The Influence of the Demolition Process on the Environmental Impact of Reinforced Concrete Structures Based on Recycled Aggregate

The article presents an analysis of the influence of the demolition process on the environmental impact of a reinforced concrete structure, based on recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Two aggregate production scenarios, varied in terms of the scope, were adopted and the contribution of RCA to the total environmental impact as well as the influence of demolition on the environmental performance of RCA were determined. The NONROAD model was used in the research as a tool for calculating the emissions generated by the equipment used for the processing of construction debris. Environmental impacts were assessed on the basis of the Ecopoint value. Despite the large quantity of aggregate in the concrete mixture, it did not constitute a significant environmental impact. However, demolition was the dominant process in the production of recycled concrete aggregate and it is reasonable to consider this process in an environmental analysis.