Zahed, S E; Shahooei, S; Farooghi, F; Shahandashti, M and Ardekani, S (2019) Life-cycle cost analysis of a short-haul underground freight transportation system for the DFW airport. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 9(3), pp. 440-456. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to conduct life-cycle cost analysis of a short-haul underground freight transportation (UFT) system for the Dallas Fort Worth international airport. Design/methodology/approach: The research approach includes: identifying the cost components of the proposed airport UFT system; estimating life-cycle cost (LCC) of system components using various methods; determining life-cycle cash flows; evaluating the reliability of the results using sensitivity analysis; and assessing the validity of the results using analogues cases. Findings: Although the capital cost of constructing an airport UFT system seems to be the largest cost of such innovative projects, annual costs for running the system are more significant, taking a life-cycle perspective. System administrative cost, tunnel operation and maintenance, and tunnel construction cost are the principle cost components of the UFT system representing approximately 46, 24 and 19 percent of the total LCC, respectively. The shipping cost is estimated to be $4.14 per ton-mile. Although this cost is more than the cost of transporting cargos by trucks, the implementation of UFT systems could be financially justified considering their numerous benefits. Originality/value: This paper, for the first time, helps capital planners understand the LCC of an airport UFT system with no or limited past experience, and to consider such innovative solutions to address airport congestion issues.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | airport security; cargo shipment; financial analysis; intermodal; life-cycle cost analysis; underground freight transportation |
| Index terms: | implementation, estimating, methodology, planner, financial analysis, validity, cash flow, cost analysis, tunnel construction, capital cost, operation and maintenance, tunnel, sensitivity analysis |
| Subjects: | evaluation and assessment methods, profession, contractual arrangements, financial and cost management, design economy, financial management, maintenance engineering, research methods, civil engineering, accounting and finance, infrastructure and transport systems, environmental hazards |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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