ABSTRACT
Life cycle design methods are tools to guarantee life cycle quality in design. The design methods can be classified in relation to the factors of life cycle quality. Compatibility can be achieved either through flexible integration or through separation of the structure and its installations. Annual and recurring costs can be estimated simply as an addition of the relevant costs: construction costs, operation costs, maintenance costs, change costs, and repair, restoration and renewal costs. The building incurs financial and environmental costs during its entire life cycle starting from the planning phase and ending at recycling or waste disposal after demolition. In the integrated life cycle design of structures the structural systems, modules, components and materials have to be analysed for selection between alternatives. The objective of service life planning is to ensure that the service life of a building, its modules and components are functionally, technically, ecologically and economically optimised over the design life.
