Analysis of Factors Affecting the Environmental Impact of Concrete Structures

Daniel Wałach

doi:10.3390/su13010204

Abstract

Concrete is the one of the most important construction materials not only in terms of its global consumption but also environmental impact. However, there are many possibilities to reduce the environmental impact of concrete structures. This paper presents a set of factors determining the environmental impact of subsequent stages in the life cycles of concrete objects. In the research, the method of deduction and mathematical logic was applied to identify the parameters. Using the DEMATEL method, the significance of the identified factors was determined. An influential relation map allowed to specify a set of important parameters (causes) that affect the impact of the structure on the environment. The most important causes include: Concrete class, structural loads, static of the structure, materials used, and their suppliers as well as the volume of structural elements. The results of the analysis both confirmed the previous findings, as well as shows a set of indicators not previously highlighted. The cause-and-effect relationships between the parameters, and its significance was also determined. The results enable to indicate further directions of reducing the environmental impact of the concrete structure.

Highlights

In the European Union (EU), 215 million m3 of ready-mixed concrete were produced in 2015 [1] and concrete consumption is constantly rising
Alternative concrete mixes have been developed by introducing supplementary cementitious materials and recycled aggregates (RA)
The article presents factors that significantly shape the environmental impact of a reinforced concrete structure, occurring in its life cycle

Summary

Introduction

In the European Union (EU), 215 million m3 of ready-mixed concrete were produced in 2015 [1] and concrete consumption is constantly rising. The substances emitted into the air and water during concrete production contribute to global warming, and acidification and eutrophication [3]. From this point of view, some environmental benefits can be seen, arising from the durability of a structure and the possibility of shaping its environmental profile by means of material-construction optimization. Replacing a certain amount of cement with by-products of industrial processes (e.g., fly ash—FA), characterized by lower environmental loads than the original binder, was proposed [4]. Replacing cement in a concrete mix with an alternative binder of 5, 10, to 20% could reduce the total greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in the EU by

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