Simulation-Based Individualized Airfield Pavement Maintenance Recommendations to Reduce Total Cost of Ownership for the U.S. Air Force

Abstract

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) estimates it has a $33 billion deferred maintenance backlog within its $263 billion infrastructure portfolio. While the USAF has had recent success advocating for additional funding, new investment and maintenance strategies are ultimately needed to reduce the cost of ownership of its infrastructure while addressing risk and performance-based requirements. This paper documents a simulation-based methodology to implement a portfolio-wide, lowest life-cycle cost strategy projected to provide a $126 million annualized savings. The RAMPSS algorithm developed through this research provides a strategic, decision-making support tool to help reverse the growing maintenance backlog. Analysis from RAMPSS of the USAF’s pavement portfolio suggests that airfields are generally more cost-effective to maintain if kept in better conditions with strategies other than localized preventative maintenance.