Life-Cycle Cost Design of Deteriorating Structures
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 123, Issue 10
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, deterioration, and subsequent repair 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 developed for these girders that are deteriorating due to corrosion in an aggressive environment. The effect of critical parameters such as rate of corrosion, quality of the inspection technique, and the expected cost of structural failure 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.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 123 • Issue 10 • October 1997
Pages: 1390 - 1401
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Oct 1, 1997
Published in print: Oct 1997
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