steelTalks is a series on topics of interest to the global steel community. The lectures are presented in a webinar format with a guest lecturer. In this webinar, we’ll explore how Life Cycle Cost (LCC) evaluations highlight stainless steels as a cost-effective choice for bridge construction. With exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance needs, stainless steels ensure long-term structural integrity while reducing CO₂ emissions from maintenance-related traffic disruptions.
Life Cycle Cost (LCC) evaluations using stainless steels in critical components of bridges consistently shows the benefits of providing operation with very little maintenance over a lifetime exceeding a century. Stainless steels offer an extremely attractive way of providing structural integrity over unlimited time, as a direct result of their high strength and durability and their excellent corrosion resistance that resists all climates and weather conditions. Whilst the material acquisition costs of stainless steels are higher than competing materials, the massive reduction in lifetime maintenance costs mean that choosing stainless steels becomes the significantly lower cost option over the service life. Furthermore, the reduction in CO2 emissions by avoiding standing traffic during bridge maintenance regimes is another compelling benefit. Building bridges using stainless steels means building safe bridges for generations.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• the role of stainless steel in sustainable infrastructure development.
• Evaluate the impact of material selection on long-term maintenance and lifecycle costs.
• Apply principles of corrosion resistance to engineering design choices.
• Assess the contribution of stainless steel to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 9.
Estimated Time: 1.00 hour
