Development of a multi criteria decision analysis model for pavement maintenance at the network level: Application of the MACBETH approach

Abstract

This paper proposes the application of the MACBETH approach for the development of a multi criteria value model to enable the prioritization of maintenance and rehabilitation interventions in the pavements of road networks according to technical, economic, and social aspects. A case-study design considering the Portuguese network was undertaken to illustrate the proposed approach. Using an interactive structuring process developed with the decision-maker, a set of five evaluation criteria related to maintenance costs, traffic, pavement condition, safety, and social equity were defined. The MACBETH approach was then used to build value functions and establish relative weights for the criteria. An application of the resulting model was made to a portfolio of possible intervention projects, prioritizing them according to the principle of benefit/cost maximization. The case-study demonstrated the application of the MACBETH approach and its suitability to solve the decision-making problem, thus proving the usefulness of this approach for road agencies with pavement management responsibilities.