ABSTRACT
Life cycle analysis is a systematic procedure enabling for the identification of critical processes over the lifespan of a system. In relation to bridges, the initial stage of material production and the maintenance of the structure over its service life are usually considered to be critical processes, when environmental and user costs are considered together with the usual costs. A methodology for integrated life cycle analysis of bridges was developed within the framework of the European research project SBRI: Sustainable SteelComposite Bridges in Built Environment. In the context of this project, different strategies were taken into account in order to improve the lifetime performance of highway composite bridges, namely, the use of high strength steel, the use of self-weathering steel and improved fatigue design. In this paper, these strategies are discussed in relation to medium span highway bridges.
