Ishani Banerjee
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
This manuscript presents a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis of pre-stressed concrete bridge design as of 2017, with an emphasis on traditional materials and methods prevalent within civil and structural engineering disciplines. The study synthesizes data from industry reports, bridge maintenance records, and construction cost databases to evaluate the economic viability of pre-stressed concrete solutions compared to conventional reinforced concrete and steel alternatives. Life-cycle cost assessment (LCCA) techniques are applied to quantify initial capital expenditure, maintenance and rehabilitation costs, and user-delay costs over a 75-year service life. The analysis incorporates discounting methods aligned with engineering economic practices circa 2017 and examines sensitivity to key parameters such as interest rate, traffic volume growth, and durability improvements afforded by pre-tensioning and post-tensioning techniques. Findings indicate that, despite higher initial costs, pre-stressed concrete bridges offer net present value (NPV) advantages in high-traffic corridors and in environments where chloride-induced corrosion poses significant risks. The study concludes with recommendations on material selection, prestressing strategies, and policy guidelines for infrastructure agencies seeking to optimize investment decisions within budget constraints and performance requirements.
Keywords
Pre-stressed concrete; life-cycle cost analysis; bridge design; economic evaluation; durability
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