Optimization of RC Structures in Terms of Cost and Environmental Impact—Case Study

Michal Ženíšek,Martin Tipka,Vladimír Kočí,Petr Hájek,Jan Pešta

doi:10.3390/su12208532

Michal Ženíšek, Martin Tipka + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208532

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Abstract

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures represent one of the most widespread building systems around the world. This paper deals with the optimization of load-bearing RC structures in terms of cost and environmental impact. The results of the optimization are the dimensions and reinforcement of structural elements for which the total construction costs and environmental impacts are the lowest. Six variants of RC building structures were designed and analyzed in a case study. The construction cost was evaluated on the basis of the national pricing system. The life cycle assessment (LCA) characterization model according to the ReCiPe methodology version 1.08 was used to assess environmental impacts. The main motivation of this article was to show the possibilities of the multi-criteria optimization of a load-bearing structure, not only from a structural point of view but also from economic and environmental points of view. The presented conclusions correspond to this specific construction of the RC structure used in the case study and may not be generalized. Nevertheless, they point to certain trends and patterns that can also be used in the design of other reinforced concrete structures. The method used in this case study could be applied to the analysis of other structures using specific datasets for cost and environmental impact evaluation.

Highlights

Nowadays, great emphasis is placed on sustainable development and on environmental protection [1]
This study considered the amount of consumed concrete and reinforcement, transportation costs, formwork, and transfer of materials at the construction site
The second section deals with construction costs, and the third section evaluates the environmental impacts of the structure

Summary

Introduction

Great emphasis is placed on sustainable development and on environmental protection [1]. Sustainable construction is a feasible compromise among environmental, economic, and social requirements. This differs from the traditional approach that primarily pursues economic interests of construction. Reinforced concrete (RC) structures occupy a dominant position in construction in developed and in developing countries. The consumption of cement, a key raw material for concrete production, is rising every year [3], and this trend will continue [4]. The high consumption of cement is associated with a large amount of CO2 emissions released into the air. Many researchers have been focused on this key issue of trying to reduce CO2 consumption in the production of concrete [5,6,7,8,9]

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