Life cycle assessment of next generation non‐metallic bridges

Abstract

Employments of highly durable low carbon technologies are crucial for mitigation of climate change ensuring sustainable infrastructures. In this perspective, a challenging initiative for ultra-high durability low carbon prestressed concrete bridges utilizing sustainable zero cement concrete (STC-ZERO) and nonmetallic reinforcement is undertaken. STC-ZERO exhibiting high strength, low shrinkage, and low creep reduces carbon emission up to 70% compared to the conventional concrete as cement is entirely replaced. Aramid fiber PC tendons have no factor of deterioration of concrete thanks to nonexistence of corrosion. Accordingly, an AASTHO-PCI BT-72 PC girder bridge and a butterfly web bridge are designed incorporating this combination and compared with corresponding conventional bridges with respect to whole life carbon emissions. Since there are no repair and rehabilitation requirements, the whole life carbon emissions of next generation non-metallic bridges are expected to be reduced by around 70%.

Impact of carbon neutrality on structural concrete—Not a risk but an opportunity

“…A case study comparing the CO 2 emissions of conventional and new technologies using AASHTO girder is presented (Figure 12). 18 The low‐carbon technology with zero‐cement concrete and aramid FRP tendons emits 0.4 tCO 2 /m 3 at the product stages A1 to A3. Therefore, CO 2 emissions can be reduced by 70% compared to the conventional technology of 1.3 tCO 2 /m 3 .…”

Mechanical properties and life cycle assessment of sugarcane bagasse and corn cob ashes‐based geopolymer concrete to promote circular economy

“…[1][2][3] However, Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which is an important ingredient in concrete is responsible for high energy consumption and release of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) resulting from the calcination of limestone during its production. 4,5 Cement production alone accounts for 8 to 10% of global anthropogenic (caused by human activities) CO 2 emissions. 6,7 The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) expects direct carbon emissions from the cement industry to increase by 4% by 2050.…”

“…Concrete is the most widely used building material and the second most abundant material on earth after water 1–3 . However, Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which is an important ingredient in concrete is responsible for high energy consumption and release of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) resulting from the calcination of limestone during its production 4,5 . Cement production alone accounts for 8 to 10% of global anthropogenic (caused by human activities) CO 2 emissions 6,7 .…”