Comparative life cycle assessment study for erosion control application with conventional shotcrete and geomat solutions

Abstract

Geosynthetic products are used more frequently in civil and environmental engineering applications due to their technological, commercial, and sustainable advantages. However, a quantitative analysis of the sustainability benefits of geosynthetics compared to traditional solutions is rarely conducted in real projects. Traditional engineering design primarily considers function, cost, and safety, while sustainable engineering design also takes into account the impact the design will have on society and the environment. To ensure sustainability in engineering, designers need quantitative tools to evaluate the metrics that can be applied in the design process. One such tool is life cycle assessment (LCA) for evaluating sustainability in engineering designs. The use of polymeric materials in construction projects may not immediately appear to have environmental benefits. However, geosynthetics can significantly reduce the use of other natural construction materials, which more than compensates for any negative impact. Additionally, geosynthetic solutions can reduce global warming potential due to their reduced carbon emissions. Although this topic is less widely discussed outside the geosynthetics industry, it is important for any construction project. Geosynthetic applications reduce carbon emissions and lower non-renewable energy consumption, ozone layer depletion, acidification, and eutrophication. This paper presents the results of a detailed comparative LCA study between a geomat and a traditional shotcrete-based erosion control solution.