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

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Conference Object

Change log

Authors

Jayasinghe, A 
Hawkins, W 
Ibell, T 
Boshoff, W 

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.

Description

Keywords

Journal Title

fib Symposium

Conference Name

2nd fib Symposium on Concrete and Concrete Structures, Rome, 18th - 19th November 2021

Journal ISSN

2617-4820

Volume Title

Publisher

Sponsorship
Churchill Jafar Studentship from The Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust