Zhu, W; Li, J; Shen, K and Li, X (2025) Carbon dioxide emission reduction assessments of recycled aggregate concrete applications for infrastructure by incorporating vegetation carbon sink. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 151(9): 04025132, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
The growing prevalence of waste concrete recycling has raised wide concern about carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction of recycled concrete. However, few studies have analyzed the emission reduction benefits of recycled concrete applications in both emission reduction and carbon sink aspects. This paper proposes a methodological framework to analyze CO2 emission reduction benefits of recycled concrete applications by incorporating a vegetation carbon sink. A CO2 emission accounting model for recycled concrete application in ecological bricks is developed based on the life-cycle assessment (LCA) method. Two water-cement ratios (W/Cs) and four recycled concrete aggregate replacement rates (RCARRs) were considered in the study. The life-cycle CO2 emissions of the abutment cone slope projects of G35 expressway, using recycled concrete ecological bricks and incorporating vegetation carbon sink, were calculated. The research results identify the key CO2 emission reduction factors or process, and estimate the corresponding CO2 reduction rates, including RCARR (0.24%), W/C (12.90%), transportation distance (7.98%), carbonation absorption (0.42%), and vegetation carbon sequestration (19.00%). The vegetation carbon sink during the operational stage provides the greatest ecological benefits among the emission factors. Identifying the magnitude and differences in emission reduction benefits from various factors is crucial for developing targeted recommendations. The study provides insights for project managers and policymakers to expand CO2 emission reduction strategies for the recycled concrete application in infrastructure.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | carbon dioxide emission reduction; ecological brick; infrastructure; recycled concrete; vegetation carbon sink |
| Index terms: | estimate, water-cement ratio, recycling, carbonation, project manager, CO2 emissions, accounting, replacement, recycled aggregate, strategy, carbon dioxide, slope, sequestration, carbon dioxide emission, concrete aggregate |
| Subjects: | management, geotechnical engineering, air quality, profession, control systems, building materials, financial and cost management, health safety and environment, climate science, materials science, waste management, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Construction Materials, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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