Comparative analysis of carbon footprint between pile foundation type: A perspective on the construction procedure.-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

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The study compares the carbon footprints of three pile foundation types—continuous flight auger (CFA), bored piles (BRD), and micropiles (ROOT)—using data from 70 building projects in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil. The projects involved tall residential towers and varied coastal ground conditions. Emissions were calculated using the EFFC-DFI Carbon Calculator methodology, adapted with Brazilian emission factors.<br /><br />The analysis found that construction materials dominate the footprint. Concrete accounted for 83% of material-related emissions and steel for 17%; together, materials produced more than 64 million kg of CO₂. Diesel use contributed about 5% of total emissions, while primary sources—including materials and on-site energy—accounted for 92%. Transportation, waste handling, and other secondary sources made up the remaining 8%.<br /><br />CFA piles showed the strongest carbon efficiency in the studied database, with an average index (iCEE) of 61,466 kgCO₂/kPa, compared with 71,604 for ROOT piles and 122,736 for BRD piles. The index relates emissions to foundation efficiency and can support comparisons and future design improvements.<br /><br />The authors conclude that reducing foundation-related emissions depends chiefly on optimizing concrete and steel use. Well-calibrated, less conservative designs and continued benchmarking could help lower the carbon footprint of future foundations.

Keywords

carbon footprint

pile foundations

continuous flight auger

bored piles

micropiles

concrete emissions

steel emissions

Brazilian construction

foundation efficiency

CO2 emissions