Abstract
AASHO flexible pavement design procedures are applied to the design of low cost penetration roads in Guatemala. Cost are reduced by the utilisation of stage construction and the introduction of a risk concept in selecting subgrade design CBR values used in the pavement designs. A parametric benefit model is developed to facilitate calculation of road user cost and to establish pavement staging schedules. Sample calculations and design charts are included to assist in understanding the methodology utilised. Procedures are relatively simple and devoid of sophisticated mathematics so as to be readily applicable by the practising engineer, who is not a specialist in the flexible pavement design.