Nathan and Onyemelukwe 1 8th ASCE Specialty Conference on Probabilistic Mechanics and Structural Reliability PMC2000-310 COMPARISON OF BRIDGE DECK ALTERNATIVES USING LIFE CYCLE COSTS

This paper presents the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) study component of a bridge deck replacement alternatives for movable bridges. Life Cycle Cost analysis is done on an existing steel grid deck and a proposed Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) deck based on maintanability and corrosobility. Three methodologies of LCC, Equivalent Uniform Annual Cost (EUAC), Benefit / Cost ratio, and the third method which does maximization of benefits less the costs instead of minimizing LCC, were selected. Since the cost of ‘new material ’ FRP is uncertain, uncertainty analysis is also done on all the items of cost for FRP. For the same reason as above the service life of FRP deck could not be conclusively determined and hence a sensitivity analysis of service life on FRP deck is done. Cost data for the steel deck as well as the FRP deck was obtained from the Florida Department of Transportation and Strongwell Inc. respectively. The bridge deck that gave the least life-cycle cost was selected