Environmental assessment of novel materials in infrastructures

Title: Environmental assessment of novel materials in infrastructures
Author(s): A. Katz
Paper category : conference
Book title: RILEM International Symposium on Environment-Conscious Materials and Systems for Sustainable Development
Editor(s): N. Kashino and Y. Ohama
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-55-1
e-ISBN: 2912143640
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 43 - 50
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 10
Language: English

Abstract: Environmental assessment is required nowadays when using novel materials, such as fiber- reinforced polymers (FRP), in the construction of infrastructures. In today's reality, it is important not only to produce materials with better mechanical properties, but they should also have lower/reduced environmental loads.The present study examined the environmental aspects of using glass FRP rebars as a substitute for conventional steel rebars in concrete pavement. It was found that such substitution involves other parameters beyond those associated directly with the substitution of the rebars: concrete class, concrete cover of the reinforcing bars, and other parameters are determined in view of steel protection and not necessarily with structural considerations in mind. Thus, in the case of FRP-reinforced concrete pavements, leaner concrete is required/may be used, which together with the lower maintenance requirements and the lower direct load of the rebar itself, lead to lesser environmental loads. Environmental assessment was performed using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool that takes into account the entire life cycle of the pavement, from the time of erection, through service, until disposal and recycling, when possible. Various assessment methods were used, based on different environmental concepts; all of them, however, indicated that lesser environmental loads are achieved using FRP rebars.

Online publication: 2004-11-24
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143640.005