Carbon Footprint of Common Quay StructuresÂ-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

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The study compares the carbon footprints of three common quay structures: caisson, sheet-pile combi wall, and open-piled designs. It uses a life cycle assessment approach, reporting emissions in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per metre of quay. The assessment covers material production (A1–A3), transport (A4), and construction (A5), within a system boundary that also includes mobilisation, dredging and reclamation, scour protection, services, berth equipment, earthworks, pavement, and demobilisation.<br /><br />In the baseline estimates, material production is the largest emissions source for all three structures. The open-piled option has the highest footprint, followed by the caisson and sheet-pile designs. Sensitivity analyses indicate that design and material choices can reduce emissions, with reported reductions of 32% for caissons, 26% for sheet-pile walls, and 40% for open-piled structures.<br /><br />The report highlights opportunities to lower impacts through recycled steel and lower-carbon concrete, including mixes using ground-granulated blast-furnace slag or fly ash. These options need to be assessed alongside practical constraints such as steel availability and recovery, concrete durability, strength development, and construction schedules. The study recommends involving manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors early in the design process to identify feasible carbon-reduction measures.

Keywords

carbon footprint

life cycle assessment

quay structures

caisson

sheet-pile combi wall

open-piled design

CO2 equivalent

recycled steel

low-carbon concrete

sustainable port infrastructure