Life Cycle Cost Analysis Research Articles

Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Deterioration Patterns of Limestone Paving

Stone is a durable and high-performance paving material in standard and in intensive service regimes. Stone is thus a preferable material for sidewalk and promenade paving under intensive service regimes, such as touristic promenades and historic sites. Recent studies on the weathering and degradation of stones in buildings have revealed differing analytical approaches among geologists, geo-engineers, and civil engineers. The present research aims to develop a structured analytical–empirical methodology for the assessment of stone pedestrian pavements’ life cycle and life cycle costs. This study presents an integrated methodology that combines diagnostic field surveys, core laboratory tests, and the characterization of deterioration patterns. This approach allows for evaluating how faulty construction methods impact the durability and degradation of natural stone pedestrian pavements. It also assesses their effect on the pavement’s life cycle and associated costs. The diagnostic field survey concentrates on specific construction details, including: (a) Cracks in the paving stones. (b) Peeling of stone layers. (c) Subsidence and cracking at the paving edges. (d) Cracking of filler materials in joints between stone slabs. The laboratory tests focus on five core physical properties for the stone deterioration: (1) apparent density, (2) Water absorption, (3) Compressive strength, (4) Flexural strength, and (5) Abrasion resistance. This study proposes linear and exponential patterns for deterioration. A case study carried out on a Capernaum promenade revealed excessive deterioration patterns caused by the poor core properties of the paving stone and defective construction. The consequences of excessive deterioration on life cycle costs result in additional expenses of 73%, indicating a reduction in the life cycle. The novelty of this research lies in developing and delivering an integrated methodology that enables the assessment of how defective construction methods impact the durability, deterioration, life cycle, and life cycle costs of natural stone pedestrian pavements.

Assessment of waste eggshell powder as a limestone alternative in portland cement

The decarbonization of the concrete industry is an ongoing pursuit. One solution towards this goal is the use of limestone powder in portland cement. Waste eggshell has tremendous potential as an alternative calcite filler in cement due to its similarities with limestone. In this research, the feasibility of adding 15% and 35% ground eggshell in portland cement to make cement mortars was investigated. The hydration mechanism of eggshell and limestone blended cements was compared through the heat of hydration, phase assemblage, electrical resistivity, compressive strength, and shrinkage measurements. The experimental results showed that cement mortars with ground eggshell attained similar compressive strength as that with limestone. However, eggshell mixtures demand more mixing water to compensate the hydrophobicity of the eggshell membrane. The high calcite content in both eggshell and limestone accelerates the hydration of cement at 15% replacement, but ground eggshell retards cement hydration at 35% replacement due to the dominant influence of the membrane. Overall, eggshell waste is a feasible sustainable alternative to limestone powder at up to 15% portland cement replacement levels. Lifecycle assessment and cost analysis showed that adding 15% ground eggshell in cement concrete further reduces its embodied carbon and energy and cost compared to cement concrete containing limestone powder.

Sustainability assessment of granite cutting waste incorporated cement sand rendering mortar: Technical, environmental, cost, and social parameters

The literature statistics unmistakably highlight the critical need to enhance the construction industry's sustainability to lower environmental damage and conserve natural resources. This study aims to evaluate the life cycle performance of mortar by assessing its ecological impacts, economic performance, and social feasibility, alongside a thorough technical performance evaluation. The technical performance evaluation performed through physio-mechanical performance revealed that 20% natural sand replaced by granite cutting waste (GCW) is best suitable for rendering application. The compatibility of GCW as natural sand is advocated by SEM and FTIR analysis. The three pillars of sustainability are evaluated as life cycle environmental impacts assessment (LCIA), life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and social feasibility assessment (SLCA). For LCIA purposes, nine environmental impact (EI) categories have been studied. For LCCA, raw material procurement, transportation, repair, and maintenance have been utilized to obtain the life cycle costing. Social LCA (SLCA) was performed qualitatively through a five-point Likert scale-based questionnaire survey, and responses from 125 stakeholders were analysed using mean item score (MIS). The finding revealed that for GP20 mortar, all the nine EI categories had shown 10–13% lower environmental impacts and 7.2% lower cost than the GP0 mortar mix. The SLCA, comprising five subcategories, i.e., access to material resources, social acceptance, employment creations, safe and healthy living conditions, and community engagement, has positively impacted society when 20% GCW is utilized in rendering mortar as sand. The consolidated index calculation with higher ECM values for the GP20 mortar mix strongly endorsed a sustainable and viable alternative.

