Sustainable strategies for sea locks
An LCA study on reinforcement corrosion prevention methods
Publication date
2024-12-24
Document type
Forschungsartikel
Author
Organisational unit
Publisher
Wiley
Series or journal
Structural concrete : official journal of the FIB
Periodical volume
26
Periodical issue
2
First page
2182
Last page
2200
Peer-reviewed
✅
Part of the university bibliography
✅
Language
English
Abstract
Waterway structures' planning, construction, and maintenance demand an intricate balance between technical excellence, durability, cost‐effectiveness, and other sustainability criteria, like ecological aspects. This study focuses on sea locks, which are crucial for coping with water level differences and ensuring smooth shipping. Sea lock structures, requiring high durability, pose challenges regarding environmental impacts, resource conservation, and social considerations. To address these challenges, this study compares three design approaches for sea locks over a target service life of 100 years: Conventional (including repair measures by replacing parts of the structural element), as well as preventive measures by using stainless steel and Cathodic Protection (ICCP) with both preventive (ICCP A) and reactive (ICCP B) approaches. The analysis reveals that major repairs significantly escalate environmental impacts and life cycle costs of reinforced concrete sea locks. Cement and steel manufacturing emerge as major contributors to environmental burdens, emphasizing the need for reduction measures. The preventive ICCP A method shows promise in reducing environmental footprints while keeping construction costs relatively low, although ongoing maintenance is required. The choice of stainless steel type significantly influences environmental impacts, highlighting the importance of lifecycle considerations. Multicriteria decision‐making aids in selecting the most balanced option based on stakeholder preferences, with sensitivity analysis proving beneficial. Incorporating weighing factors into tender processes could optimize decision‐making, while social indicators should be integrated into future assessments. Overall, this study sheds light on the complexities of balancing durability and sustainability in waterway structures, providing valuable insights for future planning and decision‐making.
Version
Published version
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