Lowest Life Cycle Cost Research Articles

Economic and environmental benefits of recycled asphalt mixtures: impact of reclaimed asphalt pavement and additives throughout the life cycle.

This study investigates the economic and environmental advantages of using recycled asphalt mixtures with varying percentages of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), cottonseed oil, and zeolite. The primary objective was to assess these mixtures' life cycle impacts and costs compared to a traditional control mixture. The methodology employed includes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA), with a focus on endpoint impact categories such as ecosystem damage, human health, and resource availability. The analysis encompassed production, construction, and end-of-life phases, utilizing an 8.5% discount rate and a 10-year planning horizon. Results indicate that recycled asphalt mixtures with RAP and additives show significant environmental benefits, including reductions in impacts across all evaluated categories. Specifically, RAP incorporation led to substantial reductions in resource consumption and lower life cycle costs. Mixtures with 33% RAP and 10% cottonseed oil, and 33% RAP and 0.3% zeolite, demonstrated the highest cost savings and environmental performance improvements. The findings highlight that while the inclusion of additives increases some costs, the overall economic advantage of RAP utilization is substantial. This research underscores the feasibility of using recycled asphalt mixtures as a sustainable alternative to traditional mixtures, offering both economic and environmental benefits.

Fatigue performance and thickness optimization of polyolefin fiber-reinforced M40 concrete for sustainable pavements

Concrete pavements are renowned for their ability to handle heavier loads and lower life cycle costs than flexible pavements. Fibers into concrete further enhance its durability by reducing maintenance and rehabilitation costs. This study investigates the fatigue performance of pavement quality concrete (PQC) M40-grade reinforced with polyolefin fibers, focusing on structured fibers (SF) and twisted fibers (TF). Polyolefin fibers were added at varying dosages (0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 kg/m³ for structured fibers and 3, 4, and 5 kg/m³ for twisted fibers), as per IRC: 44 (2017) guidelines. Tests were conducted for compressive, split tensile, flexural strength, and flexural fatigue under different stress levels and loading frequencies. Results revealed that polyolefin fibers significantly improve concrete’s mechanical properties and fatigue resistance. Optimal dosages were identified as 1 kg/m³ for structured fibers and 5 kg/m³ for twisted fibers. The S-N curves demonstrated enhanced durability under cyclic loading conditions. Furthermore, polyolefin fiber reinforcement reduced white topping thickness from 19 cm to 17 cm while maintaining flexural stress within safe limits. This optimization highlights the potential for more durable, cost-effective, and sustainable pavement solutions.

Design and optimization of thermal parameters of building envelope for senior living community in Chinese hot summer and cold winter area

As living standards and medical services improve, the elderly population continues to grow, drawing attention to senior living communities. This study analyzes the load characteristics of buildings in five Chinese towns with hot summers and cold winters by simulating their annual cooling and heating loads, exploring the effects of wall insulation thickness and window glazing layers on thermal loads across regions. Through a life cycle cost analysis, this study identifies the most cost-effective wall insulation and window configurations for each location, offering valuable guidance for renovating senior living communities in such climates. The results indicate that annual cooling loads vary from 113.0 W/m² to 145.7 W/m², while heating loads range between 14.7 W/m² and 41.8 W/m². Specifically, Chongqing benefits most from single-glazed windows with a 0.06 m insulation layer, while Changsha, Hefei, Nanjing, and Shanghai opt for double-glazed windows with insulation layers of 0.08 m, 0.10 m, 0.10 m, and 0.06 m respectively for optimal cost-effectiveness. Notably, Shanghai has the lowest life cycle cost, which is about 30% less than that of the other cities. This is attributed to its lower summer cooling load. Overall, the minimum 25-year life cycle cost for upgrading air conditioning and enclosure structures falls between 148kRMB and 165kRMB.

The economic and environmental case for storm-resistant American housing: a comparison of Florida’s 2023 building code-compliant and conventional single-family house designs

ABSTRACT Storm-resistant house design in hurricane-prone areas can combine structural integrity with energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Using parametric life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analyses, this study evaluated the environmental and economic impacts of single-family storm-resistant houses in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Results reveal that improved energy efficiency reduces operational GHG emissions by up to 18% and replacement-stage emissions by 12%, compensating for a slight 0.11% increase in embodied emissions over an extended lifespan. While initial costs are about 6% higher, operational energy costs fall by 2.5%, leading to lower overall lifecycle costs and emissions. Sensitivity analysis indicates that window types, cooling system efficiency, and window-to-wall ratio significantly influence both GHG emissions and operational costs. These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating storm-resistance features early in the design process to enhance durability, energy efficiency, and cost savings, thus reducing the construction sector’s overall environmental footprint.