Sustainability assessment of denim fabric made of PET fiber and recycled fiber from postconsumer PET bottles using LCA and LCC approach with the EDAS method.

The textile industry is under pressure to adopt sustainable production methods because its contribution to global warming is expected to rise by 50% by 2030. One solution is to increase the use of recycled raw material. The use of recycled raw material must be considered holistically, including its environmental and economic impacts. This study examined eight scenarios for sustainable denim fabric made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, conventional PET fiber, and cotton fiber. The evaluation based on the distance from average solution (EDAS) multicriteria decision-making method was used to rank scenarios according to their environmental and economic impacts, which are assessed using life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. Allocation, a crucial part of evaluating the environmental impact of recycled products, was done using cut-off and waste value. Life cycle assessments reveal that recycled PET fiber has lower freshwater ecotoxicity and fewer eutrophication and acidification impacts. Cotton outperformed PET fibers in human toxicity. Only the cut-off method reduces potential global warming with recycled PET. These findings indicated that recycled raw-material life cycle assessment requires allocation. Life cycle cost analysis revealed that conventional PET is less economically damaging than cotton and recycled PET. The scenarios were ranked by environmental and economic impacts using EDAS. This ranking demonstrated that sustainable denim fabric production must consider both economic and environmental impacts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2347-2365. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Rheological properties of plastic-modified asphalt binders using diverse plastic wastes for enhanced pavement performance in the UAE

The integration of waste plastics in asphalt mixtures has recently gained more popularity as a potential solution for repurposing waste plastics, while relieving the accumulation of plastics in landfills. This paper investigates the addition of plastic wastes from four waste products namely HDPE, PET, ABS, and LDPE, to asphalt binder at two contents of 2 % and 4 % by the weight of asphalt binder. The control and plastic-modified asphalt binders were tested for physical and rheological properties. Most of the used waste plastics increased the rutting parameter of the asphalt binder. The 4 % ABS plastic-modified asphalt binder managed to achieve the maximum Performance Grade (PG) of 82 while the 4 % PET achieved PG 76. Higher plastic content yielded higher resistance to permanent deformation. Asphalt binders modified with 2 % LDPE and 2 % HDPE yielded the best performance against low temperatures. The Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) test results at intermediate temperature showed that the best fatigue performance was attained using 4 % ABS at a strain level of 2.5 %, whereas at 5.0 % strain level, the 2 % PET achieved the maximum fatigue improvement (25 %) over the control. Simulated pavement performance using the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software showed noticeable extensions in pavement life for the plastic-modified asphalt binders against permeant deformation and fatigue cracking. The Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) displayed a reduction in the estimated LCCA cost for the plastic-modified asphalt binders by up to 50 % over the control.

Life cycle cost approach involving steam transport model for insulation thickness optimization of steam pipes

Efficient steam pipe insulation is critical for minimizing heat loss during transportation, ensuring the economic viability of thermal processes or end-user applications. Unlike water-based systems, steam heat loss mechanisms are intricate, predominantly influenced by the transition of steam to condensate which introduces latent heat, thus significantly impacting overall heat loss. This study employs a life-cycle cost approach, integrating a comprehensive steam transport model to evaluate the optimal insulation thickness under varying temperature, flow rates and composite insulation schemes. The steam transport model incorporates a drainage energy loss term, providing a detailed depiction of the energy balance along the steam pipe. Results from the steam transportation simulation conducted on a single long pipe demonstrate a ∼4.6 % deviation between simulated and measured heat loss values. Furthermore, Life cycle cost analysis highlights the economically advantageous insulation configuration, comprising an aerogel blanket as the inner layer and glass wool as the outer layer. With increasing temperature, augmenting the proportion of aerogel blanket yields economic benefit, with the optimum thickness exhibiting a linear growth trend. Conversely, as the flow rate increases, the optimum insulation thickness remains constant.

