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Simplified approach to estimation of costs and material volumes in concrete road bridges

Abstract

The Excon project develops a decision-support model to manage large concrete structures by evaluating strategies that balance cost, environmental impact, and lifespan extension. It compares maintenance approaches with full replacement by integrating environmental and economic data. Since bridges are unique, estimating new construction impacts is complex. The work presented here uses technical drawings and cost data from existing bridges to create general estimates for material use and costs. The report details the methodology, case selection, and predictive parameters, offering a foundation for further model development. This study provides a first attempt at estimating bridge construction costs and environmental impacts using general data. The results are highly variable and uncertain—especially for material estimates due to differing ground conditions and design choices. The estimates provided here can offer rough guidance in the absence of more precise information and qualified estimates.
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Category

Research report

Language

English

Author(s)

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Community / Architecture, Materials and Structures
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Date

27.11.2025

Year

2025

Publisher

SINTEF Community

Issue

2025:00962

ISBN

9788214073041

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository