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The loss of performance against fatigue is evident for situations of poor execution of the surface layer, quantified in this research by the parameter in-field air voids. This loss of performance has a direct impact on highways operating costs. To analyse the loss of fatigue performance, eight field-applied asphalt mixes were evaluated, comparing laboratory compaction (5.50% air voids) with as-built in-field core samples (random variable air voids). The impact of increased air voids on LVE behaviour, fatigue life, and costs were investigated. Decrease in stiffness was observed for in-field air voids greater than 7.00%. Through the S-VECD model and FlexPAVETM software, a significant decrease in fatigue life was observed for in-field air voids greater than 8.00%. Costs, defined as costs per traffic request (N) (US$/N) were significantly affected for in-field air voids greater than this value (8.00%). Based on that, a Payment reduction factor (PRF) was proposed. In this way, it is concluded that the framework demonstrated throughout the paper, based on a mechanistic approach and using the FlexPAVETM, allows the evaluation of the construction quality impact on asphalt pavement cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]