Examining the Cost Distinction between the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) and the Conventional Cast-In-Place (CIP) Methods of Bridge Construction.

摘要

Traditionally, the cast-in-place (CIP) method of bridge construction involves setting forms and pouring concrete. Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is a construction method that includes high performing materials, novel design, and novel assembly practices. The general problem of explosion in traffic volume, smooth transportation of commerce, reduction in defect level, and decline in bridge service life stimulated the invention of innovative construction systems. These techniques speed up bridge construction, channel the employment of prefabricated bridge elements assembled on site, and are a substitute for CIP. Adoption of ABC reduces environmental and construction nuisances, improving safety, and quality. Researchers have suggested that ABC takes less time but has a high initial cost of implementation. However, when durability, user costs, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) are considered, the cost of ABC may be less than CIP. The purpose of this study was to examine the opinions of civil engineers (CE)/project managers (PM) in terms of whether they think ABC or CIP is more cost effective when considering KPIs. A qualitative holistic single case study design was used to analyze the perspectives of civil engineers (CE)/project managers (PM) through the deliverables of the work breakdown structures (WBS) of ABC and CIP. Interview responses from open-ended questioning was the data collection source, firstly analyzed using the constant comparative method (CCM). CCM compared responses from open-ended interview questions from groups of CEs and PMs. The comparison occurred in pairs of comparing KPI perspectives for ABC and then CIP, coded, and examined for relationship. Crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis (csQCA) was further conducted for the CCM data as a secondary analysis, utilized to triangulate interview responses. The csQCA model presented a systematic and qualitative process of examining the cost distinction between the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) and the Conventional Cast-In-Place (CIP) methods of bridge construction. Quality and emergent properties of the study showed a combination of causal factors/KPI that produced a low cost project outcome. For practical applications, the study can be used to control the key cost drivers for a desired project outcome. Using a model incorporated with a flowchart that supports decisions for utilization or a matrix system with the csQCA model, it gives an extensive analysis, expansion of KPIs that affects decision-making process, and the ultimate inter-combination of differential costs (KPIs).