Cost optimization of concrete bridge infrastructure

Recent surveys have indicated that between 30% and 40% of all bridges in North America are in various states of deterioration. Funding is limited owing to the existence of other deficient components of the transportation infrastructure. It is clear, therefore, that the return on the available funding needs to be maximized. This paper presents a review of publications on cost optimization of concrete bridge components and systems and then continues with a review of the state-of-the-art in life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis and design of concrete bridges. The main objective of the paper is to encourage bridge engineers to move towards the increased use of advanced analysis and design optimization methods.Key words: bridge, concrete, cost, high-performance concrete, infrastructure, life-cycle cost, optimization, prestressed girders, reliability.