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

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, and therefore, bridge engineers need to consider the effects maintenance decisions will have on the carbon footprint of bridges. This paper uniquely implements the Structures Asset Valuation and Investment (SAVI) tool to appraise an example bridge, to determine the optimal maintenance strategy and cost, considering whole life costs, traffic delays and carbon 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 and incorporated into the whole life costing of the bridge. 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 carbon compared to an unplanned reactive strategy.