Life Cycle Cost Data Research Articles

Automatic Classification of Construction Work Codes in Bill of Quantities of National Roadway Based on Text Analysis

The construction work classification code is a crucial index for consistently collecting unit cost data from the bill of quantities (BOQ). Appropriate classification codes assigned to detailed construction work item descriptions are required to verify project cost and for quality control. However, the codification system is complicated and time consuming for estimators to follow. This study proposes a framework to recognize the text of detailed construction work item descriptions in the BOQ and automatically assign the most similar work classification code. The automatic assignment algorithm was designed to score the similarity of the tokenized words in the work item description based on whether they contain the same word. The framework was experimented with using the national roadway BOQ; this BOQ is used for the procurement process in South Korea. It transformed work item descriptions from unstandardized BOQs into standardized data with more than 91.12% accuracy. The results of this study can be used as a prerequisite step for standardizing construction life cycle cost data and the automatic generation of BOQs.

Performance-related specification and payment modifiers in highway construction projects

PurposeThe ability to measure and assess “quality” is essential in building and maintaining a safe and effective transportation system. Attaining acceptable quality outcomes in transportation projects has been a reoccurring problem at both the federal and state levels, at least partially, as a result of poorly developed, inefficient or nonexistent quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes. The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement a new QA/QC process that focuses on a novel double-bounded performance-related specification (PRS) and corresponding pay factor policy that includes both lower and upper quality acceptance and payment reward boundaries for bridge concrete.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use historical data to design different payment scenarios illustrating likely industry responses to the new PRS, and select the single scenario that best balances risk between the agency and industry. The authors then convert that payment scenario to a pay factor schedule using a search heuristic and determine statistical compliance with the PRS using percent-within-limits (PWL).FindingsThe methodology offers an innovative approach for developing an initial set of pay factors when lifecycle cost data are lacking and the PRS are new or modified. An important finding is that, with a double-bounded PRS, it is not possible to represent pay factors using the simplified table PWL currently employed in practice because each PWL value occupies two separate positions in the payment structure – one above the design target and one below it. Therefore, a more detailed set of pay factors must be employed which explicitly specify the mean sample value and the design target. The approach is demonstrated in practice for the Agency of Transportation in state of Vermont.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors demonstrate a novel approach for developing a double-bounded PRS and introduce a payment incentive/disincentive policy with the goal of improving total product quality. The new pay factor policy includes both a payment penalty below the contracted price for failing to meet a specified performance criterion as well as a payment premium above the contracted price that increases as the sample product specification approaches an “ideal” design value. The PRS includes both an upper and lower acceptance boundary for the finished product as opposed to only a lower tail acceptance boundary, which is the traditional approach.Practical implicationsThe authors illustrate a research collaboration between academia and a state agency that highlights the role academic research can play in advancing quality management practices. The study involves the use of actual product performance data and is operational as opposed to conceptual in nature. Finally, the authors offer important practical insights and guidance by demonstrating how a new PRS and pay factor policy can be developed without the use of site-specific historical lifecycle cost (LCC) data that include detailed manufacturing, producing and placement cost data, as data related to product performance over time. This is an important contribution, as the development and implementation of pay factor policies typically involve the use of historical LCC data. However, in many cases, these data are not available or may be incomplete.Social implicationsWith the new PRS and pay factor schedule, the Agency expects shrinkage and cracking on bridge decks to decrease along with overall maintenance and rehabilitation costs. A major focus the new PRS is to actively involve industry partners in quality improvement efforts.Originality/valueThe authors focus on a major modification to an existing QA/QC process that involves the development of a new PRS and an associated pay factor policy undertaken by the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The authors use empirical data to develop a novel double bounded PRS and payment schedule for concrete and offer unique operational/practical insight and guidance by demonstrating how a new PRS and pay factor policy can be developed without the use of site-specific historical LCC. Typically, PRS for in-place concrete have only a lower tail acceptance boundary.

Evaluation of non-cost factors affecting the life cycle cost: an exploratory study

Purpose This paper aims to identify the main non-cost factors affecting accurate estimation of life cycle cost (LCC) in building projects. Design/methodology/approach Ten factors affecting LCC in building project cost estimates are identified through literature and interviews. A questionnaire survey is conducted to rank these factors in order of priority and provide the views of cost practitioners about the significance of these factors in the accurate estimation of LCC. The data from 138 construction building projects completed in UK were collected and analysed via multiple regression to discover the relationship between capital and LCCs and between non-cost factors and cost estimation at each stage of the life cycle (capital, operation, maintenance and LCC). Findings The results of analysis of existing LCC data of completing project and survey data from cost professionals are mostly consistent with many literature views and provide a reasonable description of the non-cost factors affecting the accuracy of estimates. Originality/value The value of this study is in the method used, which involves analysis of existing life data and survey data from cost professionals. The results provide a plausible description of the non-cost factors affecting the accuracy of estimates.

