Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Low-Volume Roads using Selected Surfacing Options for Long-Term Pavement Performance: A Case Study of Lawate-Kibong'oto and Bago-Talawande Roads

Lilian John; Jubily Musagasa

doi:10.37284/eaje.8.2.4087

Lilian John Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology
Jubily Musagasa, PhD Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eaje.8.2.4087

Keywords: Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Low-Volume Roads, Road Surfacing, Tanzania, Infrastructure Investment, Long-Term Pavement Performance

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Abstract

Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) of low-volume roads in Tanzania faces significant challenges due to premature deterioration affecting 60% of roads within five years, far below their designed 15–20-year service life. This study analyses the life cycle costs of various surfacing options applicable to low-volume roads using Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) data from Lawate-Kibong'oto Road (Siha District) and Bago-Talawande Road (Chalinze District). A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining LTPP data analysis with stakeholder consultations to evaluate twelve surfacing options including Double Surface Dressing, Lightly Reinforced Slabs (100 mm), Unreinforced Slabs (100mm), Flexible Concrete Geocells, Concrete Strips, Concrete Paving Blocks, Gravel Wearing Course, Slurry Seal (SS), Hand Packed Stone, Double Sand Seal, Single Otta Seal and bituminous treatments. Key findings reveal significant differences in life cycle costs across surfacing options and locations. Reinforced Concrete Strips demonstrated optimal performance at Bagamoyo site (TZS 196,194,571/km) while unreinforced Concrete Strips proved most favourable at Siha (TZS 245,104,328/km). Surface treatments showed superior annual maintenance performance (TZS 3.7-4.5 million), but concrete solutions provided better long-term structural performance. Selection is significantly influenced by site-specific conditions, with environmental factors, traffic patterns, and construction quality being decisive factors. The research provides evidence-based recommendations with a potential 15-25% reduction in life cycle costs through systematic decision-making tools for road authorities and policymakers in rural Tanzania infrastructure development

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