on these projections, designs were developed for both asphalt and two types of rigid pavement: Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP) and Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).
The initial findings show that asphalt pavement offers the lowest construction costs, making it the most advantageous option at the outset. However, due to the high rehabilitation needs of asphalt over time, it incurs significantly higher maintenance costs, particularly for heavily trafficked sections. Rigid pavements, on the other hand, have higher initial construction costs but require much less maintenance and rehabilitation, making them a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Between the two rigid pavement options, CRCP stands out as the most cost-effective over the 30-year analysis period. While its construction costs are slightly higher than JPCP, CRCP offers lower rehabilitation expenses, fewer maintenance requirements, and better performance in terms of long-term durability. Additionally, CRCP eliminates the need for transverse joints, providing a smoother driving experience comparable to asphalt while maintaining the strength and longevity of concrete.
The study also considers material availability. In Turkiye, cement, a key material for CRCP, is readily available from the domestic market, whereas bitumen, required for asphalt pavement, often needs to be imported. This further strengthens the case for CRCP as the preferred pavement type for this highway project.
In conclusion, CRCP is recommended as the most suitable pavement for the project due to its long-term cost savings, durability, and compatibility with Turkey’s climate and traffic conditions. Its ability to reduce maintenance work and ensure a smooth and safe driving experience makes it the most sustainable option for the high-traffic highways considered in this analysis.