Carbon Emission Analysis of Precast and Cast-in-Situ Concrete Railway Bridge Components Using BIM-Based LCA
摘要
With the increasing need for sustainable infrastructure, minimizing carbon emissions in bridge construction especially for railway projects has become a key concern. This study focuses on assessing the embodied carbon footprint during the construction phase of a railway bridge by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) with the Carbo Life Calculator, a BIM-compatible Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool. A detailed 3D model of the railway bridge was developed in Autodesk Revit, including all major structural components such as deck slabs, piers, abutments, piles, and pile caps. The material quantities were accurately extracted from the BIM model and used within the Carbo Life Calculator to estimate the environmental impact of different construction approaches, specifically comparing precast and cast-in-situ methods. The integration of BIM and LCA tools not only made the carbon assessment process more efficient but also helped in identifying opportunities to reduce emissions early in the design stage. The findings suggest that such digital tools can support engineers and designers in making more sustainable choices throughout the project lifecycle. This approach encourages the adoption of environmentally responsible practices in future railway bridge construction.