Life cycle environmental impact assessment of steel structures using building information modeling

Abstract

Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) are fundamental components within building projects. LCA is critical in building projects’ sustainability. The integration of BIM has the potential to enhance the LCA process, leading to better outcomes. Design for Deconstruction (DfD) study on minimizing, reusing, and recycling of building materials is closely linked. This study aims to evaluate and compare the findings obtained from the E-tool LCD and Tally LCA add-in tools; both used as BIM-based LCA tools. This paper outlines the overarching approach to implementing a process-based LCA for a steel building, explicitly emphasising the many processes the building undergoes during its life cycle. The LCA add-in tools, namely e-tool LCD and Tally, have been chosen to discern the disparities in the LCA outcomes resulting from using Environmental Product Declaration (EPD databases that vary across various regions. The input data, system boundaries, and LCA scope remained consistent throughout the LCA procedures. Global Warming Potential values obtained from the manufacturing module developed by e-tool LCD were included in a case study. A case study of steel structure is used to implement the LCA add-in tools. The discussion also addressed the challenges of enhancing interoperability in contemporary BIM-based LCA procedures. The study revealed that using EPD databases with regional variations notably impacts LCA outcomes. Consequently, the compatibility assessment in BIM-based LCA procedures yielded value innovation, efficiency, and distinctiveness. Furthermore, it was determined that BIM-LCA procedures resulted in notable distinctions compared to conventional LCA methods. These distinctions included enhanced convenience of application, increased efficiency in terms of time and resources, and higher levels of accuracy.