Evaluation of CO₂ emission reduction effect using in-situ production of precast concrete components

Abstract

Precast concrete (PC) construction method is typically preferred due to its reduced construction time, quality assurance, and cost effectiveness. Experimental studies have proven that in-situ production of PC components ensures equivalent or enhanced quality with substantial cost reductions compared to those of in-plant production, under the same production conditions. The construction method may also be environment friendly due to its relatively low CO2 emissions. However, it is necessary to examine the degree of this method’s effectiveness via experimental studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the CO2 emission reduction effect of in-situ production of PC components. Using a case project, the CO2 emission is estimated and compared for the operations between in-situ and in-plant production. The CO2 emission of in-situ produced PC components reduced by 14.3% or more when compared to the in-plant production. This shows that in-situ production of PC components can greatly reduce CO2 emissions, while maintaining its cost effectiveness and quality assurance. Furthermore, this study contributes in changing the negative perception of in-situ production of PC components and in the development of algorithms that scientifically analyze the CO2 emission reduction effect of in-situ production of PC components.

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