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Tall buildings located in Hong Kong can suffer great damage caused by typhoon hazards throughout their lifetimes. In addition, the effect of wind hazards may be exacerbated due to increases in the typhoon intensity and frequency caused by the climate change effect. Therefore, developing a framework to evaluate and quantify the damage caused by wind hazards on tall buildings from the economic perspective is critical for engineers and building owners in designing a cost-effective tall building. In this study, an economic damage indicator, life-cycle cost, is measured by using a probabilistic method called life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA). Moreover, the building sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the environmental impact that may be generated in intervention activities after wind-induced damage occurs is analyzed. An environmental impact indicator, embodied carbon emission, is quantified by employing another probabilistic method called life-cycle assessment (LCA). Therefore, an integrated methodology combining the LCCA and LCA is proposed to evaluate potential damage costs and environmental impact caused by typhoon hazards on tall buildings.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

The 2030 climate and energy framework includes EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period 2021–2030 of (1) at least 55% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels); (2) at least 32% share for renewable energy; and (3) at least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency. In this context, the methodology of the cost-optimal level from the life-cycle cost approach has been applied to calculate the cost of renovating the existing building stock in Europe. The aim of this research is to analyze a pilot building using the cost-optimal methodology to determine the renovation measures that lead to the lowest life-cycle cost during the estimated economic life of the building. The case under study is an apartment building located in a mild Mediterranean climate (Castellon, SP). A package of 12 optimal solutions has been obtained to show the importance of the choice of the elements and systems for renovating building envelopes and how energy and economic aspects influence this choice. Simulations have shown that these packages of optimal solutions (different configurations for the building envelope, thermal bridges, airtightness and ventilation, and domestic hot water production systems) can provide savings in the primary energy consumption of up to 60%.

The main motivation for this research originated from two ambitions, which involve many challenges for which circular solutions have to be developed. First, the ambition of the Dutch government to achieve a circular economy, which also includes a circular construction industry, in the Netherlands by 2050 at the latest. Secondly, in line with the first, the ambition of Rijkswaterstaat to work climate-neutral and circular in 2030. At this moment, the main focus in the Dutch construction industry is on developing circular solutions which can be implemented and applied during the enormous replacement and renovation task of many of the almost 40.000 bridges and (mostly) viaducts in the Netherlands. Therefore, the main focus of this research has been on developing circular solutions for concrete viaducts for (governmental) roads. This has resulted in the development of a concept demountable footing to foundation (F2F) dowel connection which has been based on, and is suitable for application in, the proposed design of a standard (circular concrete) viaduct. Besides, attention has been paid to desired monitoring aspects regarding such a circular viaduct, and to the life-cycle costs of a circular viaduct compared to those of the same viaduct, constructed in a traditional way, characterized by a linear life-cycle model., Civil Engineering | Structural Engineering | Concrete Structures

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

The 2030 climate and energy framework includes EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period 2021–2030 of (1) at least 55% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels); (2) at least 32% share for renewable energy; and (3) at least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency. In this context, the methodology of the cost-optimal level from the life-cycle cost approach has been applied to calculate the cost of renovating the existing building stock in Europe. The aim of this research is to analyze a pilot building using the cost-optimal methodology to determine the renovation measures that lead to the lowest life-cycle cost during the estimated economic life of the building. The case under study is an apartment building located in a mild Mediterranean climate (Castellon, SP). A package of 12 optimal solutions has been obtained to show the importance of the choice of the elements and systems for renovating building envelopes and how energy and economic aspects influence this choice. Simulations have shown that these packages of optimal solutions (different configurations for the building envelope, thermal bridges, airtightness and ventilation, and domestic hot water production systems) can provide savings in the primary energy consumption of up to 60%.

The 2030 climate and energy framework includes EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period 2021–2030 of (1) at least 55% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels); (2) at least 32% share for renewable energy; and (3) at least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency. In this context, the methodology of the cost-optimal level from the life-cycle cost approach has been applied to calculate the cost of renovating the existing building stock in Europe. The aim of this research is to analyze a pilot building using the cost-optimal methodology to determine the renovation measures that lead to the lowest life-cycle cost during the estimated economic life of the building. The case under study is an apartment building located in a mild Mediterranean climate (Castellon, SP). A package of 12 optimal solutions has been obtained to show the importance of the choice of the elements and systems for renovating building envelopes and how energy and economic aspects influence this choice. Simulations have shown that these packages of optimal solutions (different configurations for the building envelope, thermal bridges, airtightness and ventilation, and domestic hot water production systems) can provide savings in the primary energy consumption of up to 60%.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

The 2030 climate and energy framework includes EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period 2021–2030 of (1) at least 55% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels); (2) at least 32% share for renewable energy; and (3) at least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency. In this context, the methodology of the cost-optimal level from the life-cycle cost approach has been applied to calculate the cost of renovating the existing building stock in Europe. The aim of this research is to analyze a pilot building using the cost-optimal methodology to determine the renovation measures that lead to the lowest life-cycle cost during the estimated economic life of the building. The case under study is an apartment building located in a mild Mediterranean climate (Castellon, SP). A package of 12 optimal solutions has been obtained to show the importance of the choice of the elements and systems for renovating building envelopes and how energy and economic aspects influence this choice. Simulations have shown that these packages of optimal solutions (different configurations for the building envelope, thermal bridges, airtightness and ventilation, and domestic hot water production systems) can provide savings in the primary energy consumption of up to 60%.

Social housing built in the middle of the last century in Spain suffers from poor thermal insulation conditions that cause situations of discomfort and energy poverty. For this reason, the energetic refurbishment of the envelope of this social building stock is necessary to overcome these situations and reduce energy consumption aimed at achieving interior comfort for its occupants. The goal of this work is to optimize a constructive solution that combines cool roof techniques with the use of thermal insulation applied to the refurbishment of the roof of buildings belonging to a quarter of social housing in Seville, Spain. The optimization analysis is based on the computation of the energy performance of the roofs when the energy retrofitting measure is applied, considering a variety of combinations of solar reflective coatings and insulation layer thickness, performing a dynamic analysis that accounts for the aging effect of the cool coats on the monthly roof energy performance and on the economic balance for the whole life cycle (LC) span. Economic and energy optimization analysis show that a suitable combination of cool roof emissivity and insulation layer thickness produces significant savings in the operational energy and in the economic profitability of the proposed retrofitting measure: the optimum combination obtained provides for the entire life cycle timespan an energy savings of 5.71 GJ/m2 and a cost savings equivalent to the 63.1% of the total costs when compared to the non-refurbished roof. The application of a time-dependent pattern for the changes on time produced by the aging effect on the cool roof emissivity, and its effects on the optimization of the combination of cool roof and insulation layer, can be considered novel in literature, both from an energy and an economic point of view.

The main motivation for this research originated from two ambitions, which involve many challenges for which circular solutions have to be developed. First, the ambition of the Dutch government to achieve a circular economy, which also includes a circular construction industry, in the Netherlands by 2050 at the latest. Secondly, in line with the first, the ambition of Rijkswaterstaat to work climate-neutral and circular in 2030. At this moment, the main focus in the Dutch construction industry is on developing circular solutions which can be implemented and applied during the enormous replacement and renovation task of many of the almost 40.000 bridges and (mostly) viaducts in the Netherlands. Therefore, the main focus of this research has been on developing circular solutions for concrete viaducts for (governmental) roads. This has resulted in the development of a concept demountable footing to foundation (F2F) dowel connection which has been based on, and is suitable for application in, the proposed design of a standard (circular concrete) viaduct. Besides, attention has been paid to desired monitoring aspects regarding such a circular viaduct, and to the life-cycle costs of a circular viaduct compared to those of the same viaduct, constructed in a traditional way, characterized by a linear life-cycle model., Civil Engineering | Structural Engineering | Concrete Structures

