Life Cycle Comparison of Steel and GFRP Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck Designs in the Context of Uncertainty

Four competing bridge deck designs are compared on the basis of life cycle costs (LCC). Two of the designs are reinforced with steel. The remaining two are reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP). Typical of Canadian prairie environments, the decks will face periodic exposure to deicing salts – a factor influencing both the designs and projected maintenance needs. Combining the resulting stream of costs over a 100-year service life and required rate of discount permits the computation of Present Worth LCC (PWLCC) for comparative purposes. Uncertainty in performance and other variables is captured through a systematic integration of sensitivity and risk analyses to produce expected value results and corresponding risk profiles. The results will aid the Manitoba Department of Infrastructure and Transportation select deck designs for two upcoming bridge projects.