Life cycle assessment methodological approach to assess cross-laminated timber board as an alternative to steel and concrete, for wooden floors

Abstract

This study presents an analysis and benchmarking of two construction systems used in a rehabilitation scenario, in order to assist the decision making process during the design phase. Both systems meet the same functional performance, mainly structural: reinforcement with a layer of compressed concrete, and the alternative equivalent system, made of plywood with wooden board. The methodology of life-cycle assessment (LCA) is proposed to compare the environmental burdens associated with two different solutions for a reinforcement system. This approach allows verifying which construction system behaves best towards the environment to take a decision facing the design of the rehabilitation. The indicators of the considered systems are similar in some cases, but regarding global warming the use of cross laminated timber (CLT) for the reinforcement is a better alternative than the concrete reinforcement, while this one stands over for acidification of soil and water. The current regulatory European framework is helping designers to reduce the environmental impact of buildings during their use; therefore it is important to consider the other phases of the building life cycle, including the product stage and the construction phase.