Carbon Footprint of Common Quay StructuresÂ-Video

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Video Summary

The study used life cycle assessment to compare the carbon footprints of three container-terminal quay wall designs: concrete caissons, sheet-piled combi walls, and open-pile suspended decks. Including material production, transport, and construction, baseline emissions were approximately 60, 45, and 85 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent per metre, respectively. Material production—especially Portland cement and steel—accounted for at least 80% of emissions. Sensitivity analysis found that recycled steel, lower-carbon binders, and shorter piles could cut emissions by 26–40%. Sheet-piled combi walls had the lowest footprint, while open-pile decks had the highest. Early collaboration can help identify feasible reductions.

Keywords

life cycle assessment

carbon footprint

quay wall design

container terminal

recycled steel