ABSTRACT
This study explores the life-cycle probabilistic environmental impact of shape memory alloy (SMA) based self-centering braced steel frame (SMAF) and traditional concentrically braced frames (TCBF) in seismic zones. An environmental impact assessment framework suitable for buildings in seismic regions is proposed, which considers the influence of seismic risks and various uncertainties. A life-cycle embodied carbon (EC) emissions assessment of an office building located in Los Angeles is conducted to illustrate and explain the framework. The life-cycle assessment of EC includes (I) initial construction, (II) maintenance, (III) end-of-life and recycling benefits, and (IV) seismic impacts. For seismic impacts, engineering demand parameters (EDP) are obtained through incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). Combined with collapse fragility functions, residual drift fragility functions, component fragility functions, and hazard curves, the earthquake-induced EC over the building’s life cycle are determined. Compared with conventional steel frames, SMAF have slightly higher initial EC emissions. The EC emissions related to potential seismic risks are reduced by up to 65% when the SMAF is used.
