Life Cycle Assessment of Bridges

Student: Chibundu Timothy Ngene (Project, 2025)
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

Abstract

The assessment of environmental sustainability in infrastructure projects, particularly in bridge construction, is increasingly critical due to the significant environmental impacts associated with material production, energy use, and emissions. This study focuses on performing a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a 3-span steel bridge, each span measuring 25 meters, with a width of 12.8 meters and consisting of 8 steel plate girders. The LCA evaluates the environmental performance of the bridge, from raw material extraction to demolition, considering materials such as steel, concrete, and asphalt.
The study utilizes OpenLCA software and the ecoinvent database to quantify the environmental impacts, with a focus on Global Warming Potential (GWP). The results highlight that steel production contributes the largest share of CO2 emissions, followed by concrete production and transportation. Recommendations include the use of alternative materials, optimization of material use, and improved energy efficiency in transportation to reduce the bridge’s environmental footprint. This LCA serves as a foundation for making sustainable design and construction decisions in future infrastructure projects.

Keywords
Bridge sustainability civil engineering
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