Benefits of Using ASTM Building Economics Standards for the Design, Construction, and Operation of Constructed Facilities

Published

May 15, 2012

Author(s)

Robert E. Chapman, Muthiah Kasi

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the 26 standards developed within the ASTM Subcommittee on Building Economics, E06.81, along with a description of how these standards are being used to promote more cost-effective decisions for the design, construction, operation, and disposal of constructed facilities. The report includes descriptions of a terminology standard, seven standard classifications, four standard guides, and 14 standard practices. The standard classifications, standard guides, and standard practices are organized around four topic areas: (1) cost data presentation and analysis; (2) value analysis; (3) risk management; and (4) economic evaluation. The report contains a detailed case study illustrating how many of the subcommittee's standards can be applied to a complex transportation project. The case illustration uses the design and construction of the Gateway Arch Bridge in Taylor, MI. The Gateway Arch Bridge was part of the reconstruction of Interstate 94 for the Super Bowl XL game held in 2006. The case illustration discusses the bridge's innovative design and engineering features, the extensive use of prefabricated components as cost and schedule control measures, and the use of ASTM standards to achieve a balance between performance and life-cycle economy. The Gateway Arch Bridge won six awards, including two national awards. A major criterion in its selection as an award recipient was its cost effectiveness.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1098

Report Number

1098

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1098

Local Download

Keywords

Bridges, buildings, construction, cost data, economic evaluation, functional elements, infrastructure, risk management, standards, UNIFORMAT II, value analysis

Citation

Chapman, R. and Kasi, M. (2012), Benefits of Using ASTM Building Economics Standards for the Design, Construction, and Operation of Constructed Facilities, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1098, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=910461 (Accessed May 15, 2026)

Additional citation formats