Sustainable design of two-way slab on beam systems: a comparative study on embodied carbon and cost

In an era characterised by a growing imperative for environmental sustainability, the construction industry finds itself at a crossroads where innovation and well-informed decision-making are paramount. This study explored the intricate interplay between structural performance, economic viability, and environmental impact in the realm of reinforced concrete slabs, with a specific focus on two-way slab-on-beam structures. This study examined the relationship between slab thickness, concrete grade, reinforcement ratios, embodied carbon emissions, and total construction costs. The findings paint a vivid, if not unexpected, picture: thinner slabs are associated with lower embodied carbon emissions and construction costs. However, there is a caveat: thinner slabs may find their place in projects with less demanding structural requirements, whereas thicker slabs, while offering superior structural performance, incur higher costs and environmental impacts. The choice of slab thickness, as this research indicates, is far from a one-size-fits-all decision and necessitates meticulous evaluation of project-specific demands. The data-driven insights presented in this study have the potential to improve construction practices. This research serves as a foundational reference point for the construction industry’s journey towards sustainability, where structures are not merely functional, but also environmentally and economically sustainable.