Optimization of RC Structures in Terms of Cost and Environmental Impact—Case Study

Michal Ženíšek, Jan Pešta, Martin Tipka, Vladimír Kočí and Petr Hájek
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Michal Ženíšek: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Jan Pešta: Department Architecture and the Environment, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University in Prague, 160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Martin Tipka: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Vladimír Kočí: Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Petr Hájek: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 20, 1-25

Abstract: Reinforced concrete (RC) structures represent one of the most widespread building systems around the world. This paper deals with the optimization of load-bearing RC structures in terms of cost and environmental impact. The results of the optimization are the dimensions and reinforcement of structural elements for which the total construction costs and environmental impacts are the lowest. Six variants of RC building structures were designed and analyzed in a case study. The construction cost was evaluated on the basis of the national pricing system. The life cycle assessment (LCA) characterization model according to the ReCiPe methodology version 1.08 was used to assess environmental impacts. The main motivation of this article was to show the possibilities of the multi-criteria optimization of a load-bearing structure, not only from a structural point of view but also from economic and environmental points of view. The presented conclusions correspond to this specific construction of the RC structure used in the case study and may not be generalized. Nevertheless, they point to certain trends and patterns that can also be used in the design of other reinforced concrete structures. The method used in this case study could be applied to the analysis of other structures using specific datasets for cost and environmental impact evaluation.

Keywords: LCA; reinforced concrete; columns; floor slabs; multi-criteria optimization; exhaustive search (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:20:p:8532-:d:428637

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