Assessment and Improvement of the Seismic Design Performance of Concrete Structures Using a Life Cycle Approach (LCA)

Given the growing environmental crises and the seismic requirements in earthquake-prone areas, the design of concrete structures requires an approach that simultaneously addresses structural safety and the reduction of environmental impacts. The aim of this study is to present a model for multi-criteria comparison between seismic performance and environmental indicators to select the most optimal design option. This research employed a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDA) approach, particularly the AHP and TOPSIS methods, to evaluate both seismic indicators (such as inter-story drift, floor acceleration, and ductility) and environmental indicators (such as global warming potential, energy consumption, and material recyclability). The data were obtained through life cycle assessments (LCA), structural simulations, and scientific literature, and were incorporated into a decision matrix. The results showed that materials and systems with better environmental performance do not necessarily have weaker seismic behavior. For example, geopolymer concrete, when used in appropriate structural design, can offer better performance than conventional concrete in terms of both seismic behavior and environmental factors like GWP and energy use. Moreover, applying MCDA models improved the accuracy of decision-making and helped reduce conflicts between competing objectives. Optimal design of concrete structures requires a multi-criteria and integrated approach that simultaneously considers seismic safety and environmental sustainability. Multi-criteria decision-making tools and life cycle analysis provide an effective framework to achieve this goal and should be embedded into design standards and processes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Optimal design ، seismic performance ، environmental sustainability ، life cycle assessment (LCA) ، multi-criteria decision-making (MCDA)