SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF STEEL MATERIAL (LCSA OF STEEL REINFORCEMENT)

Abstract

Vast amounts of carbon, and belching flame and smoke are not surprised scenes in the production of steel. With the growing demand of steel for its excellent strength in supporting structure and lean construction, there has been increasing concern over the contribution of greenhouse gases into the environment throughout the life cycle process of steelmaking. The massive release of greenhouse gases has resulted in global warming and climate change. As steelmaking is one of the world’s leading industrial sources of greenhouse gases, the application of life cycle sustainability assessment to evaluate the environmental, economic and social impacts of steel building materials will enhance the understanding and awareness of industry stakeholders towards sustainable lifestyle. This research study focuses on the life cycle sustainability assessment of steel rebar in Singapore. It analyzes and examines the environmental impacts associated with the different life cycle stages of steel starting from collection of recycled steel at demolition site till the disposal of the final products. The necessary data are collected through literature review and informal interviews. It was found that the life cycle of steel rebar resulted in a total of 121.56kg of carbon dioxide equivalents produced for climate change. Acidification showed that 4.746kg of sulphur dioxide equivalent are produced and lastly for energy consumption is 2.808GJ per ton of steel produced. This research study showed that among the life cycle stages measured, steel rebar manufacturing has the highest environmental loading. Recommendations are made, which if implemented, could help reduce the environmental loading of steel rebar production as well as the overall environmental loading of steel rebar in Singapore.