Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Base Course Using Cold In-Place Recycling: Case Study

Cold in-place recycling (CIR) technology was used in rehabilitation of Nanhuan Road in Handan city, China. A sequence of tests was performed on recycled materials with varied cement and water contents. The testing provides the necessary information to select a cement and water content for proper mix density and optimum stability. Based on this practice, this study also presents life-cycle analysis of asphalt pavement after the rehabilitation. Five medium maintenance projects and one overlay alternative are compared using life-cycle analysis and one of them is recommended to effectively reduce maintenance expense. Finally, economical effect is analyzed and a tool (PaLATE) to assess environmental impacts of the use of CIR technology is introduced. Conclusions of this paper are given as following: (1) an appropriate maintenance strategy is of great importance for improved serviceability and decreased maintenance expenses; and (2) using CIR technology is both cost effective and environmental friendly for base course rehabilitation.