Optimization of RC Structures in Terms of Cost and Environmental Impact—Case Study

Abstract

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures represent one of the most widespread building systems around the world. This paper deals with the optimization of load-bearing RC structures in terms of cost and environmental impact. The results of the optimization are the dimensions and reinforcement of structural elements for which the total construction costs and environmental impacts are the lowest. Six variants of RC building structures were designed and analyzed in a case study. The construction cost was evaluated on the basis of the national pricing system. The life cycle assessment (LCA) characterization model according to the ReCiPe methodology version 1.08 was used to assess environmental impacts. The main motivation of this article was to show the possibilities of the multi-criteria optimization of a load-bearing structure, not only from a structural point of view but also from economic and environmental points of view. The presented conclusions correspond to this specific construction of the RC structure used in the case study and may not be generalized. Nevertheless, they point to certain trends and patterns that can also be used in the design of other reinforced concrete structures. The method used in this case study could be applied to the analysis of other structures using specific datasets for cost and environmental impact evaluation.

Reliability Approaches Affecting the Sustainability of Concrete Structures

“…It appears that γ = 1.35 recommended in Eurocodes [11,12] is often conservative. Obviously, the partial factor γ(β,V) may cause a considerable variation of related consumption of structural material and environmental resources.…”

“…This study is particularly focused on the methods of verification for new and existing structures-comparing the partial factor method (the most common in the current practice) with the probabilistic analysis (widely used in research studies). Note that decision-making regarding a choice of structural material is analysed by Zenisek et al [12], supporting the use of advanced materials such as high-strength concretes.…”

The influence of the coefficient of variation on the process reliability of brick production

“…Therefore, with a coefficient of variation of 13%, to ensure reliability 0.977 is required a uniformity coefficient of 1.35. To analyze the dependencies (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) in Figure 1 and Table 1, the dependence of the uniformity coefficient for ensuring reliability V on the value of the variation coefficient is shown.…”

“…The subject study shows that advanced reliability approaches typically save 10-20% in structural materials and natural resource consumption [2][3][4]. In particular, data are presented on the relationship between cost (as the main factor influencing decision-making) and the reliability of the building structures investigated solutions, taking into account the impact on the environment [5][6][7]. Modeling methods that allow characterizing the uncertainty with a wide range of assumptions of dependences [8][9][10] have been developed, the analysis of the effect of partial safety factors on the reliability of design of steel elements [11] has been conducted Statistical methods allow to get at the design stage an idea of the reinforced concrete structures reliability under conditions of various beyond design impacts such as fire, formation and progressive development of fatigue cracks [12,13].…”

Effects of Slab Types on the Seismic Behavior and Construction Cost of RC Buildings

“…For lateral loads, only earthquake loads were considered since the current earthquake code, TBEC 2018, generated much larger forces than those in the Turkish Standards (TS 498) wind code [7]. Slabs in RC tall buildings cover large areas and generally consume more construction materials than any other structural element [8][9][10][11]. In a typical RC building, slabs can account for more than 50% of a building's total embodied energy, or the energy required for extraction, processing, manufacturing, and delivery of construction materials to a construction site.…”