Environmental Performances of a Cubic Modular Steel Structure: A Solution for a Sustainable Development in the Construction Sector

Sebastian George Maxineasa, Dorina Nicolina Isopescu, Ioana-Roxana Baciu and Marius Lucian Lupu
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Sebastian George Maxineasa: Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania
Dorina Nicolina Isopescu: Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania
Ioana-Roxana Baciu: Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania
Marius Lucian Lupu: Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: The production of building materials is a significant component of the impact the construction sector has on the natural environment. Steel is among the most utilized materials, having various applications specific to the built environment. Therefore, understanding the impact of this structural material represents an important step in achieving global sustainable development. The paper aims to analyze the effects of different steel structural elements on the Earth’s ecosystem with respect to concerns over sustainability. In order to reach this goal, the authors have analyzed a dwelling steel structure based on cubic modules with high structural modularity. In addition, the study looks at the influence of an over the floor reinforced concrete slab in order to gain an overall view regarding environmental performances. The impact on the natural environment has been analyzed by considering the cradle-to gate with options Life Cycle Assessment study. The paper provides up-to-date knowledge on the environmental performances of the analyzed structure, presenting encouraging conclusions for construction sector specialists with respect to the use of steel as a material that can represent a solution in the current global effort to minimize the environmental burdens imposed by the construction sector.

Keywords: natural environment; construction sector; steel; sustainable development; cradle-to-gate with options; Life Cycle Assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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