A comparative life cycle assessment of fiber-reinforced polymers as a sustainable reinforcement option in concrete beams

Environmental awareness and the need for sustainable construction inspired researchers practitioners to explore innovative alternatives that might reduce greenhouse gas emissions energy use related excessive structural work. One such alternative is utilization of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars as a reinforcement in reinforced concrete members. FRP possess favorable characteristics like high tensile strength, lightweight corrosion resistance compared steel. This feature makes potential solution utilizing seawater instead fresh water mixtures, especially areas facing harsh climate shortage Arabian Peninsula. paper aims assess evaluate environmental impacts through life cycle assessment glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars, carbon polymer, steel fiber bars. Moreover, another LCA was conducted comparing steel-reinforced beams made with desalinated GFRP/CFRP mixture. The results indicate GFRP bar performed better than 10 out 14 categories, while worse categories. SGFRP had result between bar, outperforming Furthermore, beam exhibited performance 9 CFRP 8 attributed reduction ratio due strength Overall, this study sheds light on possible advantages using highlights importance practices minimizing impacts.