Life Cycle Considerations Research Articles

Life Cycle Prediction of Airport Operation Based on System Dynamics

Traditional airport development planning often overlooks an in-depth consideration of the airport operation life cycle, which frequently causes deviations from planned objectives during operation. This paper presents a framework for predicting and segmenting the airport operation life cycle by integrating the dynamic characteristics of the System Dynamics (SD) model with the static properties of Logistic modeling to examine the development trajectory of airport operations. The influencing factors in this model are selected across three levels: airport, city, and macro-environment. A system dynamics model of airport operation is constructed using causal loop diagrams and system flow diagrams. Using Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) as a case study, the airport’s operational capacity from 2005 to 2035 is predicted through SD simulation. Subsequently, the airport operation life cycle from 2005 to 2050 is forecasted and segmented using Logistic modeling. The results indicate that, under the standard scenario, CAN’s operational capacity experiences two declines in 2016 and 2020, attributed to airport construction and emergencies. Logistic modeling identifies three distinct life cycle phases in the airport’s operation. Furthermore, by comparing various airport operation scenarios, the analysis reveals that fluctuations in the city economy significantly impact the airport’s operational system without altering its overall development trajectory. In contrast, the occurrence of emergencies can substantially modify the airport operation life cycle.

Održivost u gradnji cesta – Dvije studije slučaja

Sustainability in the field of traffic route construction should be considered against the background of intelligent resource conservation. A holistic assessment of sustainability, including life cycle considerations and assessments, is essential. In the first case study, the pavement structure at the heavily loaded Daimler intersection was constructed using concrete in the direct intersection area and using both concrete and asphalt in the connecting areas of all four axes. A 31 cm thick unbound frost protection layer with a grain size of 0/45 mm was placed over the existing road surface. This was followed by an 8 cm thick asphalt base course (AC 32), applied using an asphalt paver. Finally, a 26 cm thick concrete layer was placed over the asphalt base course. In the second case study, a horizontal hybrid construction method is presented using the German motorway BAB A61 in the Koblenz area as an example. Horizontal hybrid construction combines the advantages of asphalt and concrete to create a durable and resistant pavement surface capable of withstanding high traffic loads. This innovative construction method enables the optimum use of different materials and ensures efficient rehabilitation and improvement of motorway infrastructure.

STABILZED RAMMED EARTH- A REVIEW

Rammed earth construction has gained prominence as a sustainable building technique due to its eco-friendly nature and aesthetic appeal. However, ensuring the long-term durability of rammed earth structures remains a critical challenge. This paper investigates the efficacy of incorporating stabilizers, including cement, bagasse ash, and glass fibers, to address these concerns and enhance the performance of rammed earth structures. Drawing upon extensive research and experimentation, the paper examines the impact of stabilizers on material composition, structural integrity, and long-term durability. Through comparative analysis and empirical studies, the effectiveness of various stabilizers in improving compressive strength and resistance to weathering is evaluated. The role of cement as a traditional stabilizer is scrutinized, alongside emerging alternatives such as bagasse ash, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, and innovative additives like glass fibers. Furthermore, the paper investigates the influence of stabilizer incorporation on construction practices and life cycle considerations. Key factors such as cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and compatibility with traditional rammed earth methods are analyzed to provide comprehensive guidance for practitioners and researchers. The findings highlight promising avenues for enhancing the durability and compressive strength of rammed earth structures through stabilizer utilization. Practical recommendations are offered for implementing these strategies in real-world construction projects, emphasizing the potential for innovation and sustainability in contemporary architectural practice. Keywords: · Stabilized Rammed Earth · Un-Stabilized Rammed Earth

Interdisciplinary system lifecycle management – a systematic literature review

AbstractThe increasing proportion of software in technical products means that both the products and the associated development processes are becoming more complex. An integration of the existing lifecycle considerations Application Lifecycle Management and Product Lifecycle Management into an interdisciplinary System Lifecycle Management promises to make the complexity manageable. To obtain an overview of the current benefits, challenges, requirements, approaches and open research gaps in the context of an ALM-PLM integration, this contribution presents the results of a Systematic Literature Review.

