Abstract
This paper presents one approach to the analysis and design of post-tensioned cast-in-place concrete slab bridge decks. A Simulated Annealing algorithm is applied to two objective functions: (i) the economic cost; and (ii) the embodied energy at different stages of production materials, transport, and construction. The problem involved 33 discrete design variables: five geometrical ones dealing with the thickness of the slab, the inner and exterior web width, and two flange thicknesses; concrete type; prestressing cables, and 26 variables for the reinforcement set-up. The comparison of the results obtained shows two different optimum families, which indicates that the traditional criteria of economic optimization leads to inefficient designs considering the embodied energy. The results indicate that the objectives are not competing functions, and that optimum energy designs are close to the optimum cost designs. The analysis also showed that the savings of each kW h of energy consumed carries an extra cost of 0.49€. The best cost solution presents 5.3% more embodied energy. The best energy solution is 9.7% more expensive than that of minor cost. In addition, the results have showed that the best cost solutions are not the best energy solutions.
Highlights
The optimization of concrete structures has traditionally been approached from an economic point of view
There has been a trend in the use of structural optimization criteria designed to reduce the environmental impact, instead of or along with the traditional economic criteria
The structural problem optimized in this paper considers two mono-objective functions: the cost
Summary
The optimization of concrete structures has traditionally been approached from an economic point of view. There has been a trend in the use of structural optimization criteria designed to reduce the environmental impact, instead of or along with the traditional economic criteria. This concern takes into account three main factors, such as economic, environmental and social. It is necessary to reach a consensus between three essential pillars, which tend to look for different objectives. Wass et al [1] argued that sustainable development means that a decision-making strategy should be taken into account. To find a solution that will compromise between the different conditions and allow a sustainable solution to be achieved [2,3]
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