Concrete Mix Design Incorporating Additional Consideration of Environmental Performance

Abstract

In this paper, we gave a clear concept of environmental performance (EP), and proposed an estimating method of environmental performance indicator (EPI) for concrete, based on an integrated life cycle impact assessment. The environmental burden (EB) factors of concrete were also discussed. In order to well evaluate the environmental benefits of waste utilization, land use change and nature environmental resource loss caused in the production stage of concrete were also taken as the EB factors and their estimating methods were given, besides air emissions, waterborne releases, and exhaustible resource consumption. Furthermore, An EB intensity database was constructed for concrete’s raw materials and processes such as transportation. An environment-conscious mix design method was suggested for maximizing EP of concrete, while still meeting the usual property requirements such as consistency, strength and durability. Finally, as an application example, mix proportions of a retaining wall concrete were designed.