LCA of Steel Frames in Different Range of Recycled Content

Abstract

Building sector has an environmental impact during the whole period of material supply, construction, use, and demolition. Environmental impacts of the buildings during their life‐cycle are assessed with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). There are several studies focusing on the life‐cycle of existing or new buildings on different scales. However, studies focusing on structural frames are limited. This study investigates the environmental impact of steel frames offering various advantages in terms of construction, utilization, and flexible design. The impact of a wide range of recycled content of steel frames on building life‐cycle and sustainability is evaluated over a two‐story residential building. The sample structure in TS825 Thermal Insulation Requirements in Buildings Standard was adopted as the reference building. Performed LCA in One Click LCA software showed that total global warming potential, global warming potentials of production and construction stages are less in recycled steel frames. It highlights that the recycled steel frames have advantages in terms of sustainability.