Date of Award

Spring 2023

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2023.

Department

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering

First Advisor

Rocio L. Segura

Abstract

The need for sustainable methods of construction is continuously rising as heavily populated areas are growing in size and the demand for new construction is expanding. This project aims to identify typical environmental damages associated with the construction of a typical mixed-use building in San Jose, CA, specifically the emissions of greenhouse gasses; carbon dioxide. The project also aims to meet current design standards and requirements set by the American Concrete Institution and the California Building Code to ensure the safety of all users. Lastly, to ensure the design can be implemented in the field, a cost analysis of the materials to be used in the project will be conducted. The overall goal of the research conducted in this report is to identify the parameters affecting the carbon emissions of a typical reinforced concrete beam. This study underscores the potential for improved sustainability in reinforced concrete beam design by adopting higher strength materials and locally sourced grade 60 steel, despite initial higher costs. It recommends continued exploration of such approaches, emphasizing optimal material ratios and minimal CO2e emissions for future constructions.

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