A new methodology to inform maintenance decisions and budget requirements for bridges

Omer, Joshua (2024) A new methodology to inform maintenance decisions and budget requirements for bridges. [Data Collection]

Lay Summary

Bridge maintenance decisions can have a significant impact on the whole life cost and carbon footprint of bridges. At present bridge maintenance decisions in the UK are entirely cost driven due to budget constraints within Local Authorities. The UK has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2050 therefore bridge engineers need to consider the effects maintenance decisions will have on the carbon footprint of bridges. This study appraises an example bridge, in the UK, to determine the optimal maintenance strategy and cost, considering whole life costs, traffic delays and CO2 emissions. This was accomplished through a parametric study comparing maintenance costs and traffic delays for different maintenance strategies. Carbon emissions for each maintenance strategy were estimated using a carbon calculator tool widely used in the bridge industry. Carbon emissions were monetised based on UK carbon valuations, which are often applied in policy appraisal, allowing CO2 emissions to be incorporated into the whole life costing analysis. The research revealed that a planned preventive maintenance strategy was the most cost effective and sustainable strategy with 7.7% lower discounted maintenance costs and 7% less CO2 compared to an unplanned reactive strategy

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