ECONOMIC DESIGN OF BRIDGE WATERWAYS

A method is presented from which the optimum economic design return period for any given waterway crossing can be found. A cost function is formulated from which the total expected bridge cost for a given design flood return period is calculated. This cost function combines the initial bridge cost, the cost of damage due to flooding and a user cost representing the cost to the user if the crossing becomes impassable due to flood damage. The optimum economic design return period is that with the lowest total expected cost. An analysis of seven structures indicates that there is no one optimum economic design return period for all bridge waterways. In each case the optimum return period is dependent upon the assumed cost structure for the crossing. Initial costs and possible future losses are both important. It is recommended that an economic analysis of the type described in this report should be undertaken for each bridge waterway design. (TRRL)

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    University of Canterbury

    Department of Civil Engineering, Private Bag 4800
    Christchurch,   New Zealand  8140
  • Authors:
    • Sissons, W R
  • Publication Date: 1980-3

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00349530
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Res Rpt N80-11 Monograph
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Jun 30 1982 12:00AM