Citation

Wipf TJ, Erickson DL, Klaiber FW. Transp. Res. Rec. 1987; 1113: 9-17.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

An economic analysis procedure has been developed to assist in the decision-making process for replacing or strengthening a bridge having a deficient load-carrying capacity. Often, decisions are made either to strengthen or replace the structure by considering only the initial costs of each alternative without regard to life-cycle costs. The analysis procedure developed in this study determines an equivalent uniform annual cost for each alternative from which the most cost-effective alternative can be chosen. In addition, this procedure also allows cost comparisons to be made among various applicable strengthening methods. The equivalent uniform annual-cost procedures are based on mathematical models, commonly used in engineering economy studies, that involve cost comparisons between alternatives of different economic lives. A brief discussion of the life-cycle costs used in the mathematical models, and examples using the models developed, are included.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1987/1113/1113-002.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION - Financing; BRIDGES; ECONOMICS - Mathematical Models; MAINTENANCE - Costs