Life Cycle Assessment for a Concrete Bridge using Open LCA Software

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
² Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, 95616, CA, USA
³ Department of Civil Engineering, CVR College of Engineering, Hyderabad, India

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 3 August 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates the environmental impacts associated with the construction phase of a concrete bridge in Hyderabad using Open LCA software and the Ecoinvent v3.9.1 database. The analysis covers major structural components like foundation, piers, abutments, deck slab, crash barrier, wearing coat, return wall, and approach slab and key construction materials such as cement, sand, aggregates, and reinforced steel. Life Cycle Impact Assessment was conducted using ReCiPe Midpoint v1.03 (H), Eco-Indicator 99, and Ecological Footprint methods to quantify impacts across categories such as global warming potential, acidification, and ozone depletion. Results indicate that cement is the most environmentally burdensome material, contributing approximately 10,105,721 m²a of carbon footprint, due to its energy-intensive manufacturing process. Aggregates recorded the lowest impact (0.0015 kg CFC eq) due to its minimal processing requirements. Among structure components, the foundation exhibited the highest environmental load, with carbon footprint of 4,846,171 m²a, primarily from its large concrete and steel volumes, while the approach slab had the lowest impact. The findings highlight the need for sustainable material selection and design strategies during construction to reduce environmental footprints. Recommendations include substituting high impact materials with supplementary cementitious materials and exploring recycled aggregates for future projects.