Membrane-Based Hydrogen Production: A Techno-Economic Evaluation of Cost and Feasibility

As the global shift toward a low-carbon economy accelerates, hydrogen is emerging as a crucial energy source. Among conventional methods for hydrogen production, steam methane reforming (SMR), commonly paired with pressure swing adsorption (PSA) for hydrogen purification, stands out due to its established infrastructure and technological maturity. This comprehensive techno-economic analysis focuses on membrane-based hydrogen production, evaluating four configurations, namely SMR, SMR with PSA, SMR with a palladium membrane, and SMR with a ceramic–carbonate membrane coupled with a carbon capture system (CCS). The life cycle cost (LCC) of each configuration was assessed by analyzing key factors, including production rate, hydrogen pricing, equipment costs, and maintenance expenses. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to identify major cost drivers influencing the LCC, providing insights into the economic and operational feasibility of each configuration. The analysis reveals that SMR with PSA has the lowest LCC and is significantly more cost-efficient than configurations involving the palladium and ceramic–carbonate membranes. SMR with a ceramic–carbonate membrane coupled with CCS also demonstrates the most sensitive to energy variations due to its extensive infrastructure and energy requirement. Sensitivity analysis confirms that SMR with PSA consistently provides the greatest cost efficiency under varying conditions. These findings underscore the critical balance between cost efficiency and environmental considerations in adopting membrane-based hydrogen production technologies.

An Industry Perspective on Elements Required to Create Competition in Alternate Pavement Type Selection: A Case Study for North Carolina

Alternate Pavement Bidding (APB) is a process in which both concrete and asphalt pavement designs are developed for a project and the contractor selects which material to submit with his bid. The bid and pavement type that wins is the one that has the lowest life cycle costs. The goal of APB is to increase competition and lower cost by bringing additional contractors and pavement options to the bidding table. In 2010, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) started exploring the use of the APB. As part of development process, NCTA/NCDOT asked representatives from both the concrete and asphalt paving industries to participate. In reviewing the APB and LCCA models used by other Agencies, the concrete industry identified several reoccurring engineering and economic factors that they believed were correlated with successful implementation of an APB model. This paper presents the information given to the NCDOT / NCTA by the concrete paving industry in order to have a more comprehensive process that accurately reflects the risk, costs, and performance of the competing alternatives.

A METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING THE COSTEFFECTIVENESS OF CRCP DESIGN FEATURES

Continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) evolved out of a desire to minimize joint-related distresses and improve long-term smoothness of the pavement by eliminating transverse contraction joints. In CRCP, longitudinal reinforcing steel is continuous throughout the pavement length to hold cracks tight. A methodology for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of key CRCP design features and optimizing CRCP design was developed and presented. In this methodology, performance and cost data are combined to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pavement design features and to determine the optimum combination of these features which has lowest life cycle cost (LCC). The developed methodology was used to examine the cost-effectiveness of five of the more influential CRCP design features PCC slab thickness, longitudinal steel reinforcement content, base type and thickness, shoulder type and thickness, and PCC slab width. A detailed life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of 13 current CRCP designs utilizing different combinations of these five design features was conducted using best estimates of the relative costs and performance effects of each of these design features. The cost data were obtained from State and contractors surveys, as well as published cost data and bid tabs. The performance data were obtained from State and contractors surveys, as well as empirical and mechanistic-empirical pavement performance prediction models.