Economic evaluation of kinetic energy storage systems as key technology of reliable power grids.

In recent years, energy-storage systems have become increasingly important, particularly in the context of increasing efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change associated with the use of conventional energy sources. Renewable energy sources are an environmentally friendly source of energy, but by their very nature, they are not able to supply the required amount of energy in a uniform distribution. This study evaluated the economic efficiency of short-term electrical energy storage technology based on the principle of high-speed flywheel mechanism using vacuum with the help of an innovative approach based on life cycle cost analysis (LCC). The innovative potential of high-speed flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) can be seen in increasing the reliability of the electricity transmission system with the possibility of providing control power to compensate for residual loads caused by volatile renewable power sources and power sinks. Based on the research conducted, the LCC method was selected in this study as the most appropriate method to evaluate the economic efficiency of a high-speed FESS used to compensate for short-term fluctuations in an upgraded electric transmission system. As a result, the adjusted LCC per MWh values were compared with the average intra-hour margin realisable in the Intra-Day OTE Market, while the margin calculation also considered the efficiency of the inertial storage. Under the modelled technical and economic conditions, it was found that a high-speed FESS project that can compensate for short-term fluctuations in the electricity transmission system can be economically efficient in the Czech Republic.

Recycling Fly Ash into Lightweight Aggregate: Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Evaluation of Waste Disposal

This study analyzed environmental impacts and economic feasibility to evaluate whether recycling fly ash, which has rarely been addressed in previous studies, as a raw material for lightweight aggregates can be a sustainable waste management alternative. This study presents a comparative analysis of three disposal scenarios: landfill disposal, recycling as cement raw material, and recycling as lightweight aggregate raw material. Nine environmental impacts were assessed through life cycle assessment (LCA): acidification, global warming, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation, stratospheric ozone depletion, human toxicity, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. The results showed that the landfill disposal scenario posed the greatest threat to global warming, eutrophication, and marine aquatic ecotoxicity, while the cement scenario had the greatest impact on stratospheric ozone depletion, human toxicity, and other ecotoxicity items while recycling as lightweight aggregate showed the lowest environmental impacts in most items except acidification and photochemical oxidation. Life cycle costing (LCC) analysis was also performed to compare the economic aspects of each scenario. The lightweight aggregate scenario is more energy-intensive and costly, but it has significant economic benefits due to the significant revenues from the products produced. Therefore, even though the cost is high, this scenario is considered economically advantageous. This study highlights that recycling fly ash into lightweight aggregate reduces environmental impacts, provides economic benefits, and is a better alternative to landfilling and recycling cement raw materials. It will also contribute to promoting sustainable practices of fly ash recycling.

A comprehensive quantitative lifecycle cost and environmental impact analysis model for computing infrastructure

This paper presents a comprehensive quantitative model for quantitative assessment of the lifecycle costs and environmental impacts of computing infrastructure, with a focus on internet data centers (IDCs) and high-performance computing (HPC) facilities. The key innovation lies in the integration of interdisciplinary cost evaluation and carbon emission methods for the establishment of this quantitative model. This framework, which outlines key cost components and carbon emission factors, enables the calculation of total costs, electricity expenses, and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure. With IDCs as a case study, the research clarifies the intricate cost structure associated with equipment procurement, energy usage, land acquisition, and operational expenses. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of the cost structure and environmental impact of computing infrastructure in support of sustainable decision-making in its development.•Based on established cost estimation methods, such as Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and the Analogous Estimating Method, this study examines costs across construction and operation phases.•The Emission Factor Method is used to quantify environmental impact, emphasizing the significance of regional energy mix and power usage effectiveness (PUE).

