Simulation as a tool for life cycle cost analysis

Life cycle cost is an essential approach to decide on alternative rehabilitation strategies for infrastructure systems. Monte Carlo simulation approach is used to develop a stochastic life cycle cost (SLCC) model and methodology in order to compare different rehabilitation scenarios/ alternatives for infrastructures, such as water mains. The presented research in this paper identifies several rehabilitation methods for water mains, which are classified into three main categories: repair, renovation, and replacement. The developed model helps academics and practitioners (e.g. municipal engineers) to predict the suitable new installation and/or rehabilitation programs as well as their corresponding costs, thereby, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.