Lifecycle cost analysis and performance evaluation of multi-stage screw compressors

Screw compressors are essential elements in various industrial sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, and construction, representing roughly 10%–20% of industrial electricity usage. Notwithstanding their prevalent application, the energy requirements of multi-stage screw compressors substantially contribute to carbon emissions. The global market for screw compressors is anticipated to expand at a compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%, achieving a market value of $19.37 billion by 2030. This highlights the increasing demand for more energy-efficient compressor systems. The utilisation of multi-stage screw compressors for applications surpassing 30 bar is constrained by issues including rotor bending deformation, diminished bearing longevity, inadequate oil cooling, and condensate separation in oil separators. Moreover, screw compressors encounter operational constraints in multi-staging, even at reduced pressure ranges, when compared to reciprocating compressors. This study seeks to examine the existing constraints of multi-stage screw compressors and investigates potential solutions for power levels of 22–315 kW and delivery pressures of 6–12 bar. A cost-effective compressor design was designed by utilising modern rotor profiles and optimising sealing and cooling systems. A prototype two-stage oil-flooded air screw compressor, intended for water-well applications, was fabricated and evaluated for performance and dependability. The efficacy of the two-stage compressor was evaluated against that of a single-stage air screw compressor of comparable capacity. An extensive economic evaluation, grounded in lifecycle costs, was performed over a decade. The results indicate that the two-stage compressor reduces operational expenses by roughly 20%–75%, leading to markedly lower lifecycle costs. These insights underscore the capability of multi-stage screw compressors to provide improved performance and economic advantages, promoting broader implementation in applications necessitating mid-range pressures.

Reliability-Centric Maintenance Planning for Bridge Infrastructure: A Novel Method Based on Improved Electric Fish Optimization

Bridge infrastructure provides an important effect on contemporary transportation networks, and its upkeep is significant for ensuring public safety and reducing economic impacts. Nevertheless, the aging and degradation of bridge structures present considerable challenges for asset managers, who must navigate the necessity of maintenance against constrained financial resources. Conventional maintenance approaches typically emphasize reactive repairs, which can result in elevated lifecycle expenses and risk structural integrity. This paper introduces an innovative framework aimed at optimizing bridge maintenance expenditures while maintaining structural safety. The proposed methodology incorporates a reliability-based deterioration model, an intervention effect model, a financial model, and an optimization model empowered by an Improved Electric Fish Optimization (IEFO) algorithm. The framework is demonstrated through a case study of a reinforced bridge framework designed according to the standards of Canadian highway bridge design. The findings illustrate that the proposed methodology can substantially lower lifecycle costs by investigating the most economical maintenance strategies, including minor repairs that can postpone the necessity for expensive major interventions. The optimal scenario identified by the IEFO algorithm yielded lower equivalent uniform annual costs in comparison with the traditional scenario focused solely on major repairs. This research advances the field of data-driven maintenance planning for bridge infrastructure, empowering asset managers to make well-informed decisions that effectively balance cost and safety considerations.

Enhancing Climate Resiliency Through Improving Ecosystem Services in Shoreline Municipalities – Lessons from Canada

The accelerated impacts of climate change in waterfront areas and the proven inefficacy of the aging hardened shoreline infrastructure have driven shoreline management practices to evolve toward the enhancement of ecosystem services at the land-water interface. Gaining momentum as an adaptive approach in regenerative projects, living shorelines are comprised of natural ecosystem components used in combination or in place of traditional hard engineering methods to provide coastal protective services and erosion mitigation. The success of living shorelines in protecting shoreline property and ecosystem integrity varies based on the biogeomorphology and hydrology of the region and is also heavily reliant on social acceptance of the chosen approach and best practice for implementation. The relatively lower lifecycle cost and associated co-benefits of living shorelines have well positioned them as a promising alternative approach in theory. There are, however, gaps in regional long-term datasets and evidence-based guidelines. This research provides an overview of the underlying geopolitical readiness for integrating nature-based solutions in climate adaptation strategies within shoreline municipalities based on a comprehensive literature review complimented by expert interviews. The synthesized data can inform decisions for minimizing the destructive effects of traditional shoreline erosion prevention approaches and encourage successful implementation of solutions that offer ecological, health, social, and economic benefits.

Implementation of Value Engineering For Optimization of Road Reconstruction Project Financing Case Study: Cibadak – Padasuka Road Section Project, Lebak Regency, Banten Province

