LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF STEEL STRUCTURE FOR REUSE
Kasiita, Daniel Anord (2021)
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021060213700
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021060213700
Tiivistelmä
This study aimed at conducting a literature review on the methodology and software tools for life cycle assessment of steel structure for reuse. The guiding objectives are to examine the life cycle assessment of reused steel structure, to describe the software tools for life cycle assessment (LCA) of reused steel structure and to explore the strategies to reduce environmental impact of steel usage. The study reviewed various articles and guidelines in relation to LCA.
It is critical to note that today there are various methodologies of Life Cycle Assessment of Reused Steel Structure supported by both customised and commercially available software such as Gabi Soft Ware, LEED software, BREAM software, SimaPro 7, available from 2006 and Umberto 5, available from 2007. However, investigations are tremendously time intensive and require extensive additional life cycle assessment knowledge. Designers would be unlikely to carry out these investigations themselves thus calling for the recruitment of professionals which is an additional cost although it socially creates employment. It has also been noted that reuse of steel has both environmental and economic benefits in the value chain over the shortfalls which ought to be weighed by the engineers before making a final decision case by case. The study also explores possible strategies to reduce environmental impact of steel usage. The study concludes that it is worthwhile to pursue reuse of steel since it has social, economic and environmental benefits that largely outweigh demolition.
It is critical to note that today there are various methodologies of Life Cycle Assessment of Reused Steel Structure supported by both customised and commercially available software such as Gabi Soft Ware, LEED software, BREAM software, SimaPro 7, available from 2006 and Umberto 5, available from 2007. However, investigations are tremendously time intensive and require extensive additional life cycle assessment knowledge. Designers would be unlikely to carry out these investigations themselves thus calling for the recruitment of professionals which is an additional cost although it socially creates employment. It has also been noted that reuse of steel has both environmental and economic benefits in the value chain over the shortfalls which ought to be weighed by the engineers before making a final decision case by case. The study also explores possible strategies to reduce environmental impact of steel usage. The study concludes that it is worthwhile to pursue reuse of steel since it has social, economic and environmental benefits that largely outweigh demolition.