3.22. Long-Term Cost Efficiency (Life Cycle Costing)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does life cycle costing take into account?

   Hint

   Think about all expenses beyond just building costs.

2. 2.

   What is one major advantage of using concrete?

   Hint

   Recall how long concrete can last compared to other materials.

3. 3.

   What does life cycle costing primarily focus on?

   • Initial construction costs
   • Total costs over the lifespan
   • Energy efficiency only

   Hint

   Think about the entire lifespan, not just the beginning.

4. 4.

   True or False: Concrete typically requires more maintenance than timber.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider material properties and their long-term performance.

5. 5.

   Consider a project where a concrete structure has a projected lifespan of 50 years, incurring $1,000 for initial costs and$200 for maintenance every 10 years. Compare it with a timber structure costing $700 initially and$300 in maintenance every 10 years for the same period, and identify which offers a better life cycle cost.

   Hint

   Calculate total costs over 50 years for both structures.

6. 6.

   You are tasked with determining the optimal material for a new hospital considering not only the initial construction costs but the energy savings from lower operational demands over a 30-year time frame. Given specific costs and expected energy savings for concrete and steel, which would be the ideal choice?

   Hint

   Factor in the energy efficiency provided by thermal mass in concrete.