Comparative Life Cycle Analysis of Timber, Steel and Reinforced Concrete Portal Frames: A Theoretical Study on a Norwegian Industrial Building

The construction industry is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which has negative environmental impact. Several studies have highlighted the possibility of using timber reduce impact construction. Most these focused on residential buildings, but little attention been devoted industrial buildings. In this paper, an attempt made compare timber, steel, and reinforced concrete in buildings life cycle assessment. system boundary was set cradle-to-gate with transportation site due limitation data, only quantities main structural are considered. Portal frames variable spans were designed three materials meet similar load carrying capacity. Reinforced used foundation all frames. results comparative study show that has, by good margin, better than carbon stored wood. also steel alternatives impacts. findings agree other