Modular structural elements incorporating decommissioned flexible flowlines and geopolymer concrete

Abstract

This study proposes the design of modular structural geopolymer concrete elements incorporating decommissioned flexible flowlines. To evaluate and assess the feasibility of the proposed modular structural elements, this study aims to investigate its feasibility from the perspectives of sustainability including cost analysis, circular economy (CE) analysis and CO2 emission estimate. Moreover, a series of numerical analyses using finite element modelling (FEM) is conducted to provide insight into the mechanical behaviour of such modular columns and beams. Apart from the cost-saving, CE and social impact benefits of the proposed elements, the results indicate that modular structural elements incorporating flowline have shown very high axial, shear and flexural capacities, which make them suitable to be used in high-rising buildings, bridges, etc. The proposed elements can be a solution to decommission and reuse the flexible flowline on a large scale in construction.