Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and costs for structures with flat slabs

Abstract

CO2 emissions are understood and accepted by our society to be a cause of climate change. And in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, their sources must be identified. This study analyzes and examines the emissions and economic costs incurred by flat-slab structures depending on the column layout and slab thickness. This study analyzes and examines the emissions and economic costs incurred by flat-slab structures depending on the column layout and slab thickness. Models of three buildings with different slab thicknesses were used to determine the processes that cause equivalent CO2 emissions. The materials production stage, specifically the materials that are permanently incorporated into the structure (concrete and steel rebar), represents 85.5% of total emissions. On the other hand, the execution stage engenders the majority of a project's total cost. In the future, research and business efforts should focus on fostering a circular economy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the process of obtaining reinforcing steel and cement. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd