ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of concrete trough bridges, which make up about 20% of Sweden’s railway bridge inventory. The LCA focuses on environmental impact and considers European Union emission regulations. It uses a 7.20m x 3.10m railway bridge in Rättelöv, Sweden, as a case study, along with a similar structure in Colombia. The study includes embodied carbon calculations, covering materials production, construction, use, and disposal. Approximately 70% of emissions occur during materials production and bridge use, with a focus on STA construction processes. While alternative life-cycle profiles weren’t extensively explored, changes in working actions’ schedules were considered. Additionally, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was conducted, highlighting emissions from materials production, construction, and reconstruction as significant contributors. Recommendations and discussions for the Colombian case were proposed due to limited regional emission data.
