ASTM A1068-10 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM A1068-10(2020) — Standard Practice for Life‑Cycle Cost Analysis of Corrosion Protection Systems on Iron and Steel Products. This practice provides a standardized approach for performing life‑cycle cost (LCC) analyses to compare corrosion protection systems for iron and steel products, helping users evaluate initial costs against future maintenance, repair, and replacement expenses to select the lowest total cost alternative over a defined project life.

Abstract

This practice defines the methodology and key inputs for life‑cycle cost analysis of corrosion protection systems applied to iron and steel items. It presents the present‑value approach (discounting future costs), required input parameters (initial cost, expected service life, maintenance and replacement schedules, discount rate), and guidance for comparing alternatives so that higher initial investments with lower long‑term costs can be justified when appropriate. The document is a practice (guidance) rather than a test specification.

General information

• Status: Active — original 2010 practice, reapproved (confirmed) in 2020.
• Publication date: Designation A1068‑10 with reapproval dated January 5, 2020 (reapproval of the 2010 practice).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 77.060 — Corrosion of metals / Surface treatment and coating.
• Edition / version: A1068‑10 (2010) — reapproved 2020, referenced as A1068‑10(2020).
• Number of pages: Approximately 5 pages (short practice document).

Scope

This practice applies to life‑cycle cost analyses of corrosion protection systems for iron and steel products. It covers the economic evaluation framework (present value / discounting), identifies the cost categories to include (initial application, routine maintenance, major maintenance/overhaul, replacement, and disposal where applicable), and specifies the basic inputs and calculation approach to compare alternatives over a defined analysis period. It does not prescribe specific coating materials, test methods, or performance criteria; rather it provides a method to evaluate costs associated with protection choices.

Key topics and requirements

• Life‑cycle cost (LCC) methodology using present value (discounted cash flow) analysis.
• Required input parameters: initial cost, service life estimates, maintenance and replacement schedules, salvage/disposal values, and discount rate.
• Procedure to calculate and compare total present value costs for alternative protection systems.
• Guidance on sensitivity considerations and how varying service life or discount rates affect LCC outcomes.
• Emphasis on economic justification — selection of the least‑cost solution over the project design life rather than lowest initial cost alone.
• Limitations: practice focuses on cost analysis and does not replace technical performance testing or specification of coatings/coating processes.

Typical use and users

Used by corrosion and coatings engineers, asset owners, design engineers, procurement/specification authors, facility and maintenance managers, and economic analysts who must compare protective systems for iron and steel structures or components. Typical applications include specifying protective systems for structural steel, piping, bridges, tanks, and other ferrous assets where life‑cycle economic tradeoffs between coatings, galvanizing, paint systems, or other protection options are required.

Related standards

Standards related to corrosion protection practice and coating processes and specifications are commonly used alongside this practice (for design/performance and application requirements). Examples include ASTM practices and specifications for coating and galvanizing (for example, practices/specifications such as A385, A780, A153/A153M, A123 and other ASTM coating/galvanizing documents), as well as more general standards on corrosion testing and durability assessment. This practice is intended to be used in conjunction with product‑specific test and specification standards rather than as a replacement for them.

Keywords

life‑cycle cost, LCC, life‑cycle cost analysis, corrosion protection, coatings, galvanizing, present value, discount rate, service life, maintenance, iron and steel, economic evaluation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ASTM A1068, a practice titled "Standard Practice for Life‑Cycle Cost Analysis of Corrosion Protection Systems on Iron and Steel Products" that provides a standardized method for economic comparison of corrosion protection alternatives.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the methodology for performing life‑cycle cost analyses — present‑value calculations using inputs such as initial cost, maintenance and replacement costs, service life estimates, and discount rates — to compare corrosion protection systems for iron and steel products. It does not set coating performance tests or material specifications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Corrosion/coatings engineers, design/specification authors, asset owners, procurement and maintenance managers, and economic analysts who need to justify or compare protective systems on an economic (life‑cycle) basis.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice was originally issued in 2010 (A1068‑10) and was reapproved in 2020; it is listed as the A1068‑10(2020) reapproval and is considered current as a reapproved practice (not withdrawn or superseded as of the 2020 reapproval).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's collection of metallurgical and corrosion‑related practices and specifications (ICS 77.060) and is commonly referenced alongside other ASTM standards and practices governing coating methods, galvanizing, and corrosion testing when preparing specifications and performing asset life‑cycle planning.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Life‑cycle cost (LCC), present value, discount rate, service life, maintenance schedule, corrosion protection, coatings, galvanizing, iron and steel, economic evaluation.