Bridges

The importance of minimising CO2 emissions caused by human activity is now well established. This paper summarises the findings of an investigation into the carbon content of a typical 11 m span, double track rail underbridge for a wide range of material and structural types, including: traditional wide and narrow prestressed concrete girders; steel girders; fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) prestressing strand and reinforcement; ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) girders; concrete girders reinforced with the new higher strength steel (600 N) and traditional stone arch construction.

General conclusions are drawn on the most appropriate option, assuming embodied carbon is a driving criteria for selection.