Life cycle cost analysis of FRP cables for long-span cable supported bridges

Abstract

Based on life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, the study evaluates the economic performance of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) cables for super long-span cable supported bridges, and this includes cable-stayed bridges and suspension bridges. Based on the principle of life cycle cost, the main factors that affect the life cycle cost of different material cables are examined; these include the initial construction cost, maintenance time, maintenance cost and interest rates. Subsequently, the life cycle costs of different material cables are analyzed based on the principle of life cycle cost, and this includes four typical bridges, namely, two long-span suspension bridges and two cable-stayed bridges. The analysis results indicate that (1) When the time value of capital is considered, the life cycle cost of different material cable increases with the interest rate, although the steel cable is more sensitive to the interest rate when compared with that of the FRP cables due to poor durability. (2) The life cycle costs of a long-span suspension bridge with FRP cables are superior to those of traditional steel cable due to their significantly higher corrosion resistance and anti-fatigue performance. (3) The application of different FRP cables at a reasonable span enables cable system with a hybrid arrangement of FRP cables to effectively optimize the economic performance of long-span cable-stayed bridges.