Development of a mult-objective strategic management approach to improve decisions for pavement management practices in local agencies
Multiple objectives are often used by agencies trying to manage pavement networks. Often alternative investment strategies can accomplish the agencies’ target objectives. If the goal is to achieve the target objectives at the minimum cost, an approach is needed to assist agencies in identifying inve...
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| Format: | Others |
| Language: | en_US |
| Published: |
2010
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1278 http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1278 |
| Summary: | Multiple objectives are often used by agencies trying to manage pavement networks.
Often alternative investment strategies can accomplish the agencies’ target objectives. If the
goal is to achieve the target objectives at the minimum cost, an approach is needed to assist
agencies in identifying investment strategies capable of meeting the targets while
minimizing costs.
The approach used by the agency should not be limited to an analytical method to
mathematically solve the funding allocation problem. Finding mechanisms to ensure the
sustainability and efficiency of the investment strategy over time is a great challenge that
needs to be addressed by the approach. The challenge is even greater for local agencies
where resources are usually limited.
This research develops a multi-objective strategic management approach oriented to
improving decisions for pavement management practices in local agencies. In this approach, target objectives are tied to key pavement network parameters in the management process.
A methodology to identify the best combination of projects to meet target objectives at the
minimum cost while maximizing treatment effectiveness is provided as a result of the
research.
Concepts from the pavement management program (PMP) of the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MTC) of the San Francisco Bay Area were used as a basis for
developing the methodology. Four pavement network parameters are considered for setting
the target objectives over the agency’s planning horizon: the average network pavement
condition index (PCI), average network remaining life, percent of the pavement network in
good condition, and percent of the pavement network in poor and very poor condition.
Results from a case study show that funding allocation methods influence the
allocation of preservation and rehabilitation funds among pavement network groups,
affecting budget estimates and future condition of the pavement network. It is also
concluded that the use of mechanisms that facilitate data integration and the flow of
knowledge across management levels can contribute to making better informed decisions.
Hence, the adoption of the multi-objective strategic pavement management approach
developed in this dissertation should lead to identifying more efficient investment strategies
for achieving the pavement network state desired by a local agency at a minimum cost. |
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