Sustainability assessment of concrete mixes

Abstract

Since concrete is one of the most important and useful materials in the construction sector, which, unfortunately, has an adverse impact on the environment, it is evident that correct procedures for designing and/or assessing concrete structures need to be created. Model Code 2020 with the focus to sustainability stated to be one of main aspiration goals, which will have implications for subsidiary performance requirements critical to structural design, integrate life cycle perspective, reliability and performance based concepts and end-of-service-life issues. Evidently the combined impact of the service life and relevant safety level of structures on the economical and environmental aspects desire full consideration of engineers and stakeholders. Consideration is also given to energy and raw material costs, as well as to environmental impact throughout the life cycle – e.g. due to emissions.

Since concrete is one of the most important and useful materials in the construction sector, which, unfortunately, has an adverse impact on the environment, it is evident that correct procedures for designing and/or assessing concrete structures need to be created. Model Code 2020 with the focus to sustainability stated to be one of main aspiration goals, which will have implications for subsidiary performance requirements critical to structural design, integrate life cycle perspective, reliability and performance based concepts and end-of-service-life issues. Evidently the combined impact of the service life and relevant safety level of structures on the economical and environmental aspects desire full consideration of engineers and stakeholders. Consideration is also given to energy and raw material costs, as well as to environmental impact throughout the life cycle – e.g. due to emissions.