The environmental requirements in the decision making process on concrete structures

Abstract

Nowadays, concrete structures are assessed from different points of view and with separated methodological approaches for the different criteria taken into account (safety, environment, economy, etc.). This lack of homogeneity leads to a situation in which the decision making process of the different alternatives considered is based more in personal or company experiences than in rigorous studies. This is caused by the lack of both tools and reliable and comprehensive data. In this paper, the steps followed by the authors during the last years to overcome these limitations and define appropriate tools for conducting rigorous decision making processes based on comprehensive data are presented. This implies the use of the Value Analysis methodology for the construction sector and of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology for the environmental matters. Additionally, the work carried out to complete the available data (setting up of an inventory for aggregates coming from recycled concrete) and to assess the reliability of 21 existing life cycle inventories of European cements, is also presented.