Technical-Economic Analysis of Local Technologies for the Rehabilitation of Rural Roads: A Comparative Study of Stabilized Materials

Abstract

Maintaining rural roads is a crucial challenge in developing regions, where poor infrastructure conditions limit access to basic services and restrict sustainable economic development. This study carries out a technical-economic evaluation of two road maintenance alternatives using the HDM (Highway Development and Management) model: a stabilized base with asphalt crude oil and traditional maintenance with paving material. The research includes a detailed technical characterization of the materials used, as well as an analysis of operating costs, travel times, fuel consumption and associated economic benefits.
The results show that stabilization with Rubiales crude oil offers a 15% reduction in vehicle operating costs and a 12% reduction in travel costs, due to the 25% increase in average transit speed due to better rolling conditions. In addition, a 5% decrease in fuel consumption was observed, even under conservative assumptions about the maintenance of the affirmation. The stabilized alternative demonstrated high economic profitability with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 275% and a benefit/cost ratio of 6.7, far outperforming conventional maintenance. The research also identifies opportunities to optimize the initial investment through adjustments in the thickness of the stabilized layer, which would allow a greater number of projects to be executed with limited resources without compromising economic efficiency.
This study supports the use of sustainable local technologies, such as stabilizations with bituminous products, to improve rural road infrastructure. In addition, the technical and economic approach employed provides a framework that can be replicated in other global contexts with similar characteristics, contributing to the advancement of sustainable road development.