Optimization of piled foundations An optimization study to reduce embodied carbon using parametric design tools
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Structural engineering and building technology (MPSEB), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
STIGENBERG, ANNA
LINDQVIST, JOHAN
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Today, approximately 11% of the global carbon dioxide emissions are connected to
the construction industry, including manufacturing of materials. Due to a continuing
global population growth, these values are expected to increase beyond the
already high emission levels.
A way to reduce construction emissions is to opt for materials with low embodied
carbon to replace conventional materials like steel and concrete. However, for
building foundations, material strength and durability are critical factors and the
freedom of selecting alternative materials is therefore more restricted. Instead,
engineers need to strive to optimize the foundation structure to minimize the carbon
emissions. Because of the great portion of material used in foundations, a large
decrease of the total carbon emissions for a large variety of structures could be
expected by material optimizing the foundation alone.
This thesis investigates on material optimization of piled foundations by utilizing
computational tools and optimization algorithms, with the purpose to guide structural
engineers to create more CO2-efficient structures. More specifically, it explores
how various structural parameters influence the need for material in a piled foundation.
The main results, also summarized in a guideline, includes suggestions on optimal
pile center-to-center distances and slab thicknesses for different imposed loads
and foundation types. The results also includes comparisons between one-way and
two-way foundation slabs, concrete and steel piles, concrete classes as well as a
comparison to common practice in the industry.
The thesis concludes that there are possibilities within the design process for
engineers to significantly decrease the embodied carbon content of piled foundations.
The most important aspects are to reduce the slab thickness, select the pile center-to
center distances to fully utilize the slab, followed by designing the piles accordingly.
The carbon optimized design shows potential to save up to 52% of embodied carbon
compared to mean values from common practice in the industry.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
optimization, evolutionary algorithms, computational tools, parametric design, sustainability, embodied carbon, piled foundation, design guideline, life cycle analysis, grasshopper