Multidimensional Representation of Educational Facility LCC (Life Cycle Cost) Data

A safe and comfortable study environment enhances educational performance. Thus, effective and efficient school facility management is very important. However, present school management systems are unreasonable because they depend mostly on the decision of the school principal or of non-expert administrators of educational facilities, instead of being based on the reliable Life Cycle Cost (LCC) data or information. The experts are often surprised to see a marked difference between their projected educational facility maintenance cost and the actual cost. The LCC of educational facilities produces a voluminous amount of quantitative data. Much of these data is created during the construction and maintenance phase of an educational facility and is related to cost, time, safety, quality, and administrative information. Recent storage and processing advances in computers increase the opportunity to monitor educational facilities in ways fundamentally different from those of the existing systems. However, the lack of a fundamental model of multidimensional data representation contributes to the inadequate application and implementation of the historical data in educational facility management. Therefore, this research presents a basic method of using data warehousing that will supply objective and reasonable LCC data or information for effective educational facility management.

Uncertain Cost Estimates Influencing Priorities for Multimodal Transportation Corridors

Economic uncertainties have prompted transportation departments to consider cost-effective spending to reduce funding shortages. Although methods exist for identifying and prioritizing projects, there is need for analysis of long-range plans that consider stakeholder perspectives. This article compares two pairs of cost estimates: (a) modal agency cost estimates with (b) highway-only implementations and (c) regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) plans with (d) the state Department of Transportation (DOT) highway plan. This article develops methods to compare the perspectives of cost estimates for transportation improvements. The methods are adaptable to include both preliminary cost data and detailed life cycle cost data. The results aid in the prioritization of engineering and long-range planning efforts for projects that are expected to contribute to the goals of a variety of stakeholder investments. The methods support efforts for increasing accuracy and inclusion of life cycle costs into project estimates and employment of more sophisticated cost methodologies, such as cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit analysis.

2D representation of life cycle greenhouse gas emission and life cycle cost of energy conversion for various energy resources

We suggest a 2D-plot representation combined with life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and life cycle cost for various energy conversion technologies. In general, life cycle assessment (LCA) not only analyzes at the use phase of a specific technology, but also covers widely related processes of before and after its use. We use life cycle GHG emissions and life cycle cost (LCC) to compare the energy conversion process for eight resources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear power, hydro power, geothermal power, wind power, solar thermal power, and solar photovoltaic (PV) power based on the reported LCA and LCC data. Among the eight sources, solar PV and nuclear power exhibit the highest and the lowest LCCs, respectively. On the other hand, coal and wind power locate the highest and the lowest life cycle GHG emissions. In addition, we used the 2D plot to show the life cycle performance of GHG emissions and LCCs simultaneously and realized a correlation that life cycle GHG emission is largely inversely proportional to the corresponding LCCs. It means that an expensive energy source with high LCC tends to have low life cycle GHG emissions, or is environmental friendly. For future study, we will measure the technological maturity of the energy sources to determine the direction of the specific technology development based on the 2D plot of LCCs versus life cycle GHG emissions.

The Design of Family Cars’ Life Cycle Cost Data Warehouse Based on Web

This paper mainly focused on the life cycle cost collection of manufacturing product based on web and data organization methodology according to business requirements. The general features of manufacturing product life cycle cost were analyzed at first while cost collection objects and cost-related product features were chosen. After that, the software system was developed using .NET and C# web programming technique picking up cost data from credible websites on Internet. Then, life cycle cost data warehouse model was designed via features of cost collection object ending up with the establishment of data warehouse system acquiring cost data as data source. Basic data cleaning and data validation function was developed to meet data quality demand referring to data integrality, data authenticity and data time effectiveness. Finally, an exemplification system of family cars was set up successfully assembling 300 thousand plus records about 3500 car models in last 26 months. This system was proved to work without human manipulation over hours visiting 10 thousand web pages and collecting cost data. This proved the software was valid.

A Proposed Methodology to Characterize the Accuracy of Life Cycle Cost Estimates for DoD Programs

For decades, the DoD has employed numerous reporting and monitoring tools for characterizing the acquisition cost of its major programs. These tools have resulted in dozens of studies thoroughly documenting the magnitude and extent of DoD acquisition cost growth. Curiously, though, there have been extremely few studies regarding the behavior of the other cost component of a system's life cycle: Operating and Support (O&S) costs. This is particularly strange considering that O&S costs tend to dominate the total life cycle cost (LCC) of a program, and that LCCs are widely regarded as the preferred metric for assessing actual program value. The upshot for not examining such costs is that the DoD has little knowledge of how LCC estimates behave over time, and virtually no insights regarding their accuracy. In recent years, however, enough quality LCC data has amassed to conduct a study to address these deficiencies. This paper describes a method for conducting such a study, and represents (to the authors’ knowledge) the first broad-based attempt to do so. The results not only promise insights into the nature of current LCC estimates, but also suggest the possibility of improving the accuracy of DoD LCC estimates via a stochastically-based model.