Bridge edge beams are associated with high life-cycle costs because of the need of maintenance, which also causes traffic disturbances. For this reason, the Swedish Transport Administration started a project to find better solutions. One of the proposals was a design without edge beam. However, the edge beam contributesto the load distribution and its removal would imply a loss of robustness, especially in bridges with overhang slabs. The efficiency of this effect depends onthe width of the overhang slab. Moreover, the width of the slab in itself, even inthe absence of an edge beam, may influence the load capacity of the structure. These aspects are paramount for the performance of tests that study the shear capacity of overhang slabs and assess design methods. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the development of functional edge beam solutions in terms of cost and investigate the structural behavior of bridge overhang slabs with edge beams. A life-cycle cost analysis was the method to evaluate and identify edge beam alternatives that could qualify for further studies, including the use of stainless steel. Non-linear FE-analyses validated from experimental tests were used to investigate the influence of this member and the width of the overhang slab on the structural behavior under concentrated loads. Recommendations for minimal widths that ensure full load capacity of experimental specimens and an assessment of the existing calculation methods with special emphasis on the effective width were also studied. The outcome led to the implementation of new edge beam solutions. The results showed that the influence of the edge beam is not only quantitative due to its load-carrying function but also qualitative as it may affect the failure mode. The load capacity increased with the width until a threshold was reached. The mechanisms behind were the increase of shear capacity and the distribution of the forces sideways, with an eventual redistribution. Recommendatio, Skadade kantbalkar kan orsaka höga drift- och underhållskostnader som resulterar i trafikstörningar. Trafikverket startade ett projekt med målet att hitta kantbalkslösningar som kan anses samhällsoptimala. Ett förslag var en lösning utan kantbalk. Dock bidrar kantbalken till att fördela koncentrerade laster och avlägsnandet av en sådan kan leda till reducerad robusthet, särskilt för broar med konsolplattor. Storleken på denna påverkan kan bero på konsolplattans bredd. Bredden påverkar dessutom lastkapaciteten hos konstruktionen. Dessa aspekter är viktiga för utförandet av experimentella försök i syfte att studera tvärkraftskapacitet hos brobaneplattor. Syftet med denna avhandling är dels att utveckla de kantbalksutformningar som kan bli bättre för samhället i form av lägre kostnader och som kan uppfylla de funktionella och strukturella kraven, dels att undersöka det strukturella beteendet hos konsolplattor med kantbalkar. En livscykelkostnadsanalys genomfördes för att identifiera förslag som skulle kunna kvalificera sig för mer detaljerade studier, inklusive användning av rostfritt stål. Inverkan av kantbalken och konsolplattans bredd på det strukturella beteendet undersöktes genom icke-linjära finita elementmodeller som validerades mot laboratorieförsök från litteraturen. Rekommendationer på minimala bredder som säkerställer full lastkapacitet samt en bedömning av de nuvarande beräkningsmetoderna studerades också. Resultaten ledde till implementering av nya kantbalksutformningar. Kantbalkens funktion är inte bara kvantitativt på grund av att det utgör ett lastbärande element utan också kvalitativt eftersom den påverkar typen av brott. En ökad lastkapacitet med bredden dokumenterades tills en viss gräns uppnåddes. Denna effekt var kopplad till en ökad tvärkapacitet och spridning av tvärkrafter med en slutlig omfördelning av krafterna. Rekommendationer för minimala bredder för utformning av experimentella tester presenteras, även med hänsyn till en brobaneplatta med, QC 20201126

Bridge edge beams are associated with high life-cycle costs because of the need of maintenance, which also causes traffic disturbances. For this reason, the Swedish Transport Administration started a project to find better solutions. One of the proposals was a design without edge beam. However, the edge beam contributesto the load distribution and its removal would imply a loss of robustness, especially in bridges with overhang slabs. The efficiency of this effect depends onthe width of the overhang slab. Moreover, the width of the slab in itself, even inthe absence of an edge beam, may influence the load capacity of the structure. These aspects are paramount for the performance of tests that study the shear capacity of overhang slabs and assess design methods. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the development of functional edge beam solutions in terms of cost and investigate the structural behavior of bridge overhang slabs with edge beams. A life-cycle cost analysis was the method to evaluate and identify edge beam alternatives that could qualify for further studies, including the use of stainless steel. Non-linear FE-analyses validated from experimental tests were used to investigate the influence of this member and the width of the overhang slab on the structural behavior under concentrated loads. Recommendations for minimal widths that ensure full load capacity of experimental specimens and an assessment of the existing calculation methods with special emphasis on the effective width were also studied. The outcome led to the implementation of new edge beam solutions. The results showed that the influence of the edge beam is not only quantitative due to its load-carrying function but also qualitative as it may affect the failure mode. The load capacity increased with the width until a threshold was reached. The mechanisms behind were the increase of shear capacity and the distribution of the forces sideways, with an eventual redistribution. Recommendatio, Skadade kantbalkar kan orsaka höga drift- och underhållskostnader som resulterar i trafikstörningar. Trafikverket startade ett projekt med målet att hitta kantbalkslösningar som kan anses samhällsoptimala. Ett förslag var en lösning utan kantbalk. Dock bidrar kantbalken till att fördela koncentrerade laster och avlägsnandet av en sådan kan leda till reducerad robusthet, särskilt för broar med konsolplattor. Storleken på denna påverkan kan bero på konsolplattans bredd. Bredden påverkar dessutom lastkapaciteten hos konstruktionen. Dessa aspekter är viktiga för utförandet av experimentella försök i syfte att studera tvärkraftskapacitet hos brobaneplattor. Syftet med denna avhandling är dels att utveckla de kantbalksutformningar som kan bli bättre för samhället i form av lägre kostnader och som kan uppfylla de funktionella och strukturella kraven, dels att undersöka det strukturella beteendet hos konsolplattor med kantbalkar. En livscykelkostnadsanalys genomfördes för att identifiera förslag som skulle kunna kvalificera sig för mer detaljerade studier, inklusive användning av rostfritt stål. Inverkan av kantbalken och konsolplattans bredd på det strukturella beteendet undersöktes genom icke-linjära finita elementmodeller som validerades mot laboratorieförsök från litteraturen. Rekommendationer på minimala bredder som säkerställer full lastkapacitet samt en bedömning av de nuvarande beräkningsmetoderna studerades också. Resultaten ledde till implementering av nya kantbalksutformningar. Kantbalkens funktion är inte bara kvantitativt på grund av att det utgör ett lastbärande element utan också kvalitativt eftersom den påverkar typen av brott. En ökad lastkapacitet med bredden dokumenterades tills en viss gräns uppnåddes. Denna effekt var kopplad till en ökad tvärkapacitet och spridning av tvärkrafter med en slutlig omfördelning av krafterna. Rekommendationer för minimala bredder för utformning av experimentella tester presenteras, även med hänsyn till en brobaneplatta med, QC 20201126

