Evalutation of the Life Cycle Costs and Performance of Geotechnical and Stormwater Infrastructure
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Jung, Young Suk
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Abstract
As urbanization accelerates and global population increases, the necessity and importance of highway infrastructure has rapidly increased. Infrastructure serves to improve the quality of life, supports community needs, and increases economic benefits through increased access to resources. However, indiscriminate development can lead to severe environmental and ecosystem issues such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emission, and wildlife destruction. Even though environmental concerns have been rising globally, decision-makers have historically focused primarily on the economic aspects of infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance. A balance of economic, social, and environmental impacts is an important factor for sustainable development.
The work performed in this dissertation focused on the sustainability of transportation roadside infrastructure, particularly geotechnical assets including mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls and stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) were conducted in the planning and design to construction phases to identify sustainable design options for assets to support decision-making. Additionally, the performance of assets and the environmental and cost impacts of asset management was evaluated during the operation and maintenance (O&M) phases. The work provides insights to minimize significant environmental, economic, and social impacts with low expected expenses and extend the life expectancy of assets.
The work showed that the impacts of planning and design and construction phases were significant when compared to the O&M phases in the life of MSE walls. In particular, the selection of backfill materials and machinery operation were identified as the most important factors influencing sustainability. In addition, in stormwater BMPs, the treatment and removal of contaminants from stormwater runoff during O&M phases can effectively offset the construction impacts of stormwater infrastructure. To optimize performance, well-planned construction and long-term management are essential.
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2025-05-16
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Dissertation