A life cycle cost estimation model for FRP bridge decks

This research developed a prototype life cycle cost-estimating model for FRP bridge decks called "bridgeMATE". The model considers the agency costs, user costs and the third party costs to establish the life cycle cost of an FRP bridge deck. The model features two condition indices for maintenance and for repair that can estimate the condition of the bridge deck in any given year. Based on the limiting values set on the indices, a decision for maintenance and repair is made when the index value for a year exceeds the limiting value. These limiting values can be entered by the user or default values, the model suggests may be used. Two kinds of repair strategies are considered, one putting an overlay on the bridge deck and the other is replacing the deck. Based on the repair strategy selected, both the condition indices are reduced to represent the improvement in the quality of the bridge deck.;"BridgeMATE", features a risk analysis module that considers the risk of errors in estimating the life cycle cost and also calculates the estimated life cycle cost. This model calculates the salvage value of the bridge deck at the end of the planning horizon. The salvage value is calculated by estimating all future costs beyond the planning horizon of the bridge deck till the end of its useful service life and then discounting these costs back to the present worth at the end of the planning horizon. This cost is further discounted back to year 0 and subtracted from the life cycle cost of the deck.;This model can be used as a preliminary tool for comparison of the life cycle cost of different FRP bridge deck components.