Life cycle assessment of geotechnical works in building construction considering environmental considerations
Subject Areas : Natural resources and environmental hazardsmohammad Bahrami Kia 1 , mohammad amir sherafati 2 *
1 -
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University of Shiraz
Keywords: Life cycle assessment, geotechnical works, sustainable construction, environmental impacts.,
Abstract :
|
Introduction: The construction industry, as one of the largest economic sectors in the world, has a significant contribution to resource consumption, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions. Geotechnical activities such as excavation, land improvement, and foundation construction play a key role in the environmental impacts of this industry due to their high energy and material consumption. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is recognized as an efficient tool for analyzing these impacts at all stages of the life cycle of construction projects. This review article aims to investigate the application of LCA in geotechnical activities, identify sustainable technologies (such as recycled materials and low-carbon methods), and analyze the challenges in this field. Materials and Methods: This study, using a systematic review method, reviewed valid articles (2010-2025) from scientific databases with relevant keywords. After screening based on quality and relevance criteria, data related to assessment methods, environmental indicators and new technologies were extracted. Qualitative analysis included comparative comparison of findings, identification of challenges and presentation of solutions and the results were presented in the form of comparative tables. |
|
|
Results and Discussion: The results of this review study show that geotechnical activities (excavation, land improvement and foundation) have a significant contribution to energy consumption (150 to 1800 MJ/t) and carbon emissions (10 to 250 kg/t). The review of new technologies such as recycled fiber reinforced soils, low-carbon piles and biological remediation methods shows significant environmental benefits, but they face challenges such as high initial costs and technical limitations. Analysis of international standards indicates the lack of a unified framework for life cycle assessment of geotechnical activities. The findings highlight the need to develop specific indicators for soil quality and ecosystem services, as well as to create more accurate databases. The study suggests practical solutions such as optimizing construction methods, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials to reduce environmental impacts. |
|
|
Conclusion: This review shows that geotechnical activities play a decisive role in the environmental sustainability of construction projects. The findings indicate that innovative approaches such as the use of recycled materials and low-carbon methods can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. However, there are significant barriers, including the lack of integrated assessment frameworks, a lack of reliable data, and high implementation costs. As a solution, it is proposed developing specific standards for life cycle assessment of geotechnical activities.These measures can guide the construction industry towards achieving sustainable development goals. |
World Bank. (n.d.). Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP). World Bank Data. Retrieved June 4, 2025, from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.IND.TOTL.ZS
Hertwich, E. G., Lifset, R., Pauliuk, S., Heeren, N., & Fishman, T. (2021). Resource efficiency and climate change mitigation: Material efficiency strategies for buildings and cars. Environmental Science & Policy, 124, 118–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2021.05.014
Global Growth Insights. (2023). Construction materials market – Global industry analysis and forecast (2023–2030). Retrieved June 4, 2025, from https://www.globalgrowthinsights.com/market-reports/construction-materials-market-107429
Häkkinen, T., & Vares, S. (2020). Life Cycle Assessment of Geotechnical Works in Building Construction: A Review. Sustainability, 12(20), 8442. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208442
Song, X., Carlsson, C., Kiilsgaard, R., Bendz, D., & Kennedy, H. (2020). Life cycle assessment of geotechnical works in building construction: A review and recommendations. Sustainability, 12(20), 8442.
de Melo, D. L., Kendall, A., & DeJong, J. T. (2024). Evaluation of life cycle assessment (LCA) use in geotechnical engineering. Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability, 4(1), 012001.
Pettinaroli, A., Susani, S., Castellanza, R., Collina, E., Pierani, M., Paoli, R., & Romagnoli, F. (2023). A Sustainability-Based Approach for Geotechnical Infrastructure. Environmental and Climate Technologies, 27(1), 738-752.
Song, J., Kim, J., & Lee, S. (2020). Life cycle assessment of geotechnical works in building construction: A review and recommendations. Journal of Cleaner Production, 262, 121345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121345
Raymond, M., Korre, A., & Durucan, S. (2020). Sustainability assessment of geotechnical systems: A review. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 24(1), 76–93. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12946
Kilsgaard, A., Birgisdóttir, H., & Hauschild, M. Z. (2020). Life cycle assessment of geotechnical works in building construction: Harmonization challenges and future directions. Sustainability, 12(20), 8442. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208442
Samuelsson, J. (2023). Development of life cycle based methodology for geotechnical design. Master’s Thesis, KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Retrieved from https://trid.trb.org/View/2344758
AzariJafari, H., Yahia, A., & Amor, B. (2016). Life cycle assessment of pavements: Reviewing research challenges and opportunities. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 48, 77–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2016.08.004
Du, G., Safi, M., & Pettersson, L. (2014). Life cycle assessment of a reinforced concrete bridge: Implementation in SimaPro. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 19(4), 821–830. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-013-0684-x
Huang, B., Wang, L., & Li, G. (2018). Sustainable ground improvement using industrial by-products: An LCA approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 189, 262–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.099
AzariJafari, H., Carrusca, K., DeRousseau, M., Ellingboe, E., Farny, J., Gasi, G., ... & Walloch, C. Members of Carbonation Working Group.
Mirzababaei, M., & Arshad, A. (2018). Mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete. Journal of Cleaner Production, 178, 118-128.
Habert, G., & Roussel, N. (2009). Early age hydration of low-carbon cements. Cement and Concrete Research, 39(12), 1147-1158.
DeJong, J. T., Mortensen, B. M., Martinez, B. C., & Nelson, D. C. (2010). Bio-mediated soil improvement. Ecological Engineering, 36(2), 197-210.
Senadheera, S. P. A., & Seneviratne, A. M. (2017). Geotechnical properties of tyre derived aggregate (TDA) mixed with sand. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 18(sup2), 170-184.
Tam, V. W. Y., & Tam, C. M. (2011). A review on the sustainability of construction waste recycling. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(17-18), 1775-1780.
Zicari, S., & Bignozzi, M. C. (2019). Biodegradable geogrids for soil reinforcement. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 47(1), 84-93.
Finnveden, G., Hauschild, M. Z., Ekvall, T., Guinée, J. B., Heijungs, R., Hellweg, S., ... & Suh, S. (2009). Recent developments in LCA methodology. Journal of Environmental Management, 91(1), 21-36.
Wieringa, D., & Schipper, H. R. (2019). The new European Standard EN 15804+ A2 for Environmental Product Declarations of Construction Products. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 24(7), 1335-1344.
Rebitzer, G., Ekvall, T., Frischknecht, R., Hunkeler, D., Inaba, T., Berg, K. I., ... & Rydh, C. J. (2004). Life cycle assessment Part 1: Framework, goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, and applications. Environment International, 30(5), 701-720.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2018). ASTM E1991 - 18 Standard Guide for Environmental Life Cycle Assessment in the Building Construction Industry.
BRE. (2021). BREEAM International New Construction 2016 - Technical Manual.
European Commission, Joint Research Centre. (2010). ILCD Handbook: General guide for Life Cycle Assessment - Detailed guidance. Publications Office of the European Union.
Taylor, M. (2024, February 23). Why a circular built environment makes economic, environmental sense. Reuters. Retrieved June 4, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/comment-why-circular-built-environment-makes-economic-environmental-sense-2024-02-23/
U.S. Green Building Council. (2021). LEED v4.1 Building Design and Construction Reference Guide.