Life-Cycle Assessment of Fibre-Reinforced Polymers Dwellings Compared to Traditional Structures

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) have been presented as materials that possess properties are comparable to conventional building materials, while also being more sustainable. This study describes the material and its compares using a life-cycle assessment (LCA) modelling approach. The objective of this paper is perform cradle-to-grave (from resource extraction disposal stage) analysis pultruded FRP compare it used in typical dwelling. was conducted accordance with LCA standard EN15978. A streamlined conducted, whereby major impacts observed included global warming potential kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent embodied energy megajoule net calorific value. products compared profiles were most commonly residential dwelling; bricks timber. results provided comparative assertion FRPs by demonstrating they better than double-brick dwellings external timber framed walls both environmental impact categories energy. shows FRP-walled house had lowest emissions equivalent, which around 17% lower wall 1.46% less house.