Publication
Title
Implementing life cycle cost analysis in road engineering : a critical review on methodological framework choices
Author
Abstract
Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) has received notable attention and application within the road industry. As one of the three pillars in sustainability assessment, LCCA offers an empirical framework to assess costs over the entire lifespan of road projects. To incorporate the agency and user cost for all different life cycle phases, a robust framework is needed. Thus, it is vital to gain insight into the application and limitations of LCCA in road projects. Reviewing the existing economic models and frameworks, with a particular focus on road projects, will be the first step in providing a robust and uniform model. The goal of this paper is to provide a state-of-the-art review of existing methodologies in the wider field of LCCA for road projects. Hence, it can highlight critical processes and identify hotspots so the robustness of LCCA frameworks can be increased. It is concluded that agency costs related to the end of life (EOL) phase, transport and mad user costs are often excluded despite having a substantial impact. However, with sustainability in mind, these aspects are important and should always be incorporated. Modelling the EOL enables the user to include the effect of recycling, hence, lowering the economic impact of raw material extraction. Additionally, mad user costs are closely related to the social aspect of sustainability assessment. Finally, this paper presents the inconsistent use of modelling parameters, e.g. discount rate and analysis period, which supports the conclusion of a missing conclusive and robust framework.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Renewable and sustainable energy reviews. - Oxford, 1997, currens
Publication
Oxford : Pergamon-elsevier science ltd , 2020
ISSN
1364-0321 [print]
1879-0690 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.RSER.2020.110284
Volume/pages
133 (2020) , 17 p.
Article Reference
110284
ISI
000581605600054
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Sustainability assessment of roads containing reclaimed asphalt pavement - Decision support based on life cycle assessment & life cycle cost analysis during road design.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 02.09.2020
Last edited 03.12.2024
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