Cost research of flexible pavement and rigid pavement types and effect of compression quality to compressive strength on roller compacted concrete (RCC) pavement

The structure built with surface, base, and subbase layers to carry traffic load on highways is called the road pavement structure. Road pavements are categorized into three types: flexible pavements, rigid pavements, and composite pavements. As types of flexible pavements, Surface Treatment (ST) and Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) roads are applied. As types of rigid pavements, Conventional Cast-in-Place Concrete (CCC) roads and Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) roads are implemented in our country. Although flexible pavements are generally preferred for provincial and village roads in Turkey, dependency on petroleum and high costs have led many administrations to seek alternatives. As a result of this search, rigid pavement types such as RCC and CCC roads are also being preferred for village roads in rural regions of our country. In this study, a cost comparison of flexible and rigid pavement types was investigated. As an example, a village road constructed by the Çanakkale Provincial Special Administration was examined. By comparing the cost per kilometer of roads in Çanakkale villages, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing discussions. Additionally, the compressive strength and density of core samples taken from completed RCC village roads were compared to investigate the effect of compaction quality on strength. As a result of the study, it was found that the initial construction costs of CCC roads are 23,52% higher than those of RCC roads, while the maintenance and repair costs are the same. For flexible pavement types, the initial construction cost of ST roads is approximately 56,46% lower than that of HMA roads. Flexible pavements have the highest maintenance and repair costs. Rigid pavements require lower maintenance and repair expenditures. Although ST roads have lower initial construction costs, when longterm maintenance and repair expenses are considered and annual life-cycle cost calculations are made, ST roads are found to be 6,24% more economical than RCC roads and 16.35% more economical than CCC roads. However, considering that the economic lifespan of ST roads is around 20 years, CCC and RCC roads may ultimately be more costeffective in the long run. Furthermore, test results on core samples taken from RCC roads showed that compaction quality is directly related to density, and strength increases proportionally with density. To meet minimum compressive strength requirements, at least 98% compaction must be achieved, corresponding to a density of 2.40 g/cm³. It has been assessed that as compaction quality and corresponding strength increase, the economic lifespan will be extended, maintenance costs will decrease, and compaction quality will have a significant impact on the overall life-cycle cost. KEYWORDS: Maintenance and repair cost, flexible pavement, initial construction cost, rigid pavement, compaction quality, rcc compressive strength