This paper explores the economics of replacing chip sealing and thin hot-mix asphalt overlays for highways with surface retexturing using the same shotblasting technology that is used on airport pavements. This technologyis able to restores both the microtexture and macrotexture on pavements that have lost skid resistance due to polishing. An economic analysis of typical highway is conducted to determine the life cycle costs of using various options for the hypothetical project. The study utilizes the Federal Highway Administration pavement life cycle cost methodology and reports the results in Net Present Value basis to compare each skid restoration alternative. The analysis is conducted on two levels. First a traditional deterministic life cycle cost analysis is completed and it is followed by a stochastic analysis of life cycle cost using a Monte Carlo simulation. Thepaper concludes that shotblasting is an economically viable alternative to traditional methods for restoring lost skid resistance. It also allows the desired engineering objective to be achieved without the consumption of additional asphalt binder or aggregate thus making it an environmentallysustainable alternative as well.
Abstract