Environmental Impact Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Slab Frame Bridges

Abstract

Abstract:The main objective of this research is to integrate environmental impact optimization in the structural design of reinforced concrete slab frame bridges in order to determine the most environment-friendly design. The case study bridge used in this work was also investigated in a previous paper focusing on the optimization of the investment cost, while the present study focuses on environmental impact optimization and comparing the results of both these studies. Optimization technique based on the pattern search method was implemented. Moreover, a comprehensive LCA (life cycle assessment) methodology of ReCiPe and two monetary weighting systems were used to convert environmental impacts into monetary costs. The analysis showed that both monetary weighting systems led to the same results. Furthermore, optimization based on environmental impact generated models with thinner construction elements yet of a higher concrete class, while cost optimization by considering extra constructability factors provided thicker sections and easier to construct. This dissimilarity in the results highlights the importance of combining environmental impact (and its associated environmental cost) and investment cost to find more material-efficient, economical, sustainable and time-effective bridge solutions.

Life cycle assessment application in the optimum design of reinforced concrete structures

“…The characterization factor employed was the EDIP 1997 method. The impact categories analyzed were acidification potential, global warming potential, eutrophication, ozone depletion potential, photochemical ozone formation (high and low NOx), with main characteristics observed in studies of concrete structures (YAVARI et al, 2017;MEEX et al, 2018;BALASBANEH;RAMLI, 2020;HOLLBERG et al, 2021).…”

“…The sector uses around 50% of all the raw materials consumed in the world, 70% of which are non-renewable. Moreover, 40% of all solid waste generated comes from civil construction, in addition to being responsible for 30% of the greenhouse gases emitted (DIVANDARI; NAJARI, 2016;YAVARI et al, 2017;ALMIRALL et al, 2019;GHAYEB;RAZAK;SULONG, 2020). Therefore, the construction industry faces the challenge of implementing a sustainable model in all its processes, from the efficient use of resources to the incorporation of less polluting materials, creating more environmental-friendly projects (LASVAUX et al, 2015;FERREIRO-CABELLO et al, 2017;SOUTO-MARTINEZ et al, 2017;MARTÍNEZ-MUÑOZ et al, 2020;BALASBANEH;RAMLI, 2020).…”

An integrated method for sustainable performance-based optimal seismic design of RC frames with non-prismatic beams

“…The optimal weight of frames with non-prismatic elements were compared with the optimal design of frames with prismatic elements. Yavari et al [23] optimized CO2 emissions and cost of concrete slab frame bridges during the design phase, with the slab being considered as nonprismatic. Kaveh et al [24] presented a methodology for the sustainable design of reinforced concrete frames with non-prismatic beams and investigated the relationship between optimal cost and optimal carbon dioxide emissions in the design of these frames.…”