Bridge edge beams are associated with high life-cycle costs because of the need of maintenance, which also causes traffic disturbances. For this reason, the Swedish Transport Administration started a project to find better solutions. One of the proposals was a design without edge beam. However, the edge beam contributesto the load distribution and its removal would imply a loss of robustness, especially in bridges with overhang slabs. The efficiency of this effect depends onthe width of the overhang slab. Moreover, the width of the slab in itself, even inthe absence of an edge beam, may influence the load capacity of the structure. These aspects are paramount for the performance of tests that study the shear capacity of overhang slabs and assess design methods. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the development of functional edge beam solutions in terms of cost and investigate the structural behavior of bridge overhang slabs with edge beams. A life-cycle cost analysis was the method to evaluate and identify edge beam alternatives that could qualify for further studies, including the use of stainless steel. Non-linear FE-analyses validated from experimental tests were used to investigate the influence of this member and the width of the overhang slab on the structural behavior under concentrated loads. Recommendations for minimal widths that ensure full load capacity of experimental specimens and an assessment of the existing calculation methods with special emphasis on the effective width were also studied. The outcome led to the implementation of new edge beam solutions. The results showed that the influence of the edge beam is not only quantitative due to its load-carrying function but also qualitative as it may affect the failure mode. The load capacity increased with the width until a threshold was reached. The mechanisms behind were the increase of shear capacity and the distribution of the forces sideways, with an eventual redistribution. Recommendatio, Skadade kantbalkar kan orsaka höga drift- och underhållskostnader som resulterar i trafikstörningar. Trafikverket startade ett projekt med målet att hitta kantbalkslösningar som kan anses samhällsoptimala. Ett förslag var en lösning utan kantbalk. Dock bidrar kantbalken till att fördela koncentrerade laster och avlägsnandet av en sådan kan leda till reducerad robusthet, särskilt för broar med konsolplattor. Storleken på denna påverkan kan bero på konsolplattans bredd. Bredden påverkar dessutom lastkapaciteten hos konstruktionen. Dessa aspekter är viktiga för utförandet av experimentella försök i syfte att studera tvärkraftskapacitet hos brobaneplattor. Syftet med denna avhandling är dels att utveckla de kantbalksutformningar som kan bli bättre för samhället i form av lägre kostnader och som kan uppfylla de funktionella och strukturella kraven, dels att undersöka det strukturella beteendet hos konsolplattor med kantbalkar. En livscykelkostnadsanalys genomfördes för att identifiera förslag som skulle kunna kvalificera sig för mer detaljerade studier, inklusive användning av rostfritt stål. Inverkan av kantbalken och konsolplattans bredd på det strukturella beteendet undersöktes genom icke-linjära finita elementmodeller som validerades mot laboratorieförsök från litteraturen. Rekommendationer på minimala bredder som säkerställer full lastkapacitet samt en bedömning av de nuvarande beräkningsmetoderna studerades också. Resultaten ledde till implementering av nya kantbalksutformningar. Kantbalkens funktion är inte bara kvantitativt på grund av att det utgör ett lastbärande element utan också kvalitativt eftersom den påverkar typen av brott. En ökad lastkapacitet med bredden dokumenterades tills en viss gräns uppnåddes. Denna effekt var kopplad till en ökad tvärkapacitet och spridning av tvärkrafter med en slutlig omfördelning av krafterna. Rekommendationer för minimala bredder för utformning av experimentella tester presenteras, även med hänsyn till en brobaneplatta med, QC 20201126

Bridge edge beams are associated with high life-cycle costs because of the need of maintenance, which also causes traffic disturbances. For this reason, the Swedish Transport Administration started a project to find better solutions. One of the proposals was a design without edge beam. However, the edge beam contributesto the load distribution and its removal would imply a loss of robustness, especially in bridges with overhang slabs. The efficiency of this effect depends onthe width of the overhang slab. Moreover, the width of the slab in itself, even inthe absence of an edge beam, may influence the load capacity of the structure. These aspects are paramount for the performance of tests that study the shear capacity of overhang slabs and assess design methods. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the development of functional edge beam solutions in terms of cost and investigate the structural behavior of bridge overhang slabs with edge beams. A life-cycle cost analysis was the method to evaluate and identify edge beam alternatives that could qualify for further studies, including the use of stainless steel. Non-linear FE-analyses validated from experimental tests were used to investigate the influence of this member and the width of the overhang slab on the structural behavior under concentrated loads. Recommendations for minimal widths that ensure full load capacity of experimental specimens and an assessment of the existing calculation methods with special emphasis on the effective width were also studied. The outcome led to the implementation of new edge beam solutions. The results showed that the influence of the edge beam is not only quantitative due to its load-carrying function but also qualitative as it may affect the failure mode. The load capacity increased with the width until a threshold was reached. The mechanisms behind were the increase of shear capacity and the distribution of the forces sideways, with an eventual redistribution. Recommendatio, Skadade kantbalkar kan orsaka höga drift- och underhållskostnader som resulterar i trafikstörningar. Trafikverket startade ett projekt med målet att hitta kantbalkslösningar som kan anses samhällsoptimala. Ett förslag var en lösning utan kantbalk. Dock bidrar kantbalken till att fördela koncentrerade laster och avlägsnandet av en sådan kan leda till reducerad robusthet, särskilt för broar med konsolplattor. Storleken på denna påverkan kan bero på konsolplattans bredd. Bredden påverkar dessutom lastkapaciteten hos konstruktionen. Dessa aspekter är viktiga för utförandet av experimentella försök i syfte att studera tvärkraftskapacitet hos brobaneplattor. Syftet med denna avhandling är dels att utveckla de kantbalksutformningar som kan bli bättre för samhället i form av lägre kostnader och som kan uppfylla de funktionella och strukturella kraven, dels att undersöka det strukturella beteendet hos konsolplattor med kantbalkar. En livscykelkostnadsanalys genomfördes för att identifiera förslag som skulle kunna kvalificera sig för mer detaljerade studier, inklusive användning av rostfritt stål. Inverkan av kantbalken och konsolplattans bredd på det strukturella beteendet undersöktes genom icke-linjära finita elementmodeller som validerades mot laboratorieförsök från litteraturen. Rekommendationer på minimala bredder som säkerställer full lastkapacitet samt en bedömning av de nuvarande beräkningsmetoderna studerades också. Resultaten ledde till implementering av nya kantbalksutformningar. Kantbalkens funktion är inte bara kvantitativt på grund av att det utgör ett lastbärande element utan också kvalitativt eftersom den påverkar typen av brott. En ökad lastkapacitet med bredden dokumenterades tills en viss gräns uppnåddes. Denna effekt var kopplad till en ökad tvärkapacitet och spridning av tvärkrafter med en slutlig omfördelning av krafterna. Rekommendationer för minimala bredder för utformning av experimentella tester presenteras, även med hänsyn till en brobaneplatta med, QC 20201126

Reinforced concrete tanks in water/wastewater treatment plants are susceptible to severe corrosion due to aggressive exposure conditions resulting from the application of certain treatment chemicals and methods. Non-corrosive materials, such as stainless steel or fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), may be attractive alternative reinforcement options for such concrete structures. However, the high initial cost of such materials imposes constraints on their use, although such thinking ignores improvements in long-term concrete durability. The current paper addresses the use of non-corrosive reinforcement in a concrete water chlorination tank using life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) that aims to evaluate the cost effectiveness of different reinforcement alternatives. A comparison was established between four concrete reinforcing materials, namely, black steel, epoxy coated steel, stainless steel, and glass-FRP (GFRP) through a 100-year analysis period. The results of this study suggest that the use of non-corrosive reinforcement helps achieve a considerable long-term cost saving. LCCA showed that GFRP becomes more economical than black steel in 35 years following construction. The net present cost (NPC) obtained for the GFRP-reinforced concrete was approximately 43% lower than that of the black steel reinforced concrete. The use of stainless steel also had a potential advantage but was less cost-effective than GFRP, with a 50-year payback period and an NPC 25% lower than that of the conventional design. Epoxy coated steel also showed a long-term cost benefit when compared to black steel, with approximately 11% reduction in NPC and 15-year extension in the service life. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effects of the analysis period, discount rate, construction costs, concrete strength, and the use of supplementary cementitious materials on the LCCA outcomes.

Reinforced concrete tanks in water/wastewater treatment plants are susceptible to severe corrosion due to aggressive exposure conditions resulting from the application of certain treatment chemicals and methods. Non-corrosive materials, such as stainless steel or fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), may be attractive alternative reinforcement options for such concrete structures. However, the high initial cost of such materials imposes constraints on their use, although such thinking ignores improvements in long-term concrete durability. The current paper addresses the use of non-corrosive reinforcement in a concrete water chlorination tank using life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) that aims to evaluate the cost effectiveness of different reinforcement alternatives. A comparison was established between four concrete reinforcing materials, namely, black steel, epoxy coated steel, stainless steel, and glass-FRP (GFRP) through a 100-year analysis period. The results of this study suggest that the use of non-corrosive reinforcement helps achieve a considerable long-term cost saving. LCCA showed that GFRP becomes more economical than black steel in 35 years following construction. The net present cost (NPC) obtained for the GFRP-reinforced concrete was approximately 43% lower than that of the black steel reinforced concrete. The use of stainless steel also had a potential advantage but was less cost-effective than GFRP, with a 50-year payback period and an NPC 25% lower than that of the conventional design. Epoxy coated steel also showed a long-term cost benefit when compared to black steel, with approximately 11% reduction in NPC and 15-year extension in the service life. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effects of the analysis period, discount rate, construction costs, concrete strength, and the use of supplementary cementitious materials on the LCCA outcomes.

