Life cycle methodology for evaluating alternative options for low volume road development

Some infrastructure, such as low volume roads in remote areas, provides particular challenges. Such roads may significantly improve social and economic well-being for their communities, such as better access, increased tourism, and cheaper cost of living. However, despite these advantages to the communities served by low volume roads, such roads may be difficult to justify on an economic basis. These roads may also have special development and maintenance requirements constrained by environmental requirements, the availability of suitable materials, access to road construction plant and the like. Assessing alternative options for their development therefore requires the consideration of wide criteria, both quantitative and qualitative. This paper describes initial and proposed research into the adaptation to this problem of a theoretical process, developed by the author, for modelling life cycle infrastructure development and management, which uses multiple inputs and multi-criteria objectives. The process is based on a strategic, integrated view of the complex processes involved, and of the underlying systems and sub-systems, and uses a systems approach to take account of both quantitative and qualitative factors. In particular, this process is based on a combination of flowcharting and analysis techniques, and uses a combination of analytical techniques and stakeholder input to relate inputs to results. Use is made in this process of paired comparison techniques, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The desired outcome of this research is a process for comparison of options for infrastructure planning, development and management on a life cycle basis, using systems concepts understood by practitioners but based on theoretical underpinnings. While such a process may be used for a wide range of infrastructure projects, it has particular application in evaluating development options for low volume roads, an evaluation process, which is difficult to undertake on the basis of economics alone.