Abstract
The use of steel fibres in reinforcing concrete has proven to enhance certain mechanical and durability properties of concrete; however, as a material that presents enhanced properties, its environmental performance should also be analysed. This study aims to quantify the carbon emissions of steel fibre-reinforced concrete beams using a functional unit that considers the mechanical and durability performance of concrete through a whole life cycle assessment methodology that includes the benefits/load after the end-of-life. A cradle-to-grave approach, which considers the end-of-life stage and the benefits/loads beyond the system boundary, was performed to compare the embodied carbon of conventionally reinforced concrete and steel fibre-reinforced concrete beams. The results show that the addition of steel fibres as reinforcing material to concrete can reduce the area of steel required in the tension zone of a conventionally reinforced concrete beam and the embodied carbon of concrete by an average of 33% and 37%, respectively.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 2374942 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | Cogent Engineering |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 Jul 2024 |
Keywords
- Carbon emission reduction
- climate change
- steel fibre-reinforced concrete
- functional unit
- life cycle assessment (LCA)
- sustainability