Answer 2

Part B:
In the research paper the author described the cost in four functional forms. The treatments considered by
the author were thin HMA overlay, micro surfacing, structural HMA overlay, functional HMA overlay
and resurfacing (partial 3R). The best functional form for each treatment on the basis of their statistical
performance that is goodness of fit was selected. The model was validated by using two different model
validation methods that are mean squared prediction error (MSPR) and validation plots. In the first one
the data was divided into two datasets of 80% and 20%. The 80% of the data was used for calibration and
20% for validation of model. The MSPR calculated was compared with mean square error (MSE). The
model with closest MSPR and MSE values is the best one. In the second method the observed costs and
predictive costs obtained by models were plotted. The models having predictive costs closest to the 100%
validation line are considered to be the best.
Part A:
There exists a linear relationship between cost and explanatory variables in the average cost estimation
approach. This linearity does not take into account any economies of scale. In the cost functional form,
explanatory variables are set free to take any non-linearity involved in the cost function. Explanatory
variable are not restricted to unity rather they are free to determine any statistical estimation. These
features make explanatory variables as indicative of scale or condition of economies.
Part C:
For analyzing the bridge rehabilitation cost the explanatory variable may include age of bridge, height of
deck slab, width of bridge, length of bridge and traffic loading on the bridge.



Answer 3
To calculate user cost associated with work zone
For auto speed reduction from 65mph to 40 mph
For trucks speed reduction from 55mph to 40 mph
Length of work zone is 5 miles
Travel time value for trucks $28/ hr
Travel time value for autos $18/ hr
Traffic volume 12500(40% are trucks and 60% are autos)
Difference for travel time of autos= T =

Difference for travel time of trucks= T =

User cost for autos=V
i
T
i
C
i
=60% of 125000*.0096*18
= 12960$/mile
User cost for trucks=V
i
T
i
C
i
=40% of 125000*.0068*28
= 9520$/mile
The user cost for 6 miles in case of autos = 12960*6= $77760
The user cost for 6 miles in case of trucks = 9520*6= $57120
Answer 4
Part a

The above graph was presented by Opus Central Laboratories. From the graph the following were
obtained
Before improvement VOC= $.06/ VMT
After improvement VOC= $.01/ VMT
Change in VOC= $ .05/ VMT
Length of expressway= 30 miles
Overall change in VOC= 30*.05*365
= $547.5 million/ year
Part b
The increase in speed is from 26mph to 41 mph
R=$ 1.8 million, r=8%
U
IC
= (

) (

) (

)
U
IC
=23.13 / veh-mile
Answer 5
Vehicle occupancy = 1.5
Annual VMT= 2 million (before improvement)
Annual VMT = 3.5 million (after improvement)
Crash rate = 4 crashes/million (before improvement)
Crash rate = 3 crashes/ million (after improvement)
Safety savings =.5(4-3)(3.5+2)
Safety savings= $ 27.5
Safety savings per vehicle= 1.5*27.5=$4.125