Bridge edge beams are associated with high life-cycle costs because of the need of maintenance, which also causes traffic disturbances. For this reason, the Swedish Transport Administration started a project to find better solutions. One of the proposals was a design without edge beam. However, the edge beam contributesto the load distribution and its removal would imply a loss of robustness, especially in bridges with overhang slabs. The efficiency of this effect depends onthe width of the overhang slab. Moreover, the width of the slab in itself, even inthe absence of an edge beam, may influence the load capacity of the structure. These aspects are paramount for the performance of tests that study the shear capacity of overhang slabs and assess design methods. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the development of functional edge beam solutions in terms of cost and investigate the structural behavior of bridge overhang slabs with edge beams. A life-cycle cost analysis was the method to evaluate and identify edge beam alternatives that could qualify for further studies, including the use of stainless steel. Non-linear FE-analyses validated from experimental tests were used to investigate the influence of this member and the width of the overhang slab on the structural behavior under concentrated loads. Recommendations for minimal widths that ensure full load capacity of experimental specimens and an assessment of the existing calculation methods with special emphasis on the effective width were also studied. The outcome led to the implementation of new edge beam solutions. The results showed that the influence of the edge beam is not only quantitative due to its load-carrying function but also qualitative as it may affect the failure mode. The load capacity increased with the width until a threshold was reached. The mechanisms behind were the increase of shear capacity and the distribution of the forces sideways, with an eventual redistribution. Recommendatio, Skadade kantbalkar kan orsaka höga drift- och underhållskostnader som resulterar i trafikstörningar. Trafikverket startade ett projekt med målet att hitta kantbalkslösningar som kan anses samhällsoptimala. Ett förslag var en lösning utan kantbalk. Dock bidrar kantbalken till att fördela koncentrerade laster och avlägsnandet av en sådan kan leda till reducerad robusthet, särskilt för broar med konsolplattor. Storleken på denna påverkan kan bero på konsolplattans bredd. Bredden påverkar dessutom lastkapaciteten hos konstruktionen. Dessa aspekter är viktiga för utförandet av experimentella försök i syfte att studera tvärkraftskapacitet hos brobaneplattor. Syftet med denna avhandling är dels att utveckla de kantbalksutformningar som kan bli bättre för samhället i form av lägre kostnader och som kan uppfylla de funktionella och strukturella kraven, dels att undersöka det strukturella beteendet hos konsolplattor med kantbalkar. En livscykelkostnadsanalys genomfördes för att identifiera förslag som skulle kunna kvalificera sig för mer detaljerade studier, inklusive användning av rostfritt stål. Inverkan av kantbalken och konsolplattans bredd på det strukturella beteendet undersöktes genom icke-linjära finita elementmodeller som validerades mot laboratorieförsök från litteraturen. Rekommendationer på minimala bredder som säkerställer full lastkapacitet samt en bedömning av de nuvarande beräkningsmetoderna studerades också. Resultaten ledde till implementering av nya kantbalksutformningar. Kantbalkens funktion är inte bara kvantitativt på grund av att det utgör ett lastbärande element utan också kvalitativt eftersom den påverkar typen av brott. En ökad lastkapacitet med bredden dokumenterades tills en viss gräns uppnåddes. Denna effekt var kopplad till en ökad tvärkapacitet och spridning av tvärkrafter med en slutlig omfördelning av krafterna. Rekommendationer för minimala bredder för utformning av experimentella tester presenteras, även med hänsyn till en brobaneplatta med, QC 20201126

Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) has been defined as a method to assess the total cost of a project. It is a simple tool to use when a single project has different alternatives that fulfill the original requirements. Different alternatives could differ in initial investment, operational and maintenance costs among other long term costs. The cost involved in building a bridge depends upon many different factors. However, long-term cost need to be considered to estimate the overall cost of the project and determine its LCC. Without watchful consideration of the long-term costs and full life-cycle costing, current investment decisions that look attractive could be resulting in a waste of economic resources in the future. This research is focused on short and medium span bridges (between 30 ft and 130 ft) which represents 57% of the NBI INDIANA bridge inventory. Bridges are categorized in three different groups of span ranges. Different superstructure types are considered for both concrete and steel options. Types considered include: bulb tees, AASHTO prestressed beams, slab bridges, prestressed concrete box beams, steel beams, steel girders, folded plate girders and simply supported steel beams for dead load and continuous for live load (SDCL). A design plan composed of simply supported bridges and continuous spans arrangements was carried out. Analysis for short and medium span bridges in Indiana based on LCCA is presented for different span ranges and span configurations. Results will help designers to consider the most cost-effective bridge solution for new projects, resulting in cost savings for agencies involved.

This study develops a probabilistic framework that can estimate the Life-Cycle Cost (LCC) of reinforced concrete (RC) structures under various construction and maintenance scenarios. This paper first describes a chloride-induced deterioration model to predict the service-life of RC structures. Then, the Monte-Carlo Simulation method is applied to the deterioration model and subsequent LCC estimation to assess the uncertainties of input variables probabilistically. This paper also discusses a case study in which the probabilistic Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) framework is applied to a RC viaduct. The case study compares the potential ranges of LCC among eight different life-cycle scenarios. This study suggests that the developed probabilistic LCCA framework can be used as an effective decision-making method to identify the most cost-effective life-cycle scenario of RC structures, while reflecting the risk-attitude of the decision-maker.

A comprehensive case study on life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was conducted on a two- story education building with a projected 40-year lifespan in College Park, Maryland. The aim of this paper was to (1) create a life cycle assessment model, using an education building to test the model, (2) compare the life cycle cost (LCC) of different renovation scenarios, taking into account added renewable energy resources to achieve the university’s overall carbon neutrality goal, and (3) verify the robustness of the LCC model by conducting sensitivity analysis and studying the influence of different variables. Nine renovation scenarios were constructed by combining six renovation techniques and three renewable energy resources. The LCCA results were then compared to understand the cost-effective relation between implementing energy reduction techniques and renewable energy sources. The results indicated that investing in energy-efficient retrofitting techniques was more cost-effective than investments in renewable energy sources in the long term. In the optimum scenario, renovation and renewable energy, when combined, produced close to a 90% reduction in the life cycle cost compared to the baseline. The payback period for the initial investment cost, including avoided electricity costs, varies from 1.4 to 4.1 years. This suggests that the initial investment in energy-efficient renovation is the primary factor in the LCC of an existing building.

Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) has been defined as a method to assess the total cost of a project. It is a simple tool to use when a single project has different alternatives that fulfill the original requirements. Different alternatives could differ in initial investment, operational and maintenance costs among other long term costs. The cost involved in building a bridge depends upon many different factors. However, long-term cost need to be considered to estimate the overall cost of the project and determine its LCC. Without watchful consideration of the long-term costs and full life-cycle costing, current investment decisions that look attractive could be resulting in a waste of economic resources in the future. This research is focused on short and medium span bridges (between 30 ft and 130 ft) which represents 57% of the NBI INDIANA bridge inventory. Bridges are categorized in three different groups of span ranges. Different superstructure types are considered for both concrete and steel options. Types considered include: bulb tees, AASHTO prestressed beams, slab bridges, prestressed concrete box beams, steel beams, steel girders, folded plate girders and simply supported steel beams for dead load and continuous for live load (SDCL). A design plan composed of simply supported bridges and continuous spans arrangements was carried out. Analysis for short and medium span bridges in Indiana based on LCCA is presented for different span ranges and span configurations. Results will help designers to consider the most cost-effective bridge solution for new projects, resulting in cost savings for agencies involved.

