Comparison Analysis of the Environmental Impact of VSL Anchors and RBanchors Using a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Abstract

In this study, quantitative environmental impact assessments of the VSL anchor and RB(Reaming and Bearing) anchor systems were conducted after a life-cycle assessment (LCA). In addition, improvements which reduce the adverse environmental effects of the RB anchor system were confirmed through comparisons with results with a VSL anchor system. Both results showed that water ecotoxicity and global warming are the most important in environmental influences. To determine the effect of reducing the RB anchor system environment, the result was normalized for the environmental impact category. Most items appeared to have been improved with regard to the RB anchor system. The most significant improvement was a 77% decrease in POC levels(photochemical oxidant creation). Greenhouse gas emissions, related to global warming, were decreased by 44%. It is expected that these quantitative environmental impact assessment results will serve as the basis of an anchor system for civil engineering and environmental impact assessments.