LIFE-CYCLE COST DESIGN OF DETERIORATING STRUCTURES

ABSTRACT: A lifetime optimization methodology for planning the inspection and repair of structures that deteriorate over time is introduced and illustrated through numerical examples. The optimization is based on minimizing the expected total life-cycle cost while maintaining an allowable lifetime reliability for the structure. This method incorporates: (a) the quality of inspection techniques with different detection capabilities; (b) all repair possibilities based on an event tree; (c) the effects of aging, deterior~ti~m: an ~ subsequent. r~~air on structural reliability; and (d) the time value of money. The overall cost to be minimized Includes the initial cost and the costs of preventive maintenance, inspection, repair, and failure. The methodology is illustrated using the reinforced concrete T-girders from a highway bridge. An optimum inspection/repair strategy is deve~~ped for these girders that are deteriorating due to corrosion in an aggressive environment. The effect of cntlcal. pa rameters such as rate of corrosion, quality of the inspection technique, and the expected cost of structural fallure are all investigated, along with the effects of both uniform and nonuniform inspection time intervals. Ultimately, the reliability-based lifetime approach to developing an optimum inspection/repair strategy demonstrates the potential for cost savings and improved efficiency