Development of New Network Optimization Model for Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Abstract

A new pavement network optimization model based on the Markov decision process (MDP) is presented. The new model is a global optimization model in which the entire network can be optimized without being divided into mutually independent groups. Current MDP models in use for pavement management use only one routine maintenance model for all types of rehabilitation and reconstruction treatments. The new formulation provides separate routine maintenance models for each type of treatment, which is more realistic than the currently available formulations. Methods for estimating pavement maintenance and rehabilitation benefits are described. These methods can be used for the optimization models with objectives of maximization when inadequate data are available to consider road user costs. The model has been applied to the network-level pavement management system for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Results of example runs are discussed.