Energy and Carbon Assessment of Ground Improvement Works. II: Working Model and Example

Abstract

AbstractA streamlined energy and emissions assessment model (SEEAM) is presented that is based on life cycle analysis (LCA) methods. The SEEAM provides geotechnical engineers with the means to quantify the embodied energy (EE) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with ground improvement projects. A companion paper (Shillaber et al. 2015) provides detailed background for sustainable development and environmental impact assessment, which are at the foundation of the SEEAM. This paper presents the boundary conditions and methodology for this model. Construction of levee LPV 111 in New Orleans, LA is used as a case history example to illustrate the use of the model. This project involved supporting an earthen embankment by deep soil mixing (DSM) elements. Results of a SEEAM analysis of the DSM supported embankment indicate that constructing the levee involved 1,174,000 GJ of EE and 147,000 t of CO2 emissions. For comparison, the SEEAM was also used to estimate the EE and CO2 emissions associated with...