Life Cycle Cost Analysis of the Steel Pipe Pile Head Cutting Robot

Abstract

Steel pipe pile head cutting work is performed to adjust the horizontal levels of piles, and it is essential for the stable transfer of an upper structure load to the ground. However, the field survey results show that steel pipe pile head cutting process is highly dangerous as laborers especially deal with gas and plasma cutting machines. Moreover, the laborers are exposed to continuous risks because the piles are frequently felled, lifted, moved, and loaded using construction equipment, such as excavators, immediately after the piles are cut. Recently, the authors of this study developed a prototype of a steel pipe pile head cutting robot and verified its performance through laboratory experiments to improve work safety, productivity, and the quality of steel pipe pile head cutting work. The purpose of this study is to secure the economic feasibility of robot development and verify the sustainable utilization of a developed robot by analyzing the comprehensive performance and economic efficiency throughout the life cycle of a steel pipe pile head cutting robot developed in South Korea. In this study, sensitivity analysis was also performed on the variables expected to have a significant influence or variables that must be considered for the future commercialization of the developed robot. When the developed robot is applied to construction sites in the future, its ripple effects will be significant because it will be possible to prevent labor safety accidents, improve work productivity, secure uniform quality, and reduce input costs.