Widjaja, D.D.; Khant, L.P.; Kim, S.; Kim, K.Y. Optimization of Rebar Usage and Sustainability Based on Special-Length Priority: A Case Study of Mechanical Couplers in Diaphragm Walls. Sustainability2024, 16, 1213.
Widjaja, D.D.; Khant, L.P.; Kim, S.; Kim, K.Y. Optimization of Rebar Usage and Sustainability Based on Special-Length Priority: A Case Study of Mechanical Couplers in Diaphragm Walls. Sustainability 2024, 16, 1213.
Widjaja, D.D.; Khant, L.P.; Kim, S.; Kim, K.Y. Optimization of Rebar Usage and Sustainability Based on Special-Length Priority: A Case Study of Mechanical Couplers in Diaphragm Walls. Sustainability2024, 16, 1213.
Widjaja, D.D.; Khant, L.P.; Kim, S.; Kim, K.Y. Optimization of Rebar Usage and Sustainability Based on Special-Length Priority: A Case Study of Mechanical Couplers in Diaphragm Walls. Sustainability 2024, 16, 1213.
Abstract
The construction industry generates significant CO2 emissions, and rebar is a major contributor to this environmental impact. Extensive research has been conducted to address this issue. Recent advancements have introduced algorithms to reduce rebar waste and consumption, demonstrating the feasibility of achieving near-zero rebar cutting waste (N0RCW) by considering special-length rebars. However, conventional lap splices, the most common rebar joint method, consistently consume excessive rebar quantities despite extending beyond their mandated zones. Conversely, couplers eliminate rebar lengths required for lapping splices, reducing the usage of rebar. Applying special lengths and couplers in heavily loaded structures like diaphragm walls can significantly reduce rebar usage and cutting waste, consequently reducing CO2 emissions and associated costs. This study aims to optimize rebar consumption and sustainability in diaphragm wall structures by integrating mechanical couplers with a special-length rebar approach. A case study confirmed a substantial reduction in purchased rebar usage (17.95% and 5.38%) and carbon emissions (15.24% and 2.25%) compared to the original design and previous study, respectively. Broadly implementing the proposed method across various buildings and infrastructure projects could further multiply these benefits, fostering the achievement of SDGs adopted by the United Nations for sustainable construction.
Keywords
sustainability impact; mechanical coupler; diaphragm wall; special length
Subject
Engineering, Civil Engineering
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
