2011 - Canada - Sustainability Through PMS

In this case study, the City of Abbotsford’s pavement management system is used to demonstrate the use of pavement deterioration and maintenance cost forecasting models, which makes it possible to perform a complete life cycle cost analysis on pavements. There are usually many alternative feasible strategies for preserving a given pavement segment. Each alternative strategy can include one or more successive treatments. Each alternative strategy is also associated with different routine preservation and maintenance costs. All of the theoretically possible strategies are generated with analysis software and can then be optimized and prioritized under various budget scenarios. This allows for the rigorous economic justification of comprehensive programs that minimize the net present value costs and maintain pavement networks in a sustainable manner. Moreover, the City uses this system to arrive at network funding levels which are not only saving it citizens millions of dollars in direct and indirect costs but is also reducing the City’s GHG gasses.

The study shows that not only do “Good Roads Cost Less” in terms of direct maintenance and rehabilitation cost, they also significantly reduce road user costs and overall Green House Gas emissions.