System Dynamic Model for Sustainable Road Rehabilitation Integrating Technical, Economic, and Environmental Considerations
Publication: Journal of Management in Engineering
Volume 38, Issue 5
Abstract
A system dynamics (SD) model was developed to identify the best road strategies for network-level maintenance and rehabilitation, considering technical, environmental, and economic grounds. This SD model uses triangulated research methods and data [e.g., interviews, policy analyses, and the VIZIR Pavement Distress Assessment Method (VPDAM)] to determine and allocate maintenance budgets in specific environmental and operational conditions. The system is tested via a case study at the Tunisian Radès Road Port (RRP). Baseline analyses of the simulation show the networked effects of key factors, including increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, rehabilitation deficits, and climate change with reduced average pavement life. The SD model is calibrated and validated using data from RRP rehabilitation operations from 2020 until 2040. The model is coupled with an optimization module that recommends three optimal pavement solutions for the RRP and three pavement management systems (PMS) policies for improved sustainability. The model is based on sound technical principles, enhancing road function, sustainability, and cost savings. These findings contribute to the literature in PMS, SD modeling, sustainable development, and engineering management.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would sincerely like to thank the Millennium Challenge Corporation for providing the economic, technical, and climate data used in this study; the Radès Port management authority for giving specialist interviews; the École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) and Concordia University researchers for consulting on the project; and the System Dynamics Society for their invaluable programming assistance in building the SD model used in the analysis. The generous contribution of these individuals and organizations made this research possible.
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Published In
Journal of Management in Engineering
Volume 38 • Issue 5 • September 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 24, 2021
Accepted: Mar 3, 2022
Published online: Jun 22, 2022
Published in print: Sep 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Nov 22, 2022
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