Recommended Citation
Leiva Maldonado, S. L., & Bowman, M. D. (2019). Life-cycle cost analysis for short- and medium-span bridges (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2019/09). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316919
DOI
10.5703/1288284316919
Abstract
Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) has been defined as a method to assess the total cost of a project. It is a simple tool to use when a single project has different alternatives that fulfill the original requirements. Different alternatives could differ in initial investment, operational and maintenance costs among other long term costs. The cost involved in building a bridge depends upon many different factors. However, long-term cost need to be considered to estimate the overall cost of the project and determine its LCC. Without watchful consideration of the long-term costs and full life-cycle costing, current investment decisions that look attractive could be resulting in a waste of economic resources in the future. This research is focused on short and medium span bridges (between 30 ft and 130 ft) which represents 57% of the NBI INDIANA bridge inventory. Bridges are categorized in three different groups of span ranges. Different superstructure types are considered for both concrete and steel options. Types considered include: bulb tees, AASHTO prestressed beams, slab bridges, prestressed concrete box beams, steel beams, steel girders, folded plate girders and simply supported steel beams for dead load and continuous for live load (SDCL). A design plan composed of simply supported bridges and continuous spans arrangements was carried out. Analysis for short and medium span bridges in Indiana based on LCCA is presented for different span ranges and span configurations. Results will help designers to consider the most cost-effective bridge solution for new projects, resulting in cost savings for agencies involved.
Report Number
FHWA/IN/JTRP-2019/09
Keywords
deterioration factors, agency costs, discount rate, service life, working actions, life-cycle profiles, life-cycle cost analysis
SPR Number
3914
Performing Organization
Joint Transportation Research Program
Sponsoring Organization
Indiana Department of Transportation
Publisher Place
West Lafayette, IN
Date of this Version
2019