A pilot study (2013) concluded that a total performance benchmark for road renewal could be implemented for all cantons if certain data and estimation issues were resolved. Partial performance benchmarks of high quality can be implemented even today. We propose to carry out the follow-up steps.
In essence, we propose to collect data at the level of road sections from all cantons, including the most recent two inspections; to transform it into a common data structure; and then to calculate the benchmarks. A concise ‘fact-sheet’ presentation will demonstrate how the results can be used in practice. However, before the proposed total performance benchmark can be calculated, research is required to estimate realistic compensation for various ‘environmental’ conditions like steepness or urbanity. This requires the collection of a second set of data; a cooperation with a second existing project at the IBI will reduce overall data collection effort.
The proposed estimation of the cost function from engineering relationships is distinct from traditional approaches that use generic functions, which are not specific to roads. A cross-disciplinary approach including researches from EMPA will create a synthesis of existing engineering and economic models. We believe that modern computing techniques makes this approach viable today.