A quali-quantitative and experimental study is approached about a winery case located in Argentina. An architectural survey and thermal monitoring is carried out in the vinification during the winemaking period. Characterized the industry and extracted the process temperature and the climate data, a simulation model in steady state is made. Through this model, -validated with real data-, passive strategies applied on the envelope of the winery and the fermentation tank are simulated. The energy demand savings in thermal control of the winemaking process, obtained through the simulated passive strategies are estimated. The most effective passive strategies in the reduction of energy demand are defined quantitatively. A budget is drawn up for the construction of each of the passive strategies and a flow of funds of ten years is drawn up for each one of them. From this integrative analysis, the profitability indicators of the investment in each strategy are obtained; the Internal Rate of Return and the Net Present Value (NPV). The data is complemented with the time required to recover the investment -Período de Retorno-, measured in years. The economic-energetic factors that affect the profitability of energy efficiency investments are analyzed for the industry case, distinguishing the implications between the Pay Back Period and the flow of funds methodologies., En el siguiente artículo se aborda un estudio cuali-cuantitativo y experimental sobre el caso de una bodega elaboradora de vinos finos, localizada en Argentina. Con ese fin, se lleva a cabo un relevamiento arquitectónico y un seguimiento térmico con sensores en las instalaciones de vinificación durante el período de molienda. Caracterizada la industria y extraídos los datos de temperatura de los procesos y el clima, se construye un modelo de simulación en régimen estacionario. Mediante este modelo -validado con los datos reales-, se simulan estrategias pasivas aplicadas sobre la envolvente de la bodega y del tanque de fermentación. Se estiman, luego, los ahorros en la demanda energética en control térmico del proceso de vinificación obtenidos a través de las estrategias pasivas simuladas. Se definen cuantitativamente las estrategias pasivas más efectivas en la reducción de la demanda energética, se elabora un presupuesto para la construcción de esas estrategias y se confecciona un flujo de fondos de diez años para cada una de ellas. A partir de este análisis integrador, se obtienen los indicadores de rentabilidad de la inversión en cada estrategia: la Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) y el Valor Actual Neto (VAN). Posteriormente, se complementan los datos con el período de tiempo requerido para recuperar la inversión -Período de Retorno-, medido en años. Se analizan, finalmente, los factores económico-energéticos que inciden sobre la rentabilidad de las inversiones en eficiencia energética para el caso de la industria, distinguiendo las implicancias en el empleo entre las metodologías del Período de Retorno y el flujo de fondos.

A quali-quantitative and experimental study is approached about a winery case located in Argentina. An architectural survey and thermal monitoring is carried out in the vinification during the winemaking period. Characterized the industry and extracted the process temperature and the climate data, a simulation model in steady state is made. Through this model, -validated with real data-, passive strategies applied on the envelope of the winery and the fermentation tank are simulated. The energy demand savings in thermal control of the winemaking process, obtained through the simulated passive strategies are estimated. The most effective passive strategies in the reduction of energy demand are defined quantitatively. A budget is drawn up for the construction of each of the passive strategies and a flow of funds of ten years is drawn up for each one of them. From this integrative analysis, the profitability indicators of the investment in each strategy are obtained; the Internal Rate of Return and the Net Present Value (NPV). The data is complemented with the time required to recover the investment -Período de Retorno-, measured in years. The economic-energetic factors that affect the profitability of energy efficiency investments are analyzed for the industry case, distinguishing the implications between the Pay Back Period and the flow of funds methodologies., En el siguiente artículo se aborda un estudio cuali-cuantitativo y experimental sobre el caso de una bodega elaboradora de vinos finos, localizada en Argentina. Con ese fin, se lleva a cabo un relevamiento arquitectónico y un seguimiento térmico con sensores en las instalaciones de vinificación durante el período de molienda. Caracterizada la industria y extraídos los datos de temperatura de los procesos y el clima, se construye un modelo de simulación en régimen estacionario. Mediante este modelo -validado con los datos reales-, se simulan estrategias pasivas aplicadas sobre la envolvente de la bodega y del tanque de fermentación. Se estiman, luego, los ahorros en la demanda energética en control térmico del proceso de vinificación obtenidos a través de las estrategias pasivas simuladas. Se definen cuantitativamente las estrategias pasivas más efectivas en la reducción de la demanda energética, se elabora un presupuesto para la construcción de esas estrategias y se confecciona un flujo de fondos de diez años para cada una de ellas. A partir de este análisis integrador, se obtienen los indicadores de rentabilidad de la inversión en cada estrategia: la Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) y el Valor Actual Neto (VAN). Posteriormente, se complementan los datos con el período de tiempo requerido para recuperar la inversión -Período de Retorno-, medido en años. Se analizan, finalmente, los factores económico-energéticos que inciden sobre la rentabilidad de las inversiones en eficiencia energética para el caso de la industria, distinguiendo las implicancias en el empleo entre las metodologías del Período de Retorno y el flujo de fondos.

A quali-quantitative and experimental study is approached about a winery case located in Argentina. An architectural survey and thermal monitoring is carried out in the vinification during the winemaking period. Characterized the industry and extracted the process temperature and the climate data, a simulation model in steady state is made. Through this model, -validated with real data-, passive strategies applied on the envelope of the winery and the fermentation tank are simulated. The energy demand savings in thermal control of the winemaking process, obtained through the simulated passive strategies are estimated. The most effective passive strategies in the reduction of energy demand are defined quantitatively. A budget is drawn up for the construction of each of the passive strategies and a flow of funds of ten years is drawn up for each one of them. From this integrative analysis, the profitability indicators of the investment in each strategy are obtained; the Internal Rate of Return and the Net Present Value (NPV). The data is complemented with the time required to recover the investment -Período de Retorno-, measured in years. The economic-energetic factors that affect the profitability of energy efficiency investments are analyzed for the industry case, distinguishing the implications between the Pay Back Period and the flow of funds methodologies., En el siguiente artículo se aborda un estudio cuali-cuantitativo y experimental sobre el caso de una bodega elaboradora de vinos finos, localizada en Argentina. Con ese fin, se lleva a cabo un relevamiento arquitectónico y un seguimiento térmico con sensores en las instalaciones de vinificación durante el período de molienda. Caracterizada la industria y extraídos los datos de temperatura de los procesos y el clima, se construye un modelo de simulación en régimen estacionario. Mediante este modelo -validado con los datos reales-, se simulan estrategias pasivas aplicadas sobre la envolvente de la bodega y del tanque de fermentación. Se estiman, luego, los ahorros en la demanda energética en control térmico del proceso de vinificación obtenidos a través de las estrategias pasivas simuladas. Se definen cuantitativamente las estrategias pasivas más efectivas en la reducción de la demanda energética, se elabora un presupuesto para la construcción de esas estrategias y se confecciona un flujo de fondos de diez años para cada una de ellas. A partir de este análisis integrador, se obtienen los indicadores de rentabilidad de la inversión en cada estrategia: la Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) y el Valor Actual Neto (VAN). Posteriormente, se complementan los datos con el período de tiempo requerido para recuperar la inversión -Período de Retorno-, medido en años. Se analizan, finalmente, los factores económico-energéticos que inciden sobre la rentabilidad de las inversiones en eficiencia energética para el caso de la industria, distinguiendo las implicancias en el empleo entre las metodologías del Período de Retorno y el flujo de fondos.