Road reconstruction is one of the important infrastructure projects in supporting economic growth and community mobility. However, such projects are often faced with budget constraints, which require the application of effective methods for cost management. One method that can be used is Value Engineering (VE), which aims to optimize costs without reducing the quality or function of the project. This study focuses on the implementation of VE in the Cibadak - Padasuka road reconstruction project in Lebak Regency, Banten. The study was conducted through an analysis of several project components that have the potential to be optimized, using methods such as Pareto analysis, and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis. The results of the study indicate that 1. The work item that is the subject of Value Engineering study in this study is Road Paving work; 2. The Value Engineering study obtained 3 alternatives, namely the Rigid Pavement Method PPCP, SPRigWP & Flexible Pavement; 3. The construction cost value of Value Engineering is: • Alternative 1 PPCP Method against alternative 0 (Conventional Concrete/Cast In Situ) experienced an increase in construction costs of Rp. 324,545,518.51 or 3.30%, • Alternative 2 SPRigWP Method against alternative 0 (Conventional Concrete/Cast In Situ) experienced an increase in construction costs of Rp. 2,693,845,581.45,- or 30.75%, • Alternative 3 Flexible Pavement compared to alternative 0 (Conventional Concrete/Cast In Situ) experienced a decrease in construction cost of Rp. 1,368,807,868.21, or 15.63%; 4. The Life Cycle Cost (LCC) value from Value Engineering is: • Alternative 1 PPCP Method compared to alternative 0 (Conventional Concrete/Cast In Situ) experienced a decrease in Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of Rp. 1,020,655,389.33,- or 9.55%, • Alternative 2 SPRigWP Method against alternative 0 (Conventional Concrete/Cast In Situ) experienced an increase in Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of Rp. 1,375,850,167.98 or 12.87%, • Alternative 3 Flexible Pavement against alternative 0 ( Conventional Concrete/Cast In Situ) experienced an increase in Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of Rp. 10,697,757,430.34 or 100.07%. So that in the study conducted on the Cibadak - Padasuka Road Reconstruction Project, Warunggunung District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province Alternative 1 Precast Prestressed Concrete Pavement (PPCP) Rigid Pavement Method is the recommendation with the lowest LCC value.This research is expected to provide practical recommendations that can be applied to similar projects in the future, as well as contributing to the development of science in the field of civil engineering and project management.

Multi-Stage Optimization of Drainage Systems for Integrated Grey–Green Infrastructure under Backward Planning

In this study, a multi-stage planning framework was constructed by using SWMM simulation modeling and NSGA-II and applied to optimize the layout of integrated grey–green infrastructure (IGGI) under land use change and climate change scenarios. The land use change scenarios were determined based on the master plan of the study area, with imperviousness of 50.7% and 62.0% for stage 1 and stage 2, respectively. Rainfall trends for stage 1 and stage 2 were determined using Earth-E3 from the CMIP6 model. The rainfall in stage 2 increased by 14.9% from stage 1. Based on these two change scenarios, the spatial configuration of IGGI layouts with different degrees of centralization of the layout (DCL) under the two phases was optimized, with the lowest life cycle cost (LCC) as the optimization objective. The results showed that the layout with DCL = 0 had better performance in terms of LCC. The LCC of the layout with DCL = 0 was only 66.9% of that of the layout with DCL = 90.9%. In terms of Tech-R, stage 2 had better performance than stage 1. Furthermore, the average technological resilience (Tech-R) index of stage 2 was 0.8–3.4% higher than that of stage 1. Based on the LCC and Tech-R indices of all of the layouts, TOPSIS was used to compare the performance of the layouts under the two stages, and it was determined that the layout with DCL = 0 had the best economic and performance benefits. The results of this study will be useful in exploring the spatial configuration of urban drainage systems under land use change and climate change for sustainable stormwater management.

Advances in Retrofitting Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Tropical Climates: A Systematic Review and Analysis

The global construction industry significantly contributes to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating immediate action for sustainable development. Recognizing the impact of buildings on emissions, the United Nations has set ambitious energy-related goals for 2030. Retrofitting buildings emerges as a strategic method for reducing energy consumption, offering lower environmental impact and life cycle costs. However, retrofitting is a complex process influenced by diverse factors such as policies, available resources, techniques, building-specific data, and uncertainties. Thus, this paper reviews the existing literature on retrofitting strategies for tropical and humid climates to identify effective approaches for enhancing energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and overall building performance in these regions. Through comprehensive analyses, including bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer version 1.6.18 and systematic assessments, this study investigates various retrofitting strategies. This study categorizes tropical climates into Af (Tropical Rainforest Climate) and Aw (Tropical Savanna Climate) based on the Köppen climate classification. It reveals distinct emphases, with Af climates concentrating on office buildings and Aw climates prioritizing residential structures. Passive strategies were predominantly favored in office buildings, with glazing being the most commonly implemented approach. Residential structures, on the other hand, adopted a combination of passive strategies such as phase change materials along with active methods like appliance replacement. Educational buildings tended to rely on passive strategies, including roof covers, shading, and glazing. The absence of specific cost values underscores the importance of establishing baseline metrics, revealing significant challenges in retrofit techniques. This study further highlights an opportunity to explore passive methods in educational buildings, stressing the need for comprehensive guidelines, especially in institutional settings. Moreover, it emphasizes the urgency for ambitious regulations to address carbon emissions and optimize energy efficiency in tropical climates.

