Applying Utility Theory to Cost Allocation of Pavement Maintenance and Repair

[[abstract]]Lacking a systematic and effective pavement maintenance strategy, Kaohsiung, the largest industrial city and second most populated metropolitan in Taiwan, struggles to manage its ever-growing urban road network. To help deliver a satisfactory infrastructure facility for public users, this research incorporates a modern pavement management system based on utility theory and integer programming to improve the overall efficiency of Kaohsiung's pavement maintenance practices. The current work establishes guidelines and requirements of a localized pavement management system of Kaohsiung by organizing an expert panel and conducting a series of seminars. This study develops an optimization model involving pavement quality index IRI and traffic volume as the main criteria to support the decision making process of allocating a pavement maintenance budget. Using Kaohsiung urban core roads as the test bed, this study delivers optimal maintenance programs with the greatest total utilities, which represents the maximum benefits to road users. The utility theory mechanism allows simple implementation and fast integration of other performance measures in the future. The utility conversion is a customized process meeting specific local regulations and requirements, making the optimization model more practical and easier to apply in the pavement maintenance program. This model provides a feasible and scientific solution for city officials to identify and prioritize pavement maintenance needs, as well as more effective budgeting