Image 1: Surface InfraCaLCC ®: definition of a network, installation of structural elements
Image 2: Surface InfraCaLCC ®: Description of structural element attributes
The individual cost elements (cf. EN 60300-3-3) are created in different life cycle phases (e.g. Investment / renovation, operation / maintenance, decommissioning / disposal) as periodic, dependent or random elements.The currently implemented cost categories include personnel, equipment, external services, energy and indirect costs such as delay increases, downtime cost but also other socio-economic aspects.
LCC calculations can be performed at several different levels (e.g. for entire networks, for individual track sections, or for specific infrastructure components). Furthermore, InfraCaLCC® allows users to define their own analysis periods, internal rates of return, inflation and similar assumptions, and making it easy to perform trade-off analyses with respect to these variables. Results of an analysis can be displayed on the screen graphically or presented in the form of various, pre-defined reports (graphics / tables). The application supports several common formats (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets) and enables results to be transferred directly into the user's own applications for further editing and processing.
Image 3: Surface InfraCaLCC®
The tool is fully multitenant: Entered data in context of a specific case is firstly available for the particular user. If the owner releases "own" cases to other specific users, a collaboration will be possible – an important aspect for practicability, because generally LCC-calculations get interpreted in joint. In addition, following a quality check, all entered data are added to an anonymous knowledge database. This database provides users with a source of comparable construction and maintenance costs for analysis and benchmarking purposes.
InfraCaLCC® Version 1.2 has been available online since December 2008. Approximately 50 companies and institutions in Europe are currently using the application. A continuous development is provided and further features will be available. The tool is available with English and German language interfaces (subject to browser settings). The main elements of InfraCaLCC® – including calculation of LCC – are available for individual, unlimited use, free of charge, by all registered users.
A personal registration and the acceptation of the conditions are necessary receive an user license to InfraCaLCC®. We strongly recommend the participation at a 2-day training (see training). Several supplementary elements (e.g. knowledge database, enhanced reporting systems, training courses, support) can be added following conclusion of a service agreement.
If you want to get more information, please feel free to contact us.
