Life-Cycle Costs of Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer Bridge Decks

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composites are currently being developed and used in bridge decks. This report examines the life-cycle cost-effectiveness of three FRP bridge decks, using a life-cycle cost method specifically tailored for comparing new materials with conventional ones. The method includes a cost classification scheme for capturing all project-related costs and for comparing the cost advantages and disadvantages of different materials. The uncertainty of new-material costs is assessed using the Monte Carlo simulations. Analysis indicates that one of the FRP decks is life-cycle cost-effective for a particular class of bridges and traffic levels.