Data acquisition and analysis for water main rehabilitation techniques

The ability to regularly deliver safe drinking water is a constant challenge to municipalities worldwide. In Canada, the replacement/rehabilitation cost of water mains is estimated to be $28 billion (1997–2012). Therefore, selecting cost-effective repair and/or rehabilitation scenario(s) is essential to optimise the quality of existing water mains and minimise unnecessary rehabilitation costs. The research presented in this paper identifies several rehabilitation methods for water mains, which are classified into three main categories: (1) repair (i.e. open trench, sleeves); (2) renovation (i.e. slip lining, cement mortar lining, epoxy lining, cured in place pipe (CIPP)); and (3) replacement (i.e. pipe bursting, micro-tunnelling, horizontal directional drilling, auger boring, open cut). Due to complexity, scarcity, and enormity of data required to perform life cycle cost (LCC) and select the cost-effective scenario(s), the research presented focuses on LCC data acquisition and analysis. Data were collected from contractors and municipalities in Canada. Rehabilitation decision trees were developed as a preparation step for future LCC implementation. Breakage rate analysis was successfully developed to predict the intervals of various rehabilitation alternatives. The research presented is relevant to researchers and practitioners (municipal engineers, consultants, and contractors) to prioritise pipe inspection and rehabilitation planning for existing water mains.

Life-Cycle Assessment and Life-Cycle Cost as Collaborative Tools in Residential Heating System Selection

Typically the selection of a residential heating system focuses on first costs rather than the economic or environmental life cycle consequences. The use of life cycle assessment and life cycle cost methodologies in the design phase provide additional criteria for consideration when selecting a residential heating system. A comparative case study of a gas forced air and radiant solar heating system was conducted for a 3,000 square foot house located in Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.A. The initial results of an analysis of the life cycle assessment and the life cycle cost data indicated the gas forced air system was superior, both environmentally and economically. Further data analysis pinpointed solar radiant system components for replacement in an effort to reduce both life cycle environmental emissions and costs. This analysis resulted in a hybrid radiant system using a high-efficiency gas-fired boiler, a choice that lowered both the solar radiant system's costs and emissions. This new system had slightly lower environmental impacts than both the gas forced air system and solar radiant system. Unfortunately the hybrid system had less impact on the life cycle cost with the hybrid system substantially more expensive then the gas-forced air alternative.

Minimisation of life cycle cost of a detached house using combined simulation and optimisation

In the current study, minimisation of life cycle cost (LCC) for a single family detached house is achieved by combined simulation and optimisation. The house has a typical Finnish construction with initial U-values in accordance with the Finnish National Building Code C3 of 2003. The implemented approach is coupling the IDA ICE 3.0 building performance simulation program with the GenOpt 2.0 generic optimisation program to find optimised values of five selected design variables in the building construction and HVAC system. These variables are three continuous variables (insulation thickness of the external wall, roof and floor) and two discrete variables ( U-value of the windows and type of heat recovery). This investigation shows the advantages gained from the implemented approach of combining simulation and optimisation. The solution suggests lowering the U- values for the external wall, roof, floor and the window from their initial values. The exact values of the optimised design variables depend on the set up of the LCC data for each case. Reduction of 23–49% in the space heating energy for the optimised house is obtained compared with the reference case. Verification of the GenOpt results is made by comparison with results from a brute-force search method, which indicates that GenOpt has found, or has come very close to, the global minimum in the current study.

ESA sealing technology BAT guidance note

This article marks the conclusion to the development of the European Sealing Association (ESA) guidance note on best available techniques (BAT). Although the document is aimed primarily at the industrial sectors which are covered by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, it is applicable in virtually all process industries. The guidance notes now contain life cycle cost data and environmental impact charts for mechanical seals and valve packings.

Approximate Estimation of the Product Life Cycle Cost Using Artificial Neural Networks in Conceptual Design

In order to improve the design of products and reduce design changes, cost, and time to market, life cycle engineering has emerged as an effective approach to address these issues in today's competitive global market. As over 70% of the total life cycle cost of a product is committed at the early design stage, designers can substantially reduce the life cycle cost of products by giving due consideration to the life cycle implications of their design decisions. During the early design stages there may be competing requirements. In addition, detailed information is scarce and decisions must be made quickly. Thus, both the overhead in developing parametric life cycle cost (LCC) models for a wide range of concepts or requirements, and the lack of detailed information make the application of traditional LCC models impractical. A different approach is required because a traditional LCC method should be incorporated in the very early design stages. This paper explores an approximate method for providing the preliminary life cycle cost. Learning algorithms trained to use the known characteristics of existing products can perhaps allow the life cycle cost of new products to be approximated quickly during the conceptual design phase without the overhead of defining new LCC models. Artificial neural networks are trained to generalise product attributes and life cycle cost data from pre-existing LCC studies. Then, the product designers query the trained artificial model with new high-level product attribute data to obtain an LCC for a new product concept quickly. Foundations for the learning LCC approach are established, and then an application is provided. This paper has been developed to provide designers with LCC information to guide them in conceptual design.