Precast concrete sandwich panels (PCSP): An analytical review and evaluation of CO2 equivalent

• Published in: Construction & building materials 2022-12, Vol.358, p.129424, Article 129424
• Main Authors: Faria Oliveira, Thainá, de Carvalho, José Maria Franco, Castro Mendes, Júlia, Zuqui Souza, Gabriela, Rezende Carvalho, Victor, André Fiorotti Peixoto, Ricardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CO2 equivalent; Global assessment; Mechanical performance; Precast concrete sandwich panels (PSCP); Thermal performance
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129424

•A knowledge gap regarding PCSPs life cycle assessment was identified.•Despite high kgCO2eq·m−2, PCSPs with VIP showed the best thermal performances.•Lowest CO2eq for PCSP with 10 mm concrete outer layers and a 120 mm EPS core.•Portland cement accounts for 70 to 95 % of the CO2eq in the concretes reviewed. This work presents a literature research on the structural, thermal, densