Title: Reliability-Based Life Cycle Assessment of Green Concrete Structures

Author(s): Tonatiuh Rodriguez-Nikl, Joshua W. Christiansen, and Kelli Walters

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 289

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-13

Keywords: chloride, corrosion, fly ash, recycled aggregate, reliability, seismic, sustainability

DOI: 10.14359/51684261

Date: 9/14/2012

Abstract:
A method is presented for systematically comparing the environmental impacts of different structural designs. While green (environmentally less invasive) designs may be appealing based on environmental considerations, they are inherently less reliable due to lack of knowledge about their behavior; this may require greater material use to provide the same level of reliability. A probabilistic approach is used to determine design options with equal reliability; environmental impacts are then compared by life cycle assessment (LCA). This approach is applied to a reinforced concrete bridge in a costal, seismic region. Three mix designs are considered: conventional, high fly ash, and recycled aggregate. Mechanical, chloride corrosion, and seismic hazard properties are treated as random variables. Conclusions are drawn about the environmental credentials of the three options. More importantly, the method is established as useful for making meaningful comparisons of the environmental impacts of different structural materials and designs.