Comparación de costos entre pavimentos flexibles y rígidos en la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

This study compares the costs associated with the construction, maintenance, and lifespan of flexible and rigid pavements in road projects in Cuenca, Ecuador. A comprehensive analysis, evaluated factors such as material production, transportation, laying, placement, and maintenance, considering the geographical and logistical characteristics of the three parishes: Ricaurte, Baños, and Sayausí. The methodology included calculating unit prices (UP), optimizing transportation routes using tools like Google Maps and ArcGIS, and assessing operating costs in different scenarios. The results showed that although rigid pavements require an initial investment of 30-40% higher, they offer a longer lifespan (20-30 years) and lower maintenance costs, making them ideal for urban areas with heavy traffic. On the other hand, flexible pavements, with lower initial costs, require frequent interventions, increasing their accumulated expenses by 15-25% over 15 years. Transportation distances had a critical impact: in remote parishes like Baños, logistical costs increased by up to 20% compared to areas close to material sources, such as Ricaurte. The study concludes that the pavement selection should prioritize the specific context of each project, balancing initial costs, durability, and resource accessibility. These findings provide a technical basis for decision-making in road infrastructure in Cuenca, promoting sustainable and economically efficient solutions.