The overall economy of a structure is measured in terms of its life cycle costs. This includes the initial cost of the structure plus the maintenance cost. Prestressed concrete bridges do well in both these aspects.

Low initial costs

Prestressed concrete bridges are economical as well as provide for minimum downtime for construction. Carefully planned details speed the total construction process and result in overall economy.

Minimal maintenance

Of course no painting is needed. Some engineers believe that this alone adds about 10 to 20 percent of the initial costs of a steel bridge over the period of its useful life.

Prestressed concrete structures, built in the late 1950s, have now withstood heavy traffic and severe weathering for nearly 50 years and yet require practically no maintenance. Simpler and more reliable bearings require no maintenance.

Durable

Because of the high quality of materials used, prestressed concrete members are particularly durable. Fatigue problems are minimal because of minor stresses induced by traffic loads. High strength prestressed concrete has excellent freeze-thaw and chloride resistance, as demonstrated by the performance of prestressed concrete girders.

Fire resistance

Prestressed concrete bridges are not easily damaged by fire. Fires hot enough to consume metal bridge rails require only cosmetic repairs to restore a prestressed concrete bridge to its original condition.