Alternatives assessment: An analysis on progress and future needs for research and practice.

Alternatives assessment is a science-policy approach to support the informed substitution of chemicals of concern in consumer products and industries, with the intent of avoiding regrettable substitution and facilitating the transition to safer, more sustainable chemicals and products. The field of alternatives assessment has grown steadily in recent decades, particularly after the publication of specific frameworks and the inclusion of substitution and alternatives assessment requirements in a number of policy contexts. Previously, 14 research and practice needs for the field were outlined across five critical areas: comparative hazard assessment, comparative exposure characterization, lifecycle considerations, decision-making and decision analysis, and professional practice. The aim of the current article is twofold: to highlight methodological advances in the growing field of alternatives assessment based on identified research and practice needs and to propose areas for future developments. We assess advances in the field based on the analysis of a broad literature review that captured 154 sources published from 2013 to 2022. The results indicate that research conducted advanced many of the needs identified, but several remain underaddressed. Although the field has clearly grown and taken root over the past decade, there are still research and practice gaps, most notably on the hazard assessment of mixtures or different forms of chemicals, the integration of lifecycle considerations, and the development of practical approaches to address trade-offs in decision-making. We propose modifications to four of the prior research and practice needs in addition to new needs, including the development of standardized hazard assessment approaches for chemical mixtures as well as better integration of equity and/or justice considerations into assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1337-1354. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Role of biofuels, electro-fuels, and blue fuels for shipping: environmental and economic life cycle considerations

This study analyses different decarbonization strategies for shipping including uptake of e-fuels, blue fuels and biofuels, battery electric propulsion and onboard carbon capture technology from a life cycle perspective.

Основания теории предпринимательской коллаборации

The term “collaboration” as an economic concept is not yet widely used in Russian management theory and practice. However, anything new or relatively new requires exploration, understanding, and presentation in scientific works to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge. In our view, collaboration, although well-known abroad, has not yet found its rightful place in the Russian management tradition. The semantic content of the definition of collaboration needs clarification, as the term is often equated with partnership, cooperation, and other similar concepts. The term may even be negatively perceived due to its association with the word “collaborationism”, which is not a correct identification. Moreover, a literal translation of this term from English does not convey the full meaning inherent in the concept. The character of collaboration institutionalization is an important aspect of recognizing it as an economic system, both through the lens of managerial decisions and joint value creation. Equally important is the distinction between formal and informal collaboration, as well as the consideration and study of the collaboration lifecycle in combination with the duality of its purpose. This article aims to fill this gap. In the RINC (elibrary.ru), 610 publications were found using the keyword “collaboration” (accessed on 01.11.2023) in the field of 06.00.00 “Economics. Economic Sciences”.

Multi-year vertical and life cycle impacts of C-N management on soil moisture regimes

Understanding the long-term impact of C-N management practices on soil moisture content (SMC) is crucial for sustainable agriculture, particularly in mitigating seasonal droughts and storm rainfall constraints. A multi-year (2014–2018) field experiment was conducted, with high-frequency measurements and consideration of a full life cycle, as well as multiple vertical layers (0–100 cm, with intervals of 20 cm). Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with nitrogen (N) fertilizer input (N80% and N60%) as the whole-plot factor, and Carbon (C) treatments (Corg=organic fertilizer, Cstraw=straw mulching and full returning, Cinteg= Corg + Cstraw) were considered as the split-plot factor. The results demonstrated the Cinteg treatment resulted in the highest increase in the five-year averaged SMC (approximately 6.60% greater than Corg), followed by the Cstraw treatment. Additionally, the N60% treatment resulted in significantly higher SMC compared to the N80% treatment, with a range of 1.71–4.12% increase across the life cycle. Furthermore, the research revealed that the average SMC increased the most during the jointing-heading period and the least during the heading-maturity period across all treatments. The vertical results indicated a higher efficiency in water retention within the shallow layers (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm) compared to the deeper layers (80–100 cm) for all treatments. The study recommends adopting integrated C-N management practices, considering life cycle periods and vertical layers, to optimize soil moisture content. It offers valuable insights for optimizing soil moisture management strategies, alleviating seasonal droughts, enhancing water-use efficiency, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment and Potable Reuse: Energy and Life Cycle Considerations.

