Sustainable Frameworks and Life Cycle Assessment for Reinforced Concrete Bridges for Sustainability in Transportation

Abstract:

Bridge structures are critical components of California’s transportation network, with reinforced concrete (RC) bridges being among the most widely used. Extending the lifespan of these structures can lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts. However, California’s frequent seismic activity has repeatedly exposed the vulnerability of existing RC bridges, highlighting the urgent need for seismic retrofitting and maintenance to improve infrastructure resilience against earthquakes and to increase sustainability. This research used detailed computer simulations known as nonlinear finite element models, which are highly detailed computer models, incorporating section damage indices to predict damage and assess structural deficiencies in RC bridges during earthquake events. The proposed modeling framework enables accurate evaluation of seismic performance and damage states, supporting informed recommendations for retrofitting. By extending the service life of existing bridges, the approach contributes to lower environmental impacts compared to complete replacement. Additionally, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) is used to compare the environmental impacts of retrofitting versus rebuilding an RC bridge, considering the full process from construction to demolition. Since new bridge construction demands substantial resources and energy, retrofitting is shown to be a more sustainable solution for minimizing environmental damage following seismic events.

Publications:

Sustainable Frameworks and Life Cycle Assessment for Reinforced Concrete Bridges for Sustainability in Transportation (Full Report)

Research Brief

Authors:

Yu-Fu Ko, PhD, PE
Dr. Ko joined the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management Department in Fall 2009. He received his B.S. in Structural Engineering from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and his M.S. and Ph.D. (as an outstanding Ph.D. award recipient) in Civil Engineering, focusing on Structural Mechanics and Structural Engineering/Dynamics, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Prior to joining CSULB, Dr. Ko was a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at UCLA and a senior structural design engineer at Englekirk and Sabol Consulting Structural Engineers, Inc. He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in the state of California. Dr. Ko's areas of research include micro/nano-mechanics modeling of heterogeneous composite materials, micromechanical damage mechanics modeling and associated applications, damage assessment and experimental mechanics of structural materials, nonlinear/linear structural dynamic analysis of structures subjected to earthquake motions, finite element method code-based and performance-based structural design of structures, and seismic retrofitting of existing structures. He has presented at national and international conferences and published research papers in national and international peer-reviewed journals. He actively participates in ASCE, ASME, AISC, ACI, SEAOSC, IACM, USACM, and other national and international societies. He is also a peer reviewer for numerous technical journals.

Jessica Gonzalez, EIT
Jessica Gonzalez is a research graduate assistant working with Dr. Ko at CSULB. She received her
B.S. in Civil Engineering from CSULB with cum laude degree honors and is currently enrolled as a graduate student working towards her master’s degree. She is certified as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and is currently employed as a structural designer at RailPros, Inc. Her research interests include finite element modeling of bridges and seismic analyses of bridge components. Additionally, her software skills include AutoCAD and OpenSees.

Published:

October 2025

Keywords:

Sustainable transportation

Life cycle analysis

Earthquake engineering

Earthquake resistant structures

Reinforced concrete bridges