This paper describes an analysis carried out in order to determine several important elements of an optimal pavement maintenance strategy for the Mexican highway network. Specifically, for a series of cases covering all situations in Mexican roads in terms of pavement and traffic characteristics, the following questions are intended to be answered: Based on life-cycle cost concepts, what are the optimal levels for minimum acceptable riding quality, and frequency and importance of maintenance works? For several levels of ride quality and maintenance works, what is the magnitude of the different costs involved during a certain analysis period? Although this work is aimed at answering these questions for Mexican roads, it is considered that the main results are essentially valid for all countries. (A)
Abstract