Evaluation and Optimization of the Life Cycle in Maritime Works

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals are a necessity. A large number of public actions and activities in many countries go in this direction. Various indicators are used to quantitatively assess the impacts, all of which are included within product life cycle assessment. It is essential to study and assess infrastructure, as it is an important factor in emissions, as well as environmental and sustainable construction. In maritime works, the aggressiveness of seawater is an important factor that reduces the life of reinforced concrete structures, and it is necessary to search for solutions that reduce or eliminate maintenance. In this research paper, the aim is to quantitatively verify that the composite materials are viable from an environmental and resistant point of view. Concrete caissons and/or breakwater crowns for vertical breakwaters were constructed as the fundamental elements, calculating the life cycle in comparison with several contrasting examples. The first is the case of a conventional breakwater crown, built in Escombreras, southeast Spain, at the Mediterranean Sea, later simulating the impact with one reinforced with fiberglass bars. The results are encouraging and call for additional measures to further reduce maritime infrastructure indicators with much less polluting, more durable, and more sustainable solutions.

Prediction of the Deterioration of FRP Composite Properties Induced by Marine Environments

“…The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is becoming increasingly accepted in almost every industry sector, either for entire structures [1,2] or in combination with other, so-called traditional materials [3][4][5]. The marine industry sector is no exception to this trend [6], as FRP composites are finding application in the transportation industry, especially in the maritime sector, whether it be in the construction of lightweight ship structures [7,8] or other marine structures [9,10].…”

Effect of Time-Real Marine Environment Exposure on the Mechanical Behavior of FRP Composites

“…Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites were used in the construction of marine vessels and structures since the middle of the 20th century, whether it be as an exclusive option for construction [1] or as a combination with traditional materials, such as steel [2] or concrete [3]. The design of these structures in aspects of strength, durability, and environmental influence on the mechanical properties was based mainly on experience for the best part of the said period.…”

Optimizing of the Cementitious Composite Matrix by Addition of Steel Wool Fibers (Chopped) Based on Physical and Mechanical Analysis

“…However, the latter’s production negatively impacts the environment via iron bar mining, which is energy intensive and pollutes the air due to the release of nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide from diesel generators, trucks, and other equipment. Therefore, alternatives are highly sought after to minimize damage to the environment [ 5 , 6 ]. Fiber-reinforced concrete/cement (FRC) is concrete or cementitious material reinforced with short and dispersed fibers of lengths ~1–75 mm.…”