Anaerobic secondary treatment has the potential to facilitate energy-positive operations at wastewater treatment plants, but post-treatment of the anaerobic effluent is needed to recover dissolved methane and nutrients and remove sulfide. In this study, a life cycle assessment was conducted to compare hypothetical full-scale wastewater treatment trains and direct potable reuse trains that combine the staged anaerobic fluidized membrane bioreactor (SAF-MBR) with appropriate post-treatment. We found that anaerobic wastewater treatment trains typically consumed less energy than conventional aerobic treatment, but overall global warming potentials were not significantly different. Generally, recovery of dissolved methane for energy production resulted in lower life cycle impacts than microbial transformation of methane, and microbial oxidation of sulfide resulted in lower environmental impacts than chemical precipitation. Use of reverse osmosis to produce potable water was also found to be a sustainable method for nutrient removal because direct potable reuse trains with the SAF-MBR consumed less energy and had lower life cycle impacts than activated sludge. Moving forward, dissolved methane recovery, reduced chemical usage, and investments that enable direct potable reuse have been flagged as key research areas for further investigation of anaerobic secondary treatment options.

Development of an early design tool for the sustainability assessment of positive energy districts: methodology, implementation and case-studies

The concept of Positive Energy District is one of the research ideas that embody the ambitions of decarbonization, renovation (both literal and in a wider perspective) and inclusivity for the urban environment portrayed in the EU activities. In this framework, the paper presents a modeling and simulation tool which allows for an early-design depth to be applied in the field of Positive Energy Districts renovation design and integrated performance assessment. The work aims at creating a tool for stakeholders and designers that would allow them to: a) Calculate carbon impacts along the life cycle for different technical systems and materials used for retrofitting; b) Compute use stage carbon emissions, including import-export of electricity; c) Computations of PED carbon emission balances, along the expected useful life of the district computing both embodied and the use stage carbon emissions. The tool has been created as a spreadsheet including typical profiles of energy use per building archetype, with the inclusion of available and free Life Cycle Assessment data within the life cycle carbon assessment and aims at jointly developing use stage and life cycle considerations. It was tested on a district case studies in the EU.

Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation

Topology morphing insulation enables the on-demand switching of thermal properties between insulative and conducting states through shape change. The adaptive nature of these systems allows them to regulate heat transfer by dynamically altering insulation materials or systems in response to changing conditions, including environmental factors, electrical grid dynamics, and occupant requirements. In this article, we highlight the potential of topology morphing insulation for advancing building envelope design, improving energy efficiency, and facilitating on-demand adjustments in effective thermal conductivity. We provide a comprehensive overview of topology morphing insulation, delving into its underlying principles, mechanisms, and potential applications. This review explores cutting-edge research and the potential application of insights from non-building concepts, such as nature, textiles, and origami. Additionally, it examines crucial aspects such as actuation mechanisms, effectiveness, lifecycle considerations, sustainability implications, and manufacturing feasibility. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing topology morphing insulation solutions. Thanks to its transformative capabilities, topology morphing insulation holds tremendous promise for advancing building envelope design, driving energy efficiency improvements, and facilitating responsive changes in effective thermal conductivity.

Circular economy-based assessment framework for enhancing sustainability in renewable energy development with life cycle considerations

