DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE PRODUCTION

Abstract

In this study, the environmental burden (EB) factors of concrete are discussed, land use change and forest's CO2 absorption reduction, caused by gathering raw materials or disposing waste in landfill, are taken as EB factors for reflecting well the environmental benefits of recycling besides air emissions, waterborne releases, and energy resource consumption. Then, a method of evaluating environmental performance (EP) of concrete is proposed, which is based on life cycle impact assessment approach. The EP indicator of concrete is expressed by social cost caused by its life cycle. A social cost intensity database is also constructed for some of fuels, raw materials, and processes such as transportation, etc. Finally, an EP design method is suggested for maximizing the EP of concrete material on the condition that its mechanical properties and durability are guaranteed, that is, minimizing the environmental burden of designed concrete. Furthermore, an example of EP design is given to make the retaining wall concrete have the minimum EP indicator, using available environment-friendly raw materials. INTRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF CONCRETE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE DESIGN APPROACH EXAMPLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE DESIGN CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES