I get questions about relative cost for various surface preparation methods and the pros and cons. I refer people to this study as they can plug in their own numbers.
“COST EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR STEEL BRIDGE PAINT SYSTEM MAINTENANCE” CONTRACT NO. DTFH61-97-C-00026
was published by the FHWA with Corrpro in September 2001. The final product was a series of reports- found on the Advisory Council downloads page and an excel sheet so that contractors, specifiers, and owners could plug in their own numbers.
A cost model for bridge painting maintenance was developed to aid specifiers in
evaluating the costs associated with currently available painting technologies. A myriad
of design approaches, surface preparations, and coating systems are currently available to
engineers tasked with maintaining painted bridges. This cost model allows quick and
easy comparisons between many of the current options for steel bridge painting. The
information used for the model is based on actual field observations1 and current industry
practices. This “User’s Guide” describes the model’s primary components and features
and the basic operation of the cost model.
The following are two powerpoint presentations given on this project by Corrpro. The reports are found on Advisory Council Downloads page which is in the upper left as I appear to have two different pages entitled “downloads”.
corrpro_TNRCC FHWA LBP July-2002
97C26 overview presentation Corrpro FHWA LBP Bridges Costs