What does this research mean for the field?

Applying set-based design (SBD) to group and optimize bridges in multi-bridge projects reduces material costs and construction time without negatively impacting CO2 emissions. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate whether grouping and optimizing bridges using set-based design can minimize material and construction costs, shorten construction duration, and limit carbon dioxide emissions.

September 8, 2026Journal of Bridge EngineeringOpen Access

Set-Based Design for Bridge Optimization: Minimizing Cost, Construction Time, and CO 2 Emissions

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To evaluate whether grouping and optimizing bridges using set-based design can minimize material and construction costs, shorten construction duration, and limit carbon dioxide emissions.
Developed an automated computational script to execute finite-element analyses and structural design verifications across bridge candidates.
Grouped bridge structures based on vertical clearance area beneath the deck and incorporated construction duration reductions derived from learning-curve effects.
Benchmarked the set-based design bridge configurations against an established reference infrastructure project.
Set-based design enabled effective grouping of multiple bridges, yielding marked reductions in combined material and construction costs compared to the reference project.
Construction time decreased via standardized design repetition without causing any negative impact or increase in carbon dioxide emissions.

Implication

Computational modeling reveals set-based design reduces bridge construction cost and time without increasing carbon dioxide emissions, suggesting viable sustainable infrastructure planning.

Abstract

While bridges are an essential part of the infrastructure, their construction is resource intensive. Reducing construction time and optimizing bridges could reduce their climate impact. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for reducing material and construction cost (henceforth referred to as cost), as well as construction time and CO 2 emissions for grouping and optimizing bridges using set-based design (SBD). The grouping is based on the free area under the bridges and the benefits of construction time due to the learning curve. In this study, a script is developed that performed finite-element analysis and conducted necessary design checks for all the bridges investigated. The bridges generated from SBD were then compared with bridges from a reference project. The results show that in a project with several bridges, SBD could be used to group bridges and reduce cost and construction time without a negative impact on CO 2 emissions. Reducing cost and construction time without negative impact on CO 2 levels in infrastructure projects is a huge benefit for the society.

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Cite This Study

Lagerkvist et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa0091858e84d0ff5b47c8b https://doi.org/10.1061/jbenf2.beeng-7725

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Implication

Computational modeling reveals set-based design reduces bridge construction cost and time without increasing carbon dioxide emissions, suggesting viable sustainable infrastructure planning.

Set-Based Design for Bridge Optimization: Minimizing Cost, Construction Time, and CO 2 Emissions

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Set-Based Design for Bridge Optimization: Minimizing Cost, Construction Time, and CO 2 Emissions

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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