Life Cycle Cost Optimization for the Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Concrete is widely used as a traditional material. As the designing aspects of the concrete structures are concerned, the initial cost are considered. On the basis of the past experience, it was found that with the passage of time, degradation in the concrete structures occurs and it effects the properties of concrete, due to which the concrete structures become unable to maintain its durability. So there is high need to maintain the concrete structures time to time to give its performance well and during maintenance there must be proper use of limited resources. To overcome the problems of detoriation of concrete structures and new structures, some methodologies are developed which define the number of maintenance required. In the present research work, a procedure which is based on a life cycle cost is developed. Structural durability and cost optimization are united. The principle in design is increasing defined limit state on which service life is based.