Comparing the eCO2 Emissions Effects of Two Slab-on-Grade Screeding Methods

9 pages•Published: May 26, 2024

Carter Cape, Rodolfo Valdes-Vasquez and Brian Dunbar

Abstract

While previous research has been conducted on concrete production to improve sustainability while retaining durability and constructability, this research focuses on construction practices in slab-on- grade screeding and how project management decisions can impact eCO2 emissions. A comparative life-cycle assessment of manual and laser screed was performed in a traditional 100,000 SF slab with 6" thickness. The study aimed to determine the effects of a slab-on-grade's equivalent embodied carbon (eCO2) in commercial projects. Two embodied carbon calculators (EC3 and Green Badger) were used to examine the differences between the two methods. Industry professionals provided actual commercial project data to determine the impact of laser screed compared to manual screeding. This study found that laser screeding reduced schedule, workforce requirement, and concrete waste for the slab-on-grade installation. These results demonstrate an important reduction in embodied carbon due to reduced worker transportation and concrete manufacturing emissions. The findings also indicate that project managers can improve the environmental sustainability of their projects by using alternative techniques, such as laser screed equipment, compared to manual screeding.

Keyphrases: concrete, embodied carbon, life cycle assessment, screeding, slab on grade

In: Tom Leathem, Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 5, pages 432-440.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/qzxw
	https://doi.org/10.29007/xqds

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2024:Comparing_eCO2_Emissions_Effects,
  author    = {Carter Cape and Rodolfo Valdes-Vasquez and Brian Dunbar},
  title     = {Comparing the eCO2 Emissions Effects of Two Slab-on-Grade Screeding Methods},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference},
  editor    = {Tom Leathem and Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {5},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/qzxw},
  doi       = {10.29007/xqds},
  pages     = {432-440},
  year      = {2024}}

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