Evaluation of carbon footprint of compression cast waste rubber concrete based on LCA approach

Abstract

Compression cast waste rubber concrete (CCWRC) is a type of concrete that using waste tire rubber to replace conventional coarse aggregates and adopting the compression cast process to improve the mechanical properties of concrete. This type of concrete has the potential for carbon reduction, however, there is a lack of quantitative research to evaluate the carbon footprint (CFP) of CCWRC. By adopting the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, the CFP and carbon reduction potential of CCWRC are assessed in this study. The results show that the CFP of CCWRC with conventional coarse aggregates decreases by 37%–50% compared to conventional concrete; and decreases by 28%–46% compared to uncompressed rubber concrete. When using conventional recycled aggregate, acetic acid-treated recycled aggregate, and lime-carbonated recycled aggregate as substitutes, and adding 10% rubber in CCWRC, the CFP of CCWRC can be reduced by 28%–34%, and 29%–32% compared to conventional concrete and uncompressed rubber concrete, respectively. The research results can provide theoretical and data basis for the evaluation of CFP of concrete production and promote the application of CCWRC and cleaner production in construction industry.