Development of renewable energy (RE) resources is currently facing some challenges related to the scarcity of materials stems from the limited availability of certain materials and growing waste generation. A comprehensive assessment encompassing these challenges of RE resources presents an effective solution to proactively mitigate these challenges. The circular economy (CE) approach emerges as a valuable strategy to address such concerns. Therefore, this study aims to construct a CE-based assessment framework to evaluate RE resources with a sustainability approach. Drawing upon the principles of redesign, reduction, and recycling, the proposed assessment framework embraces a CE mindset, considering the entire life cycle of RE resources. First, a practical and comprehensive, criterion-referenced evaluation framework based on the CE approach was created for the RE resources. Next, the trustiness of the panel of experts was assessed using social network analysis based on the mutual trust values of experts. Then, a modern combination method was established to assign weights to the criteria concerned using integrating FBWM and eMEREC methodologies to benefit the advantages of the objective and subjective approaches, respectively. After that, the measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution methodology derived from the cumulative prospect theory was developed to sort the alternatives. The integrity and accuracy of the framework were finally tested on the Belt and Road Initiative countries. The study results revealed that the best alternatives were vary in different countries through the study region based on the domestic conditions. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the proposed framework was analyzed to verify such results. The policy implications were further provided for the two most frequent resources (solar and wind) to recommend policymakers to support the RE development with the CE approach.

Simulation-Driven Robust Optimization of the Design of Zero Emission Vessels

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Decarbonization Roadmap for curbing and eliminating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and 2050, respectively, is a “herculean” task in its own respect. If it is now combined with fundamental changes in trade dynamics, volatile market conditions, tighter shipping financing platforms with sustainability-linked interest rates and international safety regulations setup, a completely new framework for commercial ship design characterized by strict and often contradicting requirements emerge In parallel, zero carbon fuels available (readily or in the future) require extensive technological modifications and technical leaps in the current arrangements ship propulsion plants (with little to no existing reference) characterized by elevated consumption figures due to low energy density leading to an overshoot in voyage expense costs and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), respectively. Considering such a tight design space, holistic approaches with lifecycle considerations aiming at robust designs are deemed necessary. Pursuant to this roadmap, the authors have developed a design methodology fully integrated within the CAE software CAESES™ that encompass all aspects of ship design (stability, strength, powering and propulsion, safety, economics) and has an inherent dynamic voyage simulation module, enabling the user to simulate the response in variations of the geometrical, design variables of the vessel under uncertainty. The methodology has been extended to model the design and propulsion plant of an Ammonia powered Large Bulk carrier and deployed in global ship design optimization studies and utility-based ranking and selection process.

Environmental Sustainability in Stadium Design and Construction: A Systematic Literature Review

Large stadiums are highly visible assets for large-scale ‘mega-events’, inspiring built environment professionals to innovate in structure and aesthetics. In recent years environmental performance—or environmental sustainability—has been increasing in focus, with events such as the Olympics calling for ‘green games’ and countries committing to reducing built environment carbon emissions. This paper presents a systematic literature review of large stadiums’ environmental sustainability discourse over the last five years related to design and construction. Using the PRISMA methodology, 18 relevant conceptual and empirical research papers were distilled from 159 extracted papers. Energy consumption and material composition were the most discussed topics. Emergent technologies and processes were also extensively discussed regarding significant embodied energy and indoor air-quality improvements, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. There was a lack of best practices, or whole life cycle considerations, and minimal demonstration of other attributes of environmental sustainability. This paper provides a baseline to assess progress on environmental sustainability for the built environment sector. A practical definition is presented for Environmentally Sustainable Stadiums (ESS) and a checklist is provided to support leading practices in design and construction. This paper is relevant for built environment professionals and asset owners and managers considering new-build and refurbishments.

Transition of the procurement process to Paris-compatible buildings: consideration of environmental life cycle costing in tendering and awarding

PurposeThe greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by the construction industry account for an enormous share of total global CO2 emissions. The numerous construction activities therefore continue to reduce the remaining carbon budget. One lever for the reduction of these GHG emissions lies in the procurement process of buildings. For this reason, a process model was developed that takes embodied and operational emissions into account in the tendering and awarding phase of buildings.MethodsTo validate the developed theoretical framework, environmental life cycle costing (eLCC) was conducted on a single-family house case study, taking into account external cost caused by GHG emissions. Various shadow prices were defined for the calculation of external cost to identify changes in award decisions. We further investigated a results-based climate finance (RBCF) instrument, i.e., the GHG emission bonus/malus, to demonstrate an approach for calculating Paris-compatible cost (PCC) scenarios.ResultsWe show that an award decision based on life cycle costing (LCC) leads to a 12% reduction in GHG emissions. A further reduction in GHG emissions can be achieved by awarding contracts based on eLCC. However, the required shadow prices within the eLCC awards to influence the award decision are quite high. With the development of the LCA-based bonus/malus system, PCC scenarios can be determined at sufficient shadow prices, and further GHG emission reductions can be achieved.ConclusionsSince the implementation of LCA and LCC in the tendering and awarding process is currently not mandatory, in this context, the next step towards Paris-compatible buildings must first be taken by the awarding authorities as well as the policy-makers. However, the application of the LCA-based bonus/malus system and thus the awarding of contracts according to PCC scenarios show the enormous GHG emissions reduction potential and thus represent an innovative and sustainable framework for an adapted procurement process.

Financing industrial corporations in a developing economy: panel evidence from Imperial Russia

This article explores the financing of early industrial corporations using newly constructed panel data from Imperial Russian balance sheets. We document how corporate capital structures and dividend payout policies reflected internal agency issues, information asymmetries with external investors, life cycle considerations, and other frictions present in the Russian context. In particular, we find that widely held, listed and more profitable corporations were less reliant on debt financing. Asset tangibility was associated with lower debt levels, suggesting that Russian corporate debt was short-term, collateral was largely irrelevant, or agency problems dominated. Finally, we find that many of these same issues, for example ownership structure and access to securities markets, also mattered for financial performance and that dividends may have compensated investors for poor legal protections.

Coordination of sectoral climate policies and life cycle emissions

Drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions involves numerous specific actions in each sector of the economy. The costs and abatement potential of these measures are interdependent because of sectoral linkages. For instance, the carbon footprint of electric vehicles depends on the electricity mix. This issue has received large attention in the literature on Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). This paper analyzes how life cycle considerations should be integrated into policy design. We model a partial equilibrium with two vertically connected sectors, an upstream (e.g. electricity) and a downstream (e.g. transportation) one. In each sector, a dirty and a clean technology are available. The clean downstream technology consumes the upstream good and may thus shift emissions to the upstream sector. Our main contribution is to detail how optimal subsidies on clean technologies should incorporate life cycle emissions when carbon pricing is limited. The optimal downstream subsidy should be corrected for all external costs generated in the upstream sector, not only unpriced pollution but also the fiscal externality due to the subsidy to the clean upstream technology. We also analyze the joint optimization of upstream and downstream policies. The upstream subsidy should not incorporate features of the downstream sector, whereas the downstream optimal subsidy depends upon the upstream sector characteristics. All results are illustrated using a calibrated example of the electrification of passenger cars.

End-to-End Lifecycle Considerations for Minerals Powering Critical Technologies

The United States (U.S.) is poised for a new wave of industrialization as it prepares to scale up domestic semiconductor manufacturing and widely implement clean energy infrastructure. With widespread application spaces beyond clean energy, such as communication, computing, healthcare, national security, and transportation, the scope of these endeavors is expected to be massive and long-term. The success of these initiatives is highly dependent on the non-renewable minerals used in critical technologies necessitating the adaptation of current business and legislative models to accommodate future long-term extraction and implementation needs. Without these adaptations, advancements will likely be made at the expense of taxpayers, vulnerable communities, and ecological preservation efforts. Here we propose policy recommendations to the U.S. federal government to minimize environmental and socio-economic harm resulting from metal mining and promote integration of circular economy principles in electronic product design. These recommendations are expected to have both domestic and international impacts in reducing harmful waste and increasing product longevity. Furthermore, these recommendations align with ensuring long-term U.S. leadership in the semiconductor and clean energy industries.

