Title: Carbon Dioxide Emissions Specific to Concrete Production in Cold Regions

Author(s): Satoshi Fujimoto and Chiaki Kawamura

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 120

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 63-74

Keywords: carbon dioxide emissions; cold weather concreting; energy consumption; environmental impact; monitoring; ready mixed concrete (RMC) plant

DOI: 10.14359/51737332

Date: 1/1/2023

Abstract:
In cold weather concreting, materials and manufacturing facilities are generally heated to prevent concrete degradation. However, little attention has been paid to the environmental impacts of the heating process. Because heating inevitably requires energy input, the consequent carbon dioxide emissions should be considered. To characterize the regional and climatic factors influencing the environmental impact of concrete production, this paper analyzed heavy oil consumption for the production of ready mixed concrete (RMC) in cold regions of Japan. Plant records were collected, and heavy oil consumption was monitored on site. Using these records and monitoring data, the dominant factors of energy consumption were investigated, and a numerical model of heavy oil consumption for RMC production was developed. Model parameters were estimated based on monthly plant records. Heavy oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions at the RMC production stage were quantified.