BIM-based life cycle assessment for different structural system scenarios of a residential building

This study pinpoints the benefit of integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Building information modelling (BIM) for different design scenarios of a residential building's structural system; (1) reinforced concrete solid slab system, (2) steel and (3) composite structural system. The environmental impacts for each scenario are evaluated, providing insights into the contribution of (1) building life cycle stages, (2) structural systems and (3) building materials. Construction cost and time were also assessed and compared for each. The results show how LCA-BIM integration can streamline the environmental stewardship and prioritize action; showing that the building operation stage, the steel structural system, slabs and beams as well as reinforced concrete have the highest environmental impact, respectively. Hence, this calls for acting on building operation as well as the proper design of building elements and selection of building materials to reduce the associated environmental burden resulting from the building process. (c) 2022 THE AUTHORS. Published by Elsevier BV on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/).

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the benefits of integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Building information modelling (BIM) in evaluating different design scenarios of a residential building's structural system. The results highlight the importance of considering building operation, structural systems, slabs and beams, and reinforced concrete in reducing the environmental burden of the building process.