Digital Twin and Industry 4.0 Enablers in Building and Construction: A Survey

With increasing interest in automatic and intelligent systems to enhance the building and construction industry, digital twins (DT) are gaining popularity as cost-effective solutions to meet stakeholder requirements. Comprising real-time multi-asset connectivity, simulation, and decision support functionalities, many recent studies have utilised Industry 4.0 technologies with DT systems to fulfil construction-specific applications. However, there is no comprehensive review to our knowledge, holistically examining the benefits of using DT as a platform from the angles of Industry 4.0 technologies, project management, and building lifecycle. To bridge this gap, a systematic literature review of 182 papers on DT-in-construction works over the past 6 years is conducted to address the three perspectives. In this review, a unified framework is first modelled to incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies within the DT structure. Next, a Six M methodology (comprising of Machine, Manpower, Material, Measurement, Milieu, and Method) based on Ishikawa’s Diagram with building lifecycle considerations is proposed to highlight the advantages of DT in ensuring successful construction projects. Lastly, through the identification of 11 future directions, this work aims to serve as a reference for both industry and academia towards the use of DT systems as a fundamental enabler to realise the Construction 4.0 paradigm.

Building Sector Issues in about 100 Years: End-Of-Life Scenarios of Carbon-Reinforced Concrete Presented in the Context of a Life Cycle Assessment, Focusing the Carbon Footprint

Carbon-reinforced concrete (CRC) has the potential to play a pivotal role in optimizing the built environment and has therefore been experiencing a wave of research and development in the construction industry in recent years. The production of carbon fibers for CRC is energy-intensive, prompting the need to explore circular economy approaches (e.g., recycling at the End-of-Life (EoL)) to optimize the environmental performance of this material. Underdeveloped processes and a resulting lack of primary data regarding the recycling of CRC have hampered a comprehensive sustainability assessment of the novel composite building material. The novelty of this article is the detailed presentation of possible EoL scenarios for CRC and the detailed determination of the respective environmental impacts. This study aims to model EoL options within a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), focusing on the EoL stage based on ISO 14040/44 using the GaBi ts 10.5.1.124 software and the CML2001 (2016) methodology. The practical relevance of the study lies in the early consideration of the entire life cycle of new materials, such as CRC, already in the design phase. Furthermore, the EoL can have relevant impacts on the environment, and due to an increasing significance of sustainability aspects, this LCA clarifies first approaches for the future of the construction sector in quantitative statements (e.g., CO2 emissions). All data are literature-based and are explained in detail and calculated for our case study with the functional unit of one kilogram of re-usable material (reusable and fully usable “raw” material for further use/ development) from a double wall. The impact assessment was calculated for 11 midpoint categories and related indicators, although the main focus was on Global Warming Potential (GWP). It was found that the highest-quality recycled options for CRC arise when the individual fractions (concrete matrix and carbon fibers) are first broken up, separated and then individually processed. This study focused mainly on the processing of the carbon fibers contained in CRC, for which pyrolysis and mechanical recycling have the strongest potential for industrial application. For the demolition and separation of both the concrete and the carbon fiber fractions, the conventional transport from the demolition site to the stationary processing plant proved to be the main driver of the GWP (1.4 × 10−3 kg CO2e). In the subsequent processing of the carbon fibers, pyrolysis showed a higher GWP (9.7 × 10−3 kg CO2e) than mechanical recycling (3.1 × 10−4 kg CO2e). In addition, the production of one m³ of concrete (C30/37) was compared to a primary raw material concrete fraction. Concrete can be successfully used as a substitute material for the gravel present in the C30/37 concrete. The use of recycled parts in concrete (originating from the concrete used in carbon-reinforced concrete) as a substitute for primary gravel showed a savings of 6.9 kg CO2e per m³ of primary concrete, corresponding to a reduction of 22.5%. The results show that the mechanical recycling of carbon fibers is overall the route with the lowest energy input and emissions. However, compared to pyrolysis, the recycled carbon fibers from mechanical recycling have a lower quality. Therefore, despite the higher energy input, pyrolysis is a more promising approach to close the material cycle. Furthermore, recycled aggregate concrete can reduce emissions by a quarter compared to primary concrete. Finally, this work aimed to provide a basis for further life cycle optimization in the construction sector. In subsequent studies, the EoL must be combined with the production and use stages to depict the entire life cycle, identify possible trade-offs and compare the results with conventional construction methods or materials such as steel-reinforced concrete.