15 - Life cycle assessment and cost-effective design of retrofitting concrete columns with steel-jacketed recycled aggregate concrete

Abstract

As societies worldwide strive to reduce carbon footprints and address the pressing issue of climate change, the construction industry has a significant role to play in achieving sustainability goals. It is worth highlighting that concrete structures are inevitably subject to aging and deterioration. Consequently, when preparing for their retrofitting and rehabilitation, it becomes imperative to prioritize low-carbon solutions and explore innovative approaches to minimize CO2 emissions. In this regard, using recycled materials in retrofitting endeavors takes on significant meaning. Within this chapter, we engage in a preliminary assessment of the environmental impact and costs associated with an innovative retrofitting methodology employing steel-jacketed recycled aggregate concrete to improve the load-carrying capacity of old concrete columns. How a diverse range of design parameters exerts influences over CO2 emissions and costs of the retrofit design are explored. This leads to some valuable design recommendations for effectively guiding the retrofit design, considering the optimal balance between reducing environmental impact and construction costs.