Implementing climate impacts in road infrastructure in the design phase by combining BIM with LCA

R Slobodchikov,R O’Born,P Ragnar Svennevig,K Lohne Bakke

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/323/1/012089

R Slobodchikov, R O’Born + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/323/1/012089

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Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) software is increasingly being used in as a visual road design tool and offers real-time information on material demands as designs change. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that is used to measure the lifetime environmental impacts of systems, materials and processes. LCA data sets are organized according to process or product, which is ideal for implementation as a parameter in BIM. This paper seeks to explore how BIM and LCA can be used together in road design by analysing existing literature, creating a Norwegian test case on a road designed in a BIM model and adding LCA data to the model before comparing to a standard LCA study of the same road. Challenges such as including machinery emissions, uncertainty, data availability, and other insights gained will be discussed. The goal of this paper is to present a path forward for road builders to combine LCA and BIM to promote simplified LCA calculations.

Highlights

IntroductionThe use of tools, such as life cycle assessment (LCA), can help determine environmental impacts in the early design phase, but use of such tools are often hindered due to lack of data, poor interface between road designs and Life cycle assessment (LCA) tools, and poor understanding of LCA as methodology [5]
Life cycle assessment (LCA) data sets are organized according to process or product, which is ideal for implementation as a parameter in Building information modelling (BIM)
This paper seeks to explore how BIM and LCA can be used together in road design by analysing existing literature, creating a Norwegian test case on a road designed in a BIM model and adding LCA data to the model before comparing to a standard LCA study of the same road

Summary

Introduction

The use of tools, such as life cycle assessment (LCA), can help determine environmental impacts in the early design phase, but use of such tools are often hindered due to lack of data, poor interface between road designs and LCA tools, and poor understanding of LCA as methodology [5]. This has been partially addressed by simplifying LCA for use in early decision making through tools such as CO2CONSTRUCT, LICCER, CHANGER and JOULESAVE [6]–[9].

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