Why pavement choice matters for regional development
Road infrastructure is a backbone of regional economic growth. In East Java, roads connect agricultural areas, fisheries, industrial zones, and residential communities to markets and distribution centers. In Lamongan Regency, this role is especially visible. The area supports agriculture and fisheries while also serving as a growing logistics corridor in northern East Java.
The Sumberwudi–Maduran road, approximately 10 kilometers long, connects rural production areas with sub-district and regency-level distribution hubs. The road carries intense daily traffic dominated by heavy vehicles transporting goods. Such traffic places repeated high axle loads on the pavement, accelerating damage such as rutting, cracking, and surface failure.
Local government initiatives like the Lamongan Smooth Road (Jamula) program have improved road stability, but by late 2025, only about 60 percent of regency roads were classified as stable. Rising vehicle numbers and freight activity continue to pressure existing infrastructure. Against this backdrop, choosing the right pavement type is not a technical detail—it is a strategic policy decision with long-term financial consequences.
How the comparison was carried out
The research team evaluated asphalt (flexible) pavement and concrete (rigid) pavement designs for the Sumberwudi–Maduran road using Indonesia’s 2024 Road Pavement Design Manual (MDPJ). Field surveys documented existing road conditions, traffic intensity, and structural damage. Traffic data were projected forward to estimate future vehicle volumes up to 2065, reflecting realistic growth scenarios on an industrial route.
Two design lifespans were analyzed for each pavement type: 20 years and 40 years. For both options, the researchers calculated pavement thickness, construction requirements, total costs, and estimated construction duration. Importantly, the cost analysis included not only initial construction but also periodic maintenance over the full service life, providing a realistic picture of long-term spending.
Rather than focusing on laboratory theory, the study grounded its calculations in actual field conditions, traffic patterns, and government design standards. This practical approach makes the findings directly relevant for planners and public works agencies.
Key findings: cost versus time trade-offs
The results show a clear trade-off between construction speed and long-term cost efficiency.
Cost comparison
· A 20-year asphalt pavement requires approximately Rp17.64 billion for construction and maintenance.
· A 40-year asphalt pavement requires approximately Rp52.23 billion.
· A 20-year concrete pavement requires approximately Rp9.06 billion.
· A 40-year concrete pavement requires approximately Rp15.03 billion.
Across both design lifespans, concrete pavement is significantly more economical. Over 40 years, asphalt pavement costs more than three times as much as concrete on the same road section.
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Construction time
· Asphalt pavement can be completed quickly: about 31 days for a 20-year design and 37 days for a 40-year design with a 20-person workforce.
· Concrete pavement takes far longer: about 180 days for a 20-year design and 205 days for a 40-year design with the same workforce.
In short, asphalt offers speed and minimal short-term disruption, while concrete delivers durability and long-term savings.
Durability under heavy traffic
The study also highlights performance differences under industrial traffic conditions. Asphalt pavements typically require major repairs every 10 years, while concrete pavements generally need periodic maintenance every 20 years. On roads dominated by heavy trucks and high axle loads, this difference translates into fewer disruptions, lower lifecycle costs, and more consistent service quality.
As Johan Sanjoko of Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya explains in the study, concrete pavement provides stronger resistance to repeated heavy loads, making it better suited for logistics corridors with long-term service expectations. While asphalt remains practical for roads requiring rapid construction, its maintenance demands accumulate over time.
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Implications for policymakers and planners
For regional governments, the findings offer clear guidance. On strategic roads that support industry, fisheries, and freight transport, concrete pavement represents a financially sustainable investment, even though it requires longer construction periods.
The study suggests several practical considerations for decision-makers:
· Use concrete pavement for primary logistics and industrial routes where heavy vehicles dominate.
· Reserve asphalt pavement for roads where quick construction and short-term access are priorities.
· Evaluate road projects using life-cycle costs, not just initial budgets.
· Factor in long-term maintenance disruptions when planning economic corridors.
By aligning pavement choices with traffic characteristics and economic functions, local governments can reduce maintenance burdens and stretch infrastructure budgets further.
Author profile
Johan Sanjoko, M.Eng. Graduate
researcher, Civil Engineering Master’s Program
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya Expertise:
road pavement engineering, infrastructure cost analysis, and transportation
planning
Andi Patriadi, M.Eng. and Retno Hastijanti, Ph.D. Senior academics, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya Expertise: civil engineering design, construction management, and infrastructure sustainability
Source
Journal Article: A Comparative Study of Materials in the Design of Concrete and Asphalt Road Pavements in Terms of Cost and Time
Journal: Formosa Journal of Science and Technology
Year: 2026
Authors: Johan Sanjoko; Andi Patriadi; Retno Hastijanti
Affiliation: Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v5i1.370
Official URL: https://traformosapublisher.org/index.php/fjst
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