Evaluation of CO₂ emission reduction effect using in-situ production of precast concrete components

Abstract

Precast concrete (PC) construction method is typically preferred due to its reduced construction time, quality assurance, and cost effectiveness. Experimental studies have proven that insitu production of PC components ensures equivalent or enhanced quality with substantial cost reductions compared to those of in-plant production, under the same production conditions. The construction method may also be environment friendly due to its relatively low CO 2 emissions. However, it is necessary to examine the degree of this method's effectiveness via experimental studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the CO 2 emission reduction effect of in-situ production of PC components. Using a case project, the CO 2 emission is estimated and compared for the operations between in-situ and in-plant production. The CO 2 emission of in-situ produced PC components reduced by 14.3% or more when compared to the in-plant production. This shows that in-situ production of PC components can greatly reduce CO 2 emissions, while maintaining its cost effectiveness and quality assurance. Furthermore, this study contributes in changing the negative perception of in-situ production of PC components and in the development of algorithms that scientifically analyze the CO 2 emission reduction effect of in-situ production of PC components.

Dynamic Optimization Model for Estimating In-Situ Production Quantity of PC Members to Minimize Environmental Loads

“…According to an interview with a PC factory official, it was confirmed that if the factory owner does not obtain more than 20% of the production cost as a profit, the official does not contract, because this does not cover the factory management overhead [17]. Through several studies, it has been possible to secure the quality and economic feasibility of in-situ production [14][15][16][17]19]. This study examined in-situ production at a construction site that complied with the PC production and installation guidelines of the KCI (Korea Concrete Institute); it was confirmed that there were no problems with cracks, breakages, size, or strength quality standards.…”

“…Kim and Chae presented that a considerable amount of CO 2 is emitted during the steam curing stage when making PCs, and proposed a method of evaluating CO 2 emissions throughout the PC life cycle using life cycle assessment [28]. Lim et al calculated CO 2 emissions with the LCA method through an experimental study of in-situ production and determined that the amount of CO 2 emission reduction increases as the quantity of in-situ production increases [19]. These studies were reviewed from the eco-friendly perspective for field application through optimization and evaluation methods for the existing PC method's CO 2 emissions.…”

“…Concrete 140 kg-CO 2 /m 3 and Steel 3500 kg-CO 2 /t can be used to calculate CO 2 emissions. In the studies of Hong et al, Lee et al and Lim et al, the CO 2 emissions generated in the construction stage of the building were calculated in the same way [19,[38][39][40][41][42].…”

“…In-situ production of precast concrete (PC) members not only reduces the cost by 14.5-39.4% compared to in-plant production, but can also result in equal or enhanced quality under equal conditions [14][15][16][17][18]. Through an experiment in which the amount of CO 2 emission reduction was analyzed according to the increase in quantity, it was proved that in-situ production is an eco-friendly technology with a high CO 2 reduction effect [19]. However, in order to apply in-situ production to a project, additional research is needed to calculate the optimal quantity considering the environmental load.…”

Analysis of CO2 Emission Reduction Effect of On‐Site Production Precast Concrete Member according to Factory Production Environment

“…Most of these large buildings are built using the precast concrete (PC) method. However, in general, PC methods are produced in factories and transported to the site [8]. In order to reduce CO 2 emissions generated in this process, the on-site production of PC members is essential.…”