A Comprehensive Framework for Life-Cycle Cost Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks

Various environmental and mechanical stressors cause deterioration of concrete bridge decks. Normal wear and tear, freeze and thaw cycles, and chloride penetration due to deicing salts can cause aggressive deterioration that usually require frequent interventions during the life-cycle of the bridge. These interventions include deck maintenance and repairs (e.g., application of sealers or overlay placement) as well as bridge deck replacement. The quantification of the life-cycle cost of bridge decks considering maintenance and repair activities represents a significant challenge facing local and state transportation agencies. The life-cycle maintenance activities not only increase the direct life-cycle cost of the bridge, but they also lead to significant indirect user costs due to increasing traffic delays, work zone crashes, and operating cost. Moreover, these traffic delays increase the carbon footprint of the bridge and adversely affect the life-cycle bridge sustainability. Accordingly, the proper quantification of indirect costs associated with life-cycle bridge management activities including maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation activities is of paramount importance. The research attempts to fill in the knowledge gaps in quantifying the indirect costs associated with bridge deck maintenance activities and their impact on the overall bridge life-cycle cost