Reliability-Based Optimization of Plant Precast Concrete Structures

Abstract

This paper presents a decision model for minimizing the life-cycle cost of prefabricated concrete elements and structures, taking into account the building design-manufacturing-construction-service life process as a whole. The decision model utilizes principles of engineering economic analysis under uncertainty in considering costs and benefits of construction, maintenance, repair, and consequences of failure. The concepts are illustrated for plant precast hollow-core concrete floor slabs. Decision variables can include parameters related to concrete quality, manufacturing process technology, and maintenance. The optimal solution identifies those values of the decision variables that result in minimum expected total cost. The performance constraints, in the form of limits on the probability of flexural failure, shear failure, cracking, and excessive deflection are formulated using principles of structural reliability theory.