Comparative Study of Life-Cycle Environmental and Cost Performance of Aluminium Alloy–Concrete Composite Columns

As is widely known, the construction industry is one of the sectors with a large contribution to global carbon emissions. Despite numerous efforts in the construction industry to develop low-carbon materials, there is a limited number of studies quantifying and presenting the overall environmental impact when these materials are applied in a construction project as structural members. To address this gap, this study focuses on assessing the life-cycle performance of novel structural aluminium alloy–concrete composite columns. In this paper, the environmental impacts and economic aspects of a concrete-filled aluminium alloy tubular (CFAT) column and a concrete-filled double-skin aluminium alloy tubular (CFDSAT) column were assessed using life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) approaches, respectively. The cradle-to-grave system boundary is considered for these analyses to cover the entire life-cycle. A concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column is also assessed for reference. All columns are designed to have the same load-carrying capacity and, thus, are compared on a level-playing basis. A comparison is also made of the self-weight of these columns. In particular, the self-weight of the CFST column is reduced by around 17% when the steel tube is replaced by an aluminium alloy tube, and decreased by 47% when the double-skin technique is adopted in CFDSAT columns. The LCA results indicate that the CO2 emission of CFST and CFAT is almost the same, which is 21% less than the CFDSAT columns due to the use of high aluminium in the latter. The LCCA results show that the total life-cycle cost of CFAT and CFDSAT columns is around 29% and 14% lower, respectively, than that of the CFST column. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of data and assumptions on the life-cycle performance of the examined columns.

Life cycle cost analysis in investment projects – examination of case studies and risk mitigation with Monte Carlo simulation

This work focuses on life cycle cost (LCC) analysis in the German natural gas infrastructure and recommends strategies to mitigate the uncertainties and risks involved using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). It deals with the impact of input data and predicting the future development of input data on the results of the LCC analysis and discusses MCS for risk mitigation. Seven case studies for investments in Germany’s natural gas infrastructure are analyzed. In addition to the executed case studies, a case study from a scientific journal is included. The case studies were conducted between 2005 and 2015. Evaluation with real historical input data shows that the results of an LCC analysis depend on the reliability of input data and predictions on their development. The retrospective view shows that the best options are not always identified. Therefore, the results need to be validated using risk-mitigation methods, such as MCS. The executed case studies reflect the opinions of experts. This work shows how risk is mitigated through MCS while focusing on LCC analysis in the German natural gas infrastructure; however, the proposed risk mitigation with MCS can be adopted for other investment projects comprising capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX), for example, in construction, machines and other fields.

Long-Term Comparative Life Cycle Assessment, Cost, and Comfort Analysis of Heavyweight vs. Lightweight Construction Systems in a Mediterranean Climate

Massive construction systems have always characterized traditional architecture and are currently the most prevalent, straightforward, and cost-effective in many Mediterranean countries. However, in recent years, the construction industry has gradually shifted towards using lightweight, dry construction techniques. This study aims to assess the effects on energy consumption, comfort levels, and environmental sustainability resulting from the adoption of five high-performance construction systems in a multi-family residential building: (i) reinforced concrete structure with low-transmittance thermal block infill; (ii) reinforced concrete structure with light-clay bricks and outer thermal insulation; (iii) steel frame; (iv) cross-laminated timber (CLT); (v) timber-steel hybrid structure. To achieve this goal, a multidisciplinary approach was employed, including the analysis of thermal parameters, the evaluation of indoor comfort through the adaptive model and Fanger’s PMV, and the quantification of environmental and economic impacts through life cycle assessment and life cycle cost applied in a long-term analysis (ranging from 30 to 100 years). The results highlight that heavyweight construction systems are the most effective in terms of comfort, cost, and long-term environmental impact (100 years), while lightweight construction systems generally have higher construction costs, provide lower short-term environmental impacts (30 years), and offer intermediate comfort depending on the thermal mass.

Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Superhydrophobic Coatings for Anti-Icing Applications

Superhydrophobic coatings have great potential to mitigate ice accumulation and ice adhesion issues due to their outstanding water-repellent and self-cleaning characteristics. In the present study, polyurethane elastomer (PUE) is considered a superhydrophobic coating material for anti-icing applications. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of bare aluminum and PUE-coated systems is performed using the Centrum voor Milieukunde Leiden methodology. The cradle-to-gate LCA scope is implemented to evaluate and compare the total environmental impact. This study revealed that the PUE-coated system exhibited a significant reduction in total environmental impact compared to bare aluminum. The levelized cost of coating analysis demonstrates that the PUE coating system is more economical than bare aluminum surfaces. There is scope to reduce the environmental impact associated with PUE-coated systems using bio-based and less toxic chemicals/solvents.

Implementation of High-Precision Life Cycle Cost Analysis (HP-LCCA) on Indonesian Bridge Management System

Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) is a method used to determine the preservation costs required for an object, in this case, a bridge, throughout its service life. This method has been implemented in several advanced countries, including Japan. The LCCA calculation concept in Japan differs from those in other countries, as it involves a detailed segmentation of structural elements of bridges, making the model unique and highly detailed. This model is known as High-Precision Life Cycle Cost Analysis (HP-LCCA) and will be tested for application in Bridge Management Systems (BMS) in Indonesia. Implementing this model requires several adjustments, including aligning perceptions of visual inspection results and adapting the assessment concepts for each element based on research interpretations. Additionally, the difference between non-physical and physical condition assessment models presents a challenge for adopting this calculation model. The research shows a similar pattern and positive correlation between non-physical and physical assessment models. Furthermore, factors influencing LCC calculations include bridge age and the number of segments in structural elements. This research aims to provide optimal LCC calculations and facilitate their application in BMS in Indonesia.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Bonded Nd-Fe-B Magnets: Virgin Production versus Recycling

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Bonded Nd-Fe-B Magnets: Virgin Production versus Recycling

Lifecycle cost and benefit analysis for parcel-scale implementation of green stormwater infrastructure

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is commonly implemented to reduce excess stormwater runoff while also producing secondary environmental, health, and aesthetic benefits. However, GSI is sometimes perceived to be cost prohibitive for limited-budget site development projects. This study used lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) and benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to investigate the cost-effectiveness of GSI combined with conventional stormwater infrastructure for a proposed parcel development site in Oxford, Mississippi, USA. Hydrologic modeling was conducted for a conventional underground detention facility as well as three GSIs (permeable pavement, rain garden, and grassy ditch), all of which met regulatory runoff attenuation targets for the site. The LCCA considered capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. Benefits were estimated under six categories–water, energy, climate, air quality, health, and community–based on existing tools for economic analysis of low impact development (LID). Economic benefits and costs over different scenarios of project lifecycles were compared using the present value (PV) approach in the benefit cost analysis (BCA). The lifecycle costs of two of the three GSIs (rain garden and grassy ditch) were lower than for the conventional alternative alone. However, in all three GSI cases, the long-term benefits of GSI features outweighed the costs. The methodology presented can be adapted to other locations to inform analyses of lifecycle costs and benefits and identify GSI and hybrid infrastructure options that are financially and environmentally feasible.

