Environmental Impact Analysis of Wood and Natural Fiber Bio-Composites

Abstract

In this chapter, a brief review on the practicability of using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) in construction applications, particularly in the reinforced concrete structures were reported. The environmental and performance issues of conventional building materials such as concrete and steel were discussed in detail. The prospect of implementing FRP composite in this area was also discussed. To assess the undesirable environmental burdens of using FRP, the fundamental concept, procedures and several components of LCA have been discussed thoroughly. The existing LCA case studies on different materials were also critically reviewed for better understanding. The effects of the composition variation in the FRP system on the environment were also examined in this chapter. The popularity of LCA particularly in the use of composites in construction industry has been very low, due to the inherent complexities associated with the building itself.