Title:
Colored Concrete Bridges: Construction and Life-Cycle Cost
Author(s):
Michael Chusid; Ed Strockbine; and Nick Paris
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
25
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
76-81
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
6/1/2003
Abstract:
Paint or other surface-applied finishes are often used to color concrete bridges. An alternative approach is to use integrally colored concrete. The authors conducted a construction and life-cycle cost study comparing the use of coatings and integral colors in a representative bridge. This study is based on a hypothetical structure patterned after a cast-in-place bridge recently constructed across a major river in the United States. While each proposed project must be considered on its own merits, this study suggests that integrally colored concrete is competitive with surface-applied finishes on a first-cost basis, and can significantly reduce life-cycle costs.