Carbon Footprint Estimation for Structural Life Cycle Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a comprehensive system to estimate and account for the carbon emissions generated during the construction, life span, demolition, and repair of structures, particularly after natural or man-made destructive events, which are not adequately addressed in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A carbon footprint estimation apparatus with a processor and memory that calculates carbon emissions by gathering structural information, estimating material and labor requirements for construction, demolition, and repair, and displaying the estimated carbon footprint through a graphical user interface, considering various factors like seismic and wind loadings and the use of enhanced structural systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive carbon footprint estimation for construction and repair is implemented, then environmental impact assessment capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments carbon footprint estimation into distinct phases: construction phase (material production, transportation, installation) and repair phase (demolition, material replacement, reconstruction). Each phase has dedicated calculation modules that process specific parameters, allowing comprehensive assessment while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based calculation system as an intermediary that automatically processes structural information, material quantities, and emission factors to generate carbon footprint estimates. This intermediary handles the computational complexity, eliminating the need for manual calculations while providing accurate, standardized results across different assessment scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If detailed structural information is gathered for carbon calculation, then estimation accuracy is improved, but data collection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires structural information to be gathered during the design and construction planning phases, before actual carbon emissions occur. By collecting data on material quantities, structural configuration, and location factors in advance, the system enables accurate carbon footprint prediction without requiring additional data collection during construction or repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data collection framework that gathers structural information serving multiple purposes: architectural design documentation, construction planning, and carbon footprint assessment. This multi-functional approach allows the same structural data to be used across different project stages, reducing redundant data collection while maintaining calculation accuracy.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If repair estimates include demolition and reconstruction carbon emissions, then life cycle assessment is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts calculation parameters based on the assessed damage level and repair scope. For partial repairs, it calculates only the carbon emissions associated with demolished portions and replacement materials. For complete reconstruction, it encompasses the entire structure. This dynamic approach allows comprehensive life cycle assessment while adapting calculation complexity to the specific repair scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality assessment by focusing carbon emission calculations on the specific portions of the structure requiring repair rather than uniformly assessing the entire structure. The system identifies damaged zones, calculates emissions for those specific areas during demolition and reconstruction, and excludes undamaged portions from the calculation, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An emission estimation apparatus running a program configured to perform a method of calculating the amount of carbon generated during the life span of a structure by displaying a graphical user interface stored in the memory of the apparatus which is configured to gather structural information pertaining of the structure, receiving structural information from the graphical user interface into the memory of the apparatus which includes information pertaining to the size, types of material used in the structure and structural aspects of the structure, generating an estimated amount of carbon generated from the use of each type of material to construct the structure and the labor used to construct the structure based on the structural information received by the processor, estimating, by the processor, the types and amounts of material and labor required to repair the structure after a destructive event occurs based on a calculated probability and magnitude of a destructive event occurring, generating an estimated amount of carbon emitted as a result of the materials used and the labor required to repair the structure after the destructive event occurs, and displaying the total estimated amount of carbon emitted due the construction and repair of the structure on a display unit.