Improving the sustainability of reinforced concrete structures through the adoption of eco-friendly flooring systems

Paknahad, Chia, Tohidi, Mosleh and Bahadori-Jahromi, Ali ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0405-7146 (2025) Improving the sustainability of reinforced concrete structures through the adoption of eco-friendly flooring systems. Sustainability, 17 (7). pp. 1-36.

[thumbnail of PDF/A]
Preview
PDF (PDF/A)
Improving the Sustainability of Reinforced Concrete Structures - Sustainability 2025.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

Following World War II, rapid economic growth in construction and increasing urban demand led to excessive extraction of natural resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, forests, and land. To address significant global challenges—including resource consumption, air pollution, and climate change—radical changes have been proposed over the past decades. Prioritizing sustainability in construction has become a crucial focus in project design. This research investigates the carbon emissions associated with various reinforced concrete (RC) slab systems, including solid slabs, voided slabs, and precast floor systems, to identify the most environmentally sustainable option. The results demonstrate that beam and slab floors and solid slabs have the highest embodied carbon due to significant use of concrete and related materials, whereas voided slabs and two-way joist floors exhibit lower carbon emissions. The two-way joist system is identified as the most environmentally advantageous option. For precast floor systems, post-tensioned concrete and hollow-core slabs demonstrate the lowest embodied carbon levels. This research provides practical recommendations for architects and engineers aimed at enhancing sustainable design methodologies, emphasizing the importance of incorporating low-carbon materials and pioneering flooring technologies in future construction initiatives to support global sustainability objectives.

Item Type: Article
Identifier: 10.3390/su17072915
Keywords: embodied carbon, reinforced concrete, optimization, concrete slabs, voided slabs, floor types
Subjects: Construction and engineering
Depositing User: ALI BAHADORI-JAHROMI
Date Deposited: 27 Mar 2025 11:46
Last Modified: 27 Mar 2025 12:00
URI: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/13380
Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Menu