A Life Cycle Cost Comparison of Flexible Versus Rigidpavements in Nigeria: Case Study of Papalanto - Sagamu Road

The condition of roads in Nigeria, most of which are made from asphalt, is generally considered unsatisfactory. This has led to calls for a blanket switch from asphalt pavements to concrete pavements for new road construction. This study examines the characteristics and relative advantages of the two pavement types; and carried out the design and life cycle cost comparison of a case study road with heavy traffic and poor subgrade conditions. The results indicate that, the initial cost of construction is actually less for the concrete pavement by 12% when compared with the asphalt alternative, while the life cycle cost analysis further yielded an advantage of 36% for the concrete pavement. The paper therefore recommends that major roads, particularly those on the national and international transit corridor, being of heavy traffic, should be reconstructed as the need arises, as concrete pavements. The paper however further recommends that, axle load control should be enforced through the introduction of weigh bridges and that routine maintenance should mandatorily be carried out, as even the best constructed concrete pavements have failed due to lack of routine maintenance like clearing the road verges of weed and road sand and desilting of drainage structures

Life cycle assessment and cost analysis of innovative agar extraction technologies from red seaweeds

Developing efficient and sustainable extraction technologies for valuable biocompounds from seaweed is crucial to overcome the limitations of conventional technologies. This study aims to compare three innovative technologies for agar extraction from two red seaweed species, G. sesquipedale and G. vermiculophylla: subcritical water extraction (performed at 125 °C, 2.5 atm, 1 min, and at 140 °C, 3.8 atm, 1 s), moderate electric fields (applied at 85 °C for 120 min and 95 °C for 180 min), and a combination of both methods. The comparison used life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methodologies, considering a gate-to-gate approach. The combined technology demonstrated the lowest energy consumption, with 67 MJ/kgagar for G. vermiculophylla and 100 MJ/kgagar for G. sesquipedale. A carbon footprint reduction of up to 94 % was obtained when compared to the control, with 15.9 kgCO2 eq. /kgagar for G. vermiculophylla and 20.4 kgCO2 eq. /kgagar for G. sesquipedale. Using photovoltaic panels as alternative energy further cut carbon emissions by 50 %. The cost analysis showed that the combined technology was the most cost-effective extraction method.

A meta-analysis of the schematic design process of deep retrofit projects

Deep retrofits of the existing building stock will be necessary to meet global emissions reductions targets. One building archetype, low-rise MURBs have been neglected in terms of research and funding for deep retrofits. A meta-analysis was conducted that compares and contrasts the schematic design approach taken for six such buildings in British Columbia which are scheduled to undergo deep retrofits with the goal of reducing GHG emissions by 80%. The analysis showed that design teams had converged toward common solutions for each building while achieving the GHG reduction target. The recommended measures include electrification of space and domestic hot water heating, adding insulation through overcladding, air sealing, ventilators for each unit, and double pane windows. A life cycle cost analysis showed that the economic viability of deep retrofits were dependent on energy price forecasts, capital cost reductions through market forces and transformation, or incentives cover the non-monetizable co-benefits of deep retrofits such as improved resiliency to climate-change or reducing overheating and air quality risks. The meta-analysis can help to streamline the early-stage and schematic design process for such buildings, which is critical to increasing the retrofit rate. This process could be replicated for other building types and construction archetypes.

Experimental study and techno-economic evaluation of an active fault detection kit in the prospect of future zero energy building installations

This article presents an active fault detection kit, applicable to low voltage single-phase electrical installations, in the prospect of the Zero Energy Building concept, integrating on-site renewable energy generation and energy storage. This simple, flexible, self-powered and compact kit is capable of detecting faults, such as power theft (meter tampering), unintentional islanding and neutral conductor loss. Its operation is based on harmonic voltage injection, in series with the electrical installation, through a low-power H-bridge inverter and a current transformer, along with the corresponding harmonic current measurement, to estimate the impedance and effectively detect faulty conditions; the fast and robust Goertzel algorithm is utilized. Moreover, it features IoT communication capabilities, employing the ESP32 microcontroller, to exchange data and information with the installation meters. The functionality and effective fault detection of the proposed device are validated, through experimental tests on a custom-developed hardware prototype; IoT connectivity and data uploading are experimentally tested and verified, too. Finally, a sustainability assessment study is performed, using the Life Cycle Cost Analysis tool.