A progressive approach to optimise embodied carbon in concrete floors based on parametric design

Amila Jayasinghe, John Orr, Will Hawkins, Tim Ibell, William Boshoff

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter in a published conference proceeding

Abstract

Minimising the carbon footprint of concrete buildings is vital in the presence of the climate emergency. In this paper, a framework to reduce the embodied carbon of concrete floors with the resources available at the market and adopting cutting-edge construction methods are investigated in a progressive approach. Starting from conventional reinforced concrete flat slabs, the embodied carbon was minimized by progressively introducing changes to design and construction practice depending on the effort required. The design changes applicable with present construction practice, alternative slab systems available in the marked, and novel shape optimised construction methods were considered to reduce embodied carbon in concrete floors. The evolution of the optimum floor design through parametric design for slab thickness, varying grade of concrete, deviating from the construction system, and substituting with novel thin shell floors is illustrated along with the potential savings of embodied carbon at each step.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2nd fib Italy YMG Symposium on Concrete and Concrete Structures, 2021
EditorsMarta Del Zoppo, Isabella Giorgia Colombo
Publisherfib. The International Federation for Structural Concrete
Pages347-354
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9782940643134
Publication statusPublished - 19 Nov 2021
Event2nd Fib Symposium on Concrete and Concrete Structures - Rome, Italy
Duration: 18 Nov 202119 Nov 2021

Publication series

Namefib Symposium
ISSN (Print)2617-4820

Conference

Conference2nd Fib Symposium on Concrete and Concrete Structures
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period18/11/2119/11/21

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Materials Science (miscellaneous)

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