An optimum selection strategy of reflective cracking mitigation methods for an asphalt concrete overlay over flexible pavements

Abstract

Reflective Cracking (RC) has been a daunting challenge in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R), yet, still, after several decades of research, no exclusive solution prevails. Moreover, RC mitigation methods have shown significant variation in in situ performance. Therefore, a technique tailored to select an effective RC mitigation method is essential for the success of pavement M&R. In this study, a life cycle cost (LCC) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) analyses were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of currently available RC mitigation methods and to select the optimal method for an asphalt concrete overlay above flexible pavements. The MCDM includes three components: LCC, performance, and materials (recyclability). These criteria determine the selection ranking of each RC mitigation method. In addition, the effects of the priority level including cost, performance, and recyclability on the final decision were evaluated by conducting a series of sensitivity analysis under multiple scenarios; therefore, weight combination of the three criteria were recorded to define the measurements affecting the final decision.

Keywords:

• Reflective cracking
• reflective cracking mitigation
• asphalt concrete overlay
• life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA)
• multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM)

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the financial support of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The authors thank Mr. James Greene from FDOT for his valuable comments and advices. Any opinions, and conclusions presented in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsoring agency.