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

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 minimised 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.