Simulation-based model for optimizing highways resurfacing operations

Work zone length in the highways' resurfacing is an important factor that should be determined before the start of work. This factor influences the time and cost of the project. This paper presents a framework that is dedicated for determining the optimum length of highway resurfacing work zone. The framework estimates the total duration and total cost of resurfacing by conducting simulation analysis to model the resurfacing operations of highways to account associated uncertainties. The framework analyzes resurfacing of highways and divides them into zones. The lengths of these zones depend on minimum total cost and minimum duration. The framework consists of two modules; simulation and optimization. Simulation module is responsible for estimating total duration for each work zone. Whereas, optimization module optimizes the total cost including direct resurfacing operation, indirect/overhead costs, and the impact of work on road users' costs. The latter costs include queuing delay cost, moving delay cost, accident cost. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the practical use of the framework.