Thermodynamic and kinetic degradation of LTO batteries: Impact of different SOC intervals and discharge voltages in electric train applications

Thermodynamic and kinetic degradation of LTO batteries: Impact of different SOC intervals and discharge voltages in electric train applications

Cost Benefits of Net Zero Energy Homes in Australia

This paper presents a systematic analysis of energy savings and cost benefits associated with several options for integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The primary goal of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of achieving optimal net-zero energy (NZE) designs for residential buildings in Australia. Specifically, the analysis combines a series of sensitivity analyses and multi-objective optimizations to account for a wide range of design strategies for detached homes in four cities representing different Australian climates. The results indicate that not only are NZE designs technically feasible for all the considered Australian cities, but they are also highly cost-effective. This cost-effectiveness is attributed to the lower installation costs of rooftop PV systems as well as the beneficial interactive effects of proven energy efficiency strategies. Indeed, it is found that the deployment costs of rooftop PV systems can be recovered in less than 4 years. Moreover, the addition of thermal insulation in walls and ceilings can reduce both HVAC capacities and annual energy end-use by up to 59%. Based on an optimization-based design, NZE homes in Australia can have lower construction costs and, ultimately, lower life cycle costs than dwellings built to meet current energy efficiency standards based primarily on stringent building envelope thermal performance.

Assessment of booster refrigeration system with eco-friendly working fluid CO2/halogenated alkene (HA) mixture for supermarket application around the world: Energy conservation, cost saving, and emissions reduction potential

Assessment of booster refrigeration system with eco-friendly working fluid CO2/halogenated alkene (HA) mixture for supermarket application around the world: Energy conservation, cost saving, and emissions reduction potential

Eco-efficiency and economic assessment of gypsum-based precast with polymeric waste: A case study

Eco-efficiency and economic assessment of gypsum-based precast with polymeric waste: A case study

Environmental life cycle costs of steel moment frames utilizing endurance time method

Environmental life cycle costs of steel moment frames utilizing endurance time method

Optimising building envelope and insulation materials for energy efficiency and life-cycle cost in Cypriot residences

ABSTRACT Residential buildings consume approximately 36% of total electricity consumption in Cyprus and this is expected to continue increasing in the coming years. This study explores the potential for energy savings in residential buildings in Cyprus through optimising building envelopes and insulation materials. Using building information modelling and energy modelling software, the study analyses 120 combinations of building envelopes and eight insulation materials, identifying an optimal combination of wall, roof, and flooring materials that could result in 32% energy load reductions and 27% lower life-cycle costs compared to the median scenario. High-density rock wool insulation on roofs and double-glazed windows were also found to offer both monetary and energy performance benefits. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the current high energy prices could provide greater economic incentives to adopt these optimisation strategies. Optimising building materials in Cyprus could play a critical role in climate strategy while also offering significant economic benefits.

Integrated Value Engineering with QFD and DFA as Product Design and Development Techniques: Literature Review

Value engineering is an organized, rigorous strategy that assesses the performance, noise, quality, safety, and compatibility of systems, outfits, installations, services, and inventories to deliver necessary functionalities at the lowest life cycle cost. Eliminating unnecessary expenses from design, testing, production, operations, procedures, accounting, conservation, and other areas is the best course of action. The purpose of the paper's initial investigation was to list the drawbacks of value engineering in product creation. These transgressions highlight the necessity for alternative methods when implementing value engineering techniques. To address critical inverse issues throughout the process, from the stage of product demand analysis to product design, product, and operation, value engineering is combined with various engineering methods. The results demonstrate that there are distinct paths in which the benefit of integration engineering using QFD or DFA may be used. Even so, this integration is providing a better option for the planning of products or services through a process that not only means providing a better value for client satisfaction but also lowers expenses, shortening development times, and reducing the need for rework conditions—all without compromising performance, reducing anxiety, or lowering the quality of the final product.