Abstract
The application of techniques to analyze sustainability in the life cycle of small-span bridge superstructures is presented in this work. The objective was to obtain environmental and economic indicators for integration into the decision-making process to minimize the environmental impact, reduce resource consumption and minimize life cycle costs. Twenty-seven configurations of small-span bridges (6 to 20 m) of the following types were analyzed: steel–concrete composite bridges, cast in situ reinforced concrete bridges, precast bridges and prestressed concrete bridges, comprising a total of 405 structures. Environmental impacts and costs were quantified via life cycle environmental assessment and life cycle cost analysis following the boundaries of systems from the extraction of materials to the end of bridge life (“from cradle to grave”). In general, the results indicated that the environmental performance of the bridges was significantly linked to the material selection and bridge configuration. In addition, the study enabled the identification of the products and processes with the greatest impact in order to subsidize the design of more sustainable structures and government policies.
Highlights
IntroductionWhile a bridge is designed from economic, technical and safety perspectives, the environmental performance is often not considered in the decision-making process [4]
Bridges have a major role in transportation infrastructure, supporting highway traffic loads, crossing various obstacles and enabling effective communication between two destinations [1].Bridges generally represent a significant public resource; in Europe, for example, bridges account for approximately 2% of the road network length and 30% of its cost [2].Bridges should be seen as a key part of the economic activity and well-being of a given community [3].While a bridge is designed from economic, technical and safety perspectives, the environmental performance is often not considered in the decision-making process [4]
The study’s main objective was to apply sustainability assessment techniques to the life cycle of small-span bridge superstructures, followed by the proposal of environmental and economic indicators to be integrated in the decision-making process
Summary
While a bridge is designed from economic, technical and safety perspectives, the environmental performance is often not considered in the decision-making process [4]. Several elements should be considered in the bridge life analysis process: factors concerning age, which are directly related to maintenance and various rehabilitation, repair or reinforcement procedures, and others related to the increasing weight of trucks and transportation facilities that pass over the bridge [5]. Given the importance of bridges and their relationship with the environment, the pillars of sustainability must be observed, meaning that the economic pillar of sustainable development must ensure the efficiency of natural resource consumption [3]. The potential environmental impacts must be measured by indicators because the sustainability of bridges includes the extension of maintenance and the end of the bridge’s life [6]. The social pillar must be observed considering its positive and negative impacts [7]
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