A quali-quantitative and experimental study is approached about a winery case located in Argentina. An architectural survey and thermal monitoring is carried out in the vinification during the winemaking period. Characterized the industry and extracted the process temperature and the climate data, a simulation model in steady state is made. Through this model, -validated with real data-, passive strategies applied on the envelope of the winery and the fermentation tank are simulated. The energy demand savings in thermal control of the winemaking process, obtained through the simulated passive strategies are estimated. The most effective passive strategies in the reduction of energy demand are defined quantitatively. A budget is drawn up for the construction of each of the passive strategies and a flow of funds of ten years is drawn up for each one of them. From this integrative analysis, the profitability indicators of the investment in each strategy are obtained; the Internal Rate of Return and the Net Present Value (NPV). The data is complemented with the time required to recover the investment -Período de Retorno-, measured in years. The economic-energetic factors that affect the profitability of energy efficiency investments are analyzed for the industry case, distinguishing the implications between the Pay Back Period and the flow of funds methodologies., En el siguiente artículo se aborda un estudio cuali-cuantitativo y experimental sobre el caso de una bodega elaboradora de vinos finos, localizada en Argentina. Con ese fin, se lleva a cabo un relevamiento arquitectónico y un seguimiento térmico con sensores en las instalaciones de vinificación durante el período de molienda. Caracterizada la industria y extraídos los datos de temperatura de los procesos y el clima, se construye un modelo de simulación en régimen estacionario. Mediante este modelo -validado con los datos reales-, se simulan estrategias pasivas aplicadas sobre la envolvente de la bodega y del tanque de fermentación. Se estiman, luego, los ahorros en la demanda energética en control térmico del proceso de vinificación obtenidos a través de las estrategias pasivas simuladas. Se definen cuantitativamente las estrategias pasivas más efectivas en la reducción de la demanda energética, se elabora un presupuesto para la construcción de esas estrategias y se confecciona un flujo de fondos de diez años para cada una de ellas. A partir de este análisis integrador, se obtienen los indicadores de rentabilidad de la inversión en cada estrategia: la Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) y el Valor Actual Neto (VAN). Posteriormente, se complementan los datos con el período de tiempo requerido para recuperar la inversión -Período de Retorno-, medido en años. Se analizan, finalmente, los factores económico-energéticos que inciden sobre la rentabilidad de las inversiones en eficiencia energética para el caso de la industria, distinguiendo las implicancias en el empleo entre las metodologías del Período de Retorno y el flujo de fondos.

Bridge edge beam replacements in Sweden imply high life-cycle measure costs during the bridge's life span. Moreover, the long duration of roadworks with a partial or full closure of the bridge causes significant user costs. The Swedish Transport Administration presented new edge beam solutions that could be better for the society in terms of cost. The purpose of this paper is to present the development and implementation processes of a new steel edge beam in a bridge project and evaluate its cost-efficiency. The design and planning phase is described addressing the challenges encountered and explaining the execution of the works. A life-cycle cost analysis is performed to compare with the standard concrete integrated edge beam. The steel edge beam results in a cost-efficient alternative for an edge beam replacement because of the lower life-cycle costs due to a faster execution of works and good working conditions., Conference code: 127207; Export Date: 24 October 2017; Conference Paper; Correspondence Address: Veganzones, J.J.; KTH Royal Institute of TechnologySweden; email: jjvm@kth.se. QC 20171128

Bridge edge beams may take up to 60% of the life-cycle measure costs of a bridge and cause considerable user costs because of roadworks. The Swedish Transport Administration presented new edge beam solutions that could become better for the society in terms of cost. Stainless steel has been considered for enhanced durability, preventing expensive maintenance. The purpose of this paper is to motivate the use of stainless steel in the solutions proposed. A life-cycle cost analysis is carried out to evaluate the cost-efficiency of a concrete integrated edge beam with stainless and carbon steel reinforcement in a bridge project. The influence of the discount rate is addressed by a sensitivity analysis. Stainless steel is shown to lead to cost-efficient edge beam solutions. Low discount rates encourage using better quality designs with higher investment costs but lower lifecycle measure costs and user costs, which supports the use of stainless steel., Conference code: 127207; Export Date: 24 October 2017; Conference Paper; Correspondence Address: Veganzones, J.J.; KTH Royal Institute of TechnologySweden; email: jjvm@kth.se. QC 20171128

Studien syftar till att ta fram rekommenderade livscykelplaner för övergångskonstruktioner för att i framtiden möjliggöra säkrare livscykelkostnadsanalyser. Nedbrytningen av övergångskonstruktioner kan grovt delas upp i två kategorier, användarrelaterad nedbrytning samt nedbrytning associerat med rådande klimatförhållanden. I studien har årsdygnstrafiken och klimatzonernas påverkan på övergångskonstruktionen studerats genom utvärdering av historiskt utförda åtgärder kopplade till Trafikverkets broförvaltningssystem BaTMan. Regressionsanalyser och överlevnadsanalyser utfördes för de vanligaste åtgärderna. Resultaten visar att utbyte av tätprofil samt övergångskonstruktion är de åtgärder som förekommer allra mest och sker i genomsnitt efter 25 respektive 33 år. Från analyserna kunde utläsas att trafikintensiteten är en faktor som direkt påverkar nedbrytningen och således reparation och utbyte av övergångskonstruktion, troligt är även att tung trafik står för en stor del av nedbrytningen. Även klimatet verkar ha en påverkan på både övergångskonstruktionens och tätprofilens livslängd. Baserat på resultaten rekommenderas tre livscykelplaner, livscykelplanerna kan användas som underlag i framtida livscykelberäkningar. De kan även användas som stöd för förvaltare vid uppbyggnad av strategier under förvaltningsfasen., This study aims to develop recommended Life-Cycle Plans for bridge expansion joints which in the future can be used for Life-Cycle Cost analysis to achieve a higher degree of certainty. The degradation of expansion joints can be roughly divided into two categories, user-related degradation and degradation due to climatic conditions. In the study, the influence of annual average daily traffic and climate zones on the expansion joint will be studied by evaluating historically conducted maintenance actions related to the Swedish Transport Administrations (Trafikverket) bridge management system BaTMan. Regression analysis and survival analyzes were performed for the most common actions. The results show that replacement of the strip seal and the expansion joint is the most commonly performed maintenance measures and occurs on average after 25 and 33 years. From the analyzes it was deduced that the traffic intensity is a factor that directly affects the degradation and therefore also the repair and replacement of the expansion joint, likely is also that a large part of the degradation is due to the wear of heavy vehicles. The climate also seems to have an impact on the lifetime of the expansion joint as well as the strip seal. Based on the results, three Life-Cycle Plans was recommended. These Life-Cycle Plans can be used for future Life-Cycle Cost calculations but also to support bridge managers when comparing different maintenance strategies during the operational phase.

Studien syftar till att ta fram rekommenderade livscykelplaner för övergångskonstruktioner för att i framtiden möjliggöra säkrare livscykelkostnadsanalyser. Nedbrytningen av övergångskonstruktioner kan grovt delas upp i två kategorier, användarrelaterad nedbrytning samt nedbrytning associerat med rådande klimatförhållanden. I studien har årsdygnstrafiken och klimatzonernas påverkan på övergångskonstruktionen studerats genom utvärdering av historiskt utförda åtgärder kopplade till Trafikverkets broförvaltningssystem BaTMan. Regressionsanalyser och överlevnadsanalyser utfördes för de vanligaste åtgärderna. Resultaten visar att utbyte av tätprofil samt övergångskonstruktion är de åtgärder som förekommer allra mest och sker i genomsnitt efter 25 respektive 33 år. Från analyserna kunde utläsas att trafikintensiteten är en faktor som direkt påverkar nedbrytningen och således reparation och utbyte av övergångskonstruktion, troligt är även att tung trafik står för en stor del av nedbrytningen. Även klimatet verkar ha en påverkan på både övergångskonstruktionens och tätprofilens livslängd. Baserat på resultaten rekommenderas tre livscykelplaner, livscykelplanerna kan användas som underlag i framtida livscykelberäkningar. De kan även användas som stöd för förvaltare vid uppbyggnad av strategier under förvaltningsfasen., This study aims to develop recommended Life-Cycle Plans for bridge expansion joints which in the future can be used for Life-Cycle Cost analysis to achieve a higher degree of certainty. The degradation of expansion joints can be roughly divided into two categories, user-related degradation and degradation due to climatic conditions. In the study, the influence of annual average daily traffic and climate zones on the expansion joint will be studied by evaluating historically conducted maintenance actions related to the Swedish Transport Administrations (Trafikverket) bridge management system BaTMan. Regression analysis and survival analyzes were performed for the most common actions. The results show that replacement of the strip seal and the expansion joint is the most commonly performed maintenance measures and occurs on average after 25 and 33 years. From the analyzes it was deduced that the traffic intensity is a factor that directly affects the degradation and therefore also the repair and replacement of the expansion joint, likely is also that a large part of the degradation is due to the wear of heavy vehicles. The climate also seems to have an impact on the lifetime of the expansion joint as well as the strip seal. Based on the results, three Life-Cycle Plans was recommended. These Life-Cycle Plans can be used for future Life-Cycle Cost calculations but also to support bridge managers when comparing different maintenance strategies during the operational phase.

