A Framework for Life-Cycle Cost Assessment of Composites in Construction

Abstract

The slow acceptance of composite materials in construction could be attributed to the high initial cost of composites compared to conventional materials and the limited information on life-cycle cost. This paper presents a unique framework for a probable life-cycle cost assessment model for composite materials in construction. The proposed model utilizes the historical life-cycle performance data for conventional materials, knowledge about material properties, and deterioration characteristics for new and conventional materials to effectively assess the life-cycle cost and behavior of composite materials in construction. The proposed model integrates deterioration characteristics of structural components under different environmental and loading conditions to establish performance envelopes. Monte Carlo simulation models are generated to evaluate various maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation (MR and R) strategies possible over the life-cycle. The life-cycle cost associated with each scenario is computed, at different discount factors, to obtain the optimum life-cycle cost for various material options. The specifics of the model are illustrated through an example.