The role of the structural engineer in the design of low embodied energy concrete-frame buildings

Author(s): R. Muigai, M.G. Alexander, P. Moyo
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 532- 533
Total Pages: 2
Language: English

Abstract: 
Concrete is a widely utilized construction material in both residential and commercial buildings, which in turn makes it have a large influence on the environment. This paper reviews past studies on the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of concrete-framed buildings with the objective of investigating the influence of the structural frame and materials on the environmental performance of concrete buildings. The study found that the structural frame has a dominant impact on the embodied energy compared to other building assemblies (finishes, roof, window and non-structural frame). Within the structural frame, the slab system has the highest contribution to the overall embodied energy of a building, representing 27% to 77% of the initial embodied energy. Thus the structural engineer can contribute to reducing embodied energy of RC frames by selecting suitable structural assemblies and construction technologies that can help reduce the embodied energy of concrete-frame buildings.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00