Aging of the bridge infrastructure inventory has caused Department of Transportation agencies to critically focus on bridge preservation and replacement needs, while often faced with constrained or reduced budgets every year. A strategic bridge preventive maintenance program has been shown to be an effective way to preserve and extend bridge service lives. A bridge preventive maintenance program is related to routine practices that are repeated with some particular frequency to obtain the best results. Moreover, it is well known that frequently performing less-costly preventive maintenance activities results in a more efficient alternative than performing fewer expensive repairs/rehabilitation or even replacements of bridge elements. The objective of this research was to review bridge maintenance activities recommended by specialized literature, to examine maintenance activities currently conducted by the various INDOT districts, and also to review maintenance activities performed by several other DOT agencies. Based on the results of this review, a list of ten new and enhanced bridge preventive maintenance activities was identified to improve the effectiveness of bridge maintenance operations in Indiana. The required conditions and frequency to perform each activity was analyzed, and the cost and benefit of such operations was studied to ensure that the proposed activities are economically feasible and sustainable.

The majority of structures in seismic-prone areas worldwide are structures that have been designed either without seismic design considerations, or using codes of practice that are seriously inadequate in the light of current seismic design principles. In Cyprus, after a series of earthquakes that occurred between 1995 and 1999, it was decided to carry out an unprecedented internationally seismic retrofitting of all school buildings, taking into account the sensitivity of the society towards these structures. In this paper representative school buildings are analysed in both their pristine condition and after applying retrofitting schemes typical of those implemented in the aforementioned large-scale strengthening programme. Non-linear analysis is conducted on calibrated analytical models of the selected buildings and fragility curves are derived for typical reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry structures. These curves are then used to carry out a feasibility study, including both benefit-cost and life-cycle analysis, and evaluate the effectiveness of the strengthening programme. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

The majority of structures in seismic-prone areas worldwide are structures that have been designed either without seismic design considerations, or using codes of practice that are seriously inadequate in the light of current seismic design principles. In Cyprus, after a series of earthquakes that occurred between 1995 and 1999, it was decided to carry out an unprecedented internationally seismic retrofitting of all school buildings, taking into account the sensitivity of the society towards these structures. In this paper representative school buildings are analysed in both their pristine condition and after applying retrofitting schemes typical of those implemented in the aforementioned large-scale strengthening programme. Non-linear analysis is conducted on calibrated analytical models of the selected buildings and fragility curves are derived for typical reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry structures. These curves are then used to carry out a feasibility study, including both benefit-cost and life-cycle analysis, and evaluate the effectiveness of the strengthening programme. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

After the flood of 1993 and 1995 in the Netherlands, flood risks in Limburg became an important discussion. Each flood defence system along the river Meuse needs to be provided with a safety level with an annual failure probability of 1/250. In the nearby future a new safety philosophy will be introduced, entailing new safety norms and calculations techniques. The water board needs to construct levees including the knowledge of this new safety philosophy. Additionally the water board faces more problems like limited space or an intense infrastructure around the current levees. The objective of this MSc-thesis is to investigate which balance between levee investments and robustness is most cost-effective during the levee design alternative analysis, specified for cases along the river Meuse in Limburg. Robustness within this balance is related to the uncertainties in future hydraulic boundary conditions. Life Cycle Cost Analysis or LCCA is a widely acknowledged technique to support the alternative analysis. One of the methods is the so called Net Present Value (NPV) calculations which include investments as well as benefits. This method suits perfectly to investigate the robustness and the effect of hydraulic boundary condition uncertainties to the alternative analysis. Within this research three different hydraulic boundary condition uncertainty aspects are analysed: The uncertainty in future river widening projects, the uncertainty in statistics and the uncertainty in forecasted climate changes. Two case studies are assessed along the river Meuse in Limburg; Location Arcen and Venlo. For both cases, levees alternatives are defined designed and screened. The resulting alternatives are analysed on their LCC. The cost-effective levee designs along the river Meuse in Limburg are robust in terms of height and are designed with the requirements of the new safety philosophy. LCCA is an appropriate tool to investigate levee design alternatives on a cost-effective manner. A, Hydraulic Engineering, Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The majority of structures in seismic-prone areas worldwide are structures that have been designed either without seismic design considerations, or using codes of practice that are seriously inadequate in the light of current seismic design principles. In Cyprus, after a series of earthquakes that occurred between 1995 and 1999, it was decided to carry out an unprecedented internationally seismic retrofitting of all school buildings, taking into account the sensitivity of the society towards these structures. In this paper representative school buildings are analysed in both their pristine condition and after applying retrofitting schemes typical of those implemented in the aforementioned large-scale strengthening programme. Non-linear analysis is conducted on calibrated analytical models of the selected buildings and fragility curves are derived for typical reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry structures. These curves are then used to carry out a feasibility study, including both benefit-cost and life-cycle analysis, and evaluate the effectiveness of the strengthening programme. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

After the flood of 1993 and 1995 in the Netherlands, flood risks in Limburg became an important discussion. Each flood defence system along the river Meuse needs to be provided with a safety level with an annual failure probability of 1/250. In the nearby future a new safety philosophy will be introduced, entailing new safety norms and calculations techniques. The water board needs to construct levees including the knowledge of this new safety philosophy. Additionally the water board faces more problems like limited space or an intense infrastructure around the current levees. The objective of this MSc-thesis is to investigate which balance between levee investments and robustness is most cost-effective during the levee design alternative analysis, specified for cases along the river Meuse in Limburg. Robustness within this balance is related to the uncertainties in future hydraulic boundary conditions. Life Cycle Cost Analysis or LCCA is a widely acknowledged technique to support the alternative analysis. One of the methods is the so called Net Present Value (NPV) calculations which include investments as well as benefits. This method suits perfectly to investigate the robustness and the effect of hydraulic boundary condition uncertainties to the alternative analysis. Within this research three different hydraulic boundary condition uncertainty aspects are analysed: The uncertainty in future river widening projects, the uncertainty in statistics and the uncertainty in forecasted climate changes. Two case studies are assessed along the river Meuse in Limburg; Location Arcen and Venlo. For both cases, levees alternatives are defined designed and screened. The resulting alternatives are analysed on their LCC. The cost-effective levee designs along the river Meuse in Limburg are robust in terms of height and are designed with the requirements of the new safety philosophy. LCCA is an appropriate tool to investigate levee design alternatives on a cost-effective manner. A, Hydraulic Engineering, Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Aging of the bridge infrastructure inventory has caused Department of Transportation agencies to critically focus on bridge preservation and replacement needs, while often faced with constrained or reduced budgets every year. A strategic bridge preventive maintenance program has been shown to be an effective way to preserve and extend bridge service lives. A bridge preventive maintenance program is related to routine practices that are repeated with some particular frequency to obtain the best results. Moreover, it is well known that frequently performing less-costly preventive maintenance activities results in a more efficient alternative than performing fewer expensive repairs/rehabilitation or even replacements of bridge elements. The objective of this research was to review bridge maintenance activities recommended by specialized literature, to examine maintenance activities currently conducted by the various INDOT districts, and also to review maintenance activities performed by several other DOT agencies. Based on the results of this review, a list of ten new and enhanced bridge preventive maintenance activities was identified to improve the effectiveness of bridge maintenance operations in Indiana. The required conditions and frequency to perform each activity was analyzed, and the cost and benefit of such operations was studied to ensure that the proposed activities are economically feasible and sustainable.

Executive Order 13514 requires federal agencies to consider economic and social benefits and costs when evaluating projects and activities based on life-cycle return on investment. The generation of energy used by federal facilities imposes social externalities, most notably air pollution, upon society. This research utilized the social costs of carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide to develop a probabilistic life-cycle full-cost analysis tool for the analysis of energy efficiency projects. The tool was then used to investigate the effects of incorporating social externalities and uncertainty into life-cycle cost analyses of energy efficiency projects. Calculation of the social benefits of air pollutant emissions reductions was found to have a statistically significant impact on the savings-to-investment ratio (SIR) of energy efficiency projects. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the SIR was most sensitive to the total initial investment of the project and the energy usage savings, but less sensitive to small changes in the values of the social benefits of air pollutants. The ranking of projects was found to be affected by the inclusion of social benefits in the calculation of the SIR., The original document contains color images.

Many countries use bridge management systems (BMSs), and many of these systems involve some form of life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis. Use of LCC analysis in bridge engineering is rare, however; the technique has been applied primarily in the operation phase to support decisions about bridges that already exist. Yet LCC analysis can be applied across the life of a bridge. This paper introduces the Swedish Bridge and Tunnel Management System (BaTMan). A comprehensive, integrated LCC implementation scheme takes into account the bridge investment and management processes in Sweden. The basic economic analytical tools as well as other helpful LCC analysis techniques are described. A case study demonstrates improvements in BaTMan as a factor in the decision whether to repair or to replace a bridge. Cost records for 1,987 bridges were used as input data in the case study. On the basis of the same records, the average real and anticipated initial costs of various bridge types in Sweden are presented schematically., QC 20150630

Intersections often experience severe rutting in the asphalt concrete layers due to slow moving, high loads, acceleration, deceleration and turning. This thesis aims to investigate the effectiveness of grouted macadam, open graded asphalt with its voids filled with cement grout, as a pavement material at intersections. This was done by investigating the properties of grouted macadam through a literature review and performing a life-cycle cost analysis comparing grouted macadam and asphalt concrete as pavement materials at an intersection. Grouted macadam is found to be similar to asphalt concrete concerning the relation between stiffness and temperature and frequency as well as fatigue behaviour. The main differences are that grouted macadam is stiffer, stronger and not prone to rutting. Thus it would be suitable to address rutting problems. The main drawbacks are that construction demands extra time and precision and that it is expensive compared to asphalt concrete. The life-cycle cost analysis showed that assuming that the grouted macadam has a service life of twenty years and rehabilitation of the asphalt concrete in the form of mill and refill takes place every fourth year the life-cycle costs are approximately the same. A sensitivity analysis was performed that showed that local variations can have large impact on the life-cycle costs. The main conclusion is that grouted macadam can be effective as a pavement material at intersections that experiences severe rutting and frequently reoccurring rehabilitations.

Intersections often experience severe rutting in the asphalt concrete layers due to slow moving, high loads, acceleration, deceleration and turning. This thesis aims to investigate the effectiveness of grouted macadam, open graded asphalt with its voids filled with cement grout, as a pavement material at intersections. This was done by investigating the properties of grouted macadam through a literature review and performing a life-cycle cost analysis comparing grouted macadam and asphalt concrete as pavement materials at an intersection. Grouted macadam is found to be similar to asphalt concrete concerning the relation between stiffness and temperature and frequency as well as fatigue behaviour. The main differences are that grouted macadam is stiffer, stronger and not prone to rutting. Thus it would be suitable to address rutting problems. The main drawbacks are that construction demands extra time and precision and that it is expensive compared to asphalt concrete. The life-cycle cost analysis showed that assuming that the grouted macadam has a service life of twenty years and rehabilitation of the asphalt concrete in the form of mill and refill takes place every fourth year the life-cycle costs are approximately the same. A sensitivity analysis was performed that showed that local variations can have large impact on the life-cycle costs. The main conclusion is that grouted macadam can be effective as a pavement material at intersections that experiences severe rutting and frequently reoccurring rehabilitations.

New single-family home construction represents a significant and important market for the introduction of energy-efficient gas-fired space heating and water-heating equipment. In the new construction market, the choice of furnace and water-heater type is primarily driven by first cost considerations and the availability of power vent and condensing water heaters. Few analysis have been performed to assess the economic impacts of the different combinations of space and water-heating equipment. Thus, equipment is often installed without taking into consideration the potential economic and energy savings of installing space and water-heating equipment combinations. In this study, we use a life-cycle cost analysis that accounts for uncertainty and variability of the analysis inputs to assess the economic benefits of gas furnace and water-heater design combinations. This study accounts not only for the equipment cost but also for the cost of installing, maintaining, repairing, and operating the equipment over its lifetime. Overall, this study, which is focused on US single-family new construction households that install gas furnaces and storage water heaters, finds that installing a condensing or power-vent water heater together with condensing furnace is the most cost-effective option for the majority of these houses. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the new construction residential market could be a target market for the large-scale introduction of a combination of condensing or power-vent water heaters with condensing furnaces.

New single-family home construction represents a significant and important market for the introduction of energy-efficient gas-fired space heating and water-heating equipment. In the new construction market, the choice of furnace and water-heater type is primarily driven by first cost considerations and the availability of power vent and condensing water heaters. Few analysis have been performed to assess the economic impacts of the different combinations of space and water-heating equipment. Thus, equipment is often installed without taking into consideration the potential economic and energy savings of installing space and water-heating equipment combinations. In this study, we use a life-cycle cost analysis that accounts for uncertainty and variability of the analysis inputs to assess the economic benefits of gas furnace and water-heater design combinations. This study accounts not only for the equipment cost but also for the cost of installing, maintaining, repairing, and operating the equipment over its lifetime. Overall, this study, which is focused on US single-family new construction households that install gas furnaces and storage water heaters, finds that installing a condensing or power-vent water heater together with condensing furnace is the most cost-effective option for the majority of these houses. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the new construction residential market could be a target market for the large-scale introduction of a combination of condensing or power-vent water heaters with condensing furnaces.

New single-family home construction represents a significant and important market for the introduction of energy-efficient gas-fired space heating and water-heating equipment. In the new construction market, the choice of furnace and water-heater type is primarily driven by first cost considerations and the availability of power vent and condensing water heaters. Few analysis have been performed to assess the economic impacts of the different combinations of space and water-heating equipment. Thus, equipment is often installed without taking into consideration the potential economic and energy savings of installing space and water-heating equipment combinations. In this study, we use a life-cycle cost analysis that accounts for uncertainty and variability of the analysis inputs to assess the economic benefits of gas furnace and water-heater design combinations. This study accounts not only for the equipment cost but also for the cost of installing, maintaining, repairing, and operating the equipment over its lifetime. Overall, this study, which is focused on US single-family new construction households that install gas furnaces and storage water heaters, finds that installing a condensing or power-vent water heater together with condensing furnace is the most cost-effective option for the majority of these houses. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the new construction residential market could be a target market for the large-scale introduction of a combination of condensing or power-vent water heaters with condensing furnaces.

New single-family home construction represents a significant and important market for the introduction of energy-efficient gas-fired space heating and water-heating equipment. In the new construction market, the choice of furnace and water-heater type is primarily driven by first cost considerations and the availability of power vent and condensing water heaters. Few analysis have been performed to assess the economic impacts of the different combinations of space and water-heating equipment. Thus, equipment is often installed without taking into consideration the potential economic and energy savings of installing space and water-heating equipment combinations. In this study, we use a life-cycle cost analysis that accounts for uncertainty and variability of the analysis inputs to assess the economic benefits of gas furnace and water-heater design combinations. This study accounts not only for the equipment cost but also for the cost of installing, maintaining, repairing, and operating the equipment over its lifetime. Overall, this study, which is focused on US single-family new construction households that install gas furnaces and storage water heaters, finds that installing a condensing or power-vent water heater together with condensing furnace is the most cost-effective option for the majority of these houses. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the new construction residential market could be a target market for the large-scale introduction of a combination of condensing or power-vent water heaters with condensing furnaces.