Project Level Pavement Management Optimization Procedure Combining Optimal Control Theory and HDM-4 Models

Abstract

The paper presents an optimal control theory-based procedure for finding the optimal timing and intensity of pavement maintenance treatments, which was adjusted based on the models for pavement deterioration and road user costs from the HDM-4 and RUCKS models. The model for improvement in pavement condition after a maintenance treatment was calibrated according to Patersons bilinear model. The closed-form solution is then compared to the solution obtained by using genetic algorithms (GAs). In both methodologies special attention was given to the quality of the optimal solution in terms of evaluating: (i) the time between the maintenance treatments; (ii) minimal/maximal thicknesses of overlays calculated in the optimal maintenance plan; and (iii) parameters defining pavement condition before and after the maintenance treatment. The comparison between the two methodologies allowed analyzing limitations in each one of them and led to improvements in the optimal solution.