Life cycle assessment of lattice joist precast slabs with tire rubber residue addition

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) gained proeminence as an analysis tool for products and services environmental impacts, mainly from 1997, when it was standardized by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). This method stands out because it analyses all processes involved in the production, from the raw material to the final disposal, making possible to choose more sustainable materials and processes in an environmental point of view. The civil construction sector is responsible for significant environmental impacts, caused by the numerous stages of the construction process, operational phases and final disposal. LCA can also assist in researches regarding the development of new construction materials, like composites with replacement of common raw materials by residues of industrial processes, since LCA is able to define if those new materials are actually less harmful to the environment. This project intends to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of two lattice joist precast slabs prototypes, with one having tire rubber residue in partial replacement of sand, while the other uses the conventional material as small aggregate.