Title: Factors Influencing Life Cycle Cost of RC Members

Author(s): T. Iba and H. Seki

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 212

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 509-520

Keywords: life cycle cost; maintenance cost; RC members

DOI: 10.14359/12705

Date: 6/1/2003

Abstract:
Concrete members were once considered as maintenance free. However, it is clear that some have deteriorated and required maintenance work. This paper attempts to evaluate the factors influencing the total cost of RC members during their service life when structures gradually deteriorate and require maintenance work. The form of deterioration considered here is salt attack, and the repairing method involves restoration of the member to its original cross-section. Total maintenance cost is expressed as present cost based on the coefficient of current price. The main factors calculated in the paper are the deterioration ratio of RC members at the repair stage, the actual interest ratio (including the capital ratio and the price fluctuation ratio), and the cost loss for expected structural failure. Calculation results indicate that the life cylce cost of a structure is greatly affected by these factors (especially the actual interest ratio), and that they have to be decided cautiously.