Development of a methodology for assessing the technical and economic benefits of asphalt pavement laboratory equipment

Over the past decade, there have been tremendous advances made to both the field and laboratory testing procedures in pavement engineering. To enhance the University of Waterloo's capabilities to carry out research and teaching in roads and pavement technology, it was critical to upgrade the existing laboratory facilities. This paper describes the development of a methodology, which can be used by contractors, consultants and private agencies to evaluate laboratory equipment in terms of various considerations and needs. A technical weighting methodology to assess the needs of the potential laboratory equipment based on quality control, quality assurance, research and/or teaching objectives was developed. The cost effectiveness analysis access the most suitable model of laboratory equipment from different manufacturers, based on various objectives or parameters against the cost of the equipment.