Ecological and economic impact of an innovative bioproduct used to consolidate the concrete elements of hydrotechnical constructions

• Published in: IOP conference series. Materials Science and Engineering Vol. 1141; no. 1; pp. 12027 - 12041
• Main Authors: Sbirlea, C, Isopescu, D N, Ungureanu, D, Maxineasa, S G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.07.2021
• Subjects: Calcium carbonate; Ecological effects; Economic impact; Economics; Impact analysis; Life cycle assessment; Mechanical properties; R&D; Raw materials; Rehabilitation; Reinforced concrete; Research & development; Sustainability; User satisfaction
• ISSN: 1757-8981; 1757-899X
• DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1141/1/012027

Abstract The present paper takes into observation the evaluation of the environmental and economic impact of a innovative bioproduct that can be used in order to reduce the volume of rehabilitation works needed during the life cycle of different structural reinforced concrete elements utilized for hydrotechnical constructions. In order to determine the performances of the analysed material, seven scenarios that imply the use of different rehabilitation solutions have been considered. In order to achieve the goal of the study, the Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment type of study was used. The amount of materials, the distances from the extraction point to the site of the materials and the implementation technology are detailed in all proposed scenarios. In recent years, researchers carried out various studies on the use of raw materials in different compositions, with different quantities, in order to improve the sustainability and mechanical characteristics of constructions, as well as to increase the users’ level of satisfaction. The research and development of new types of materials that can be used in the construction sector with a low ecological influence will have a tremendous positive impact over the present state of the natural environment. The authors conclude that by considering the resulted values, the analysed solution based on the use of calcium carbonate can be considered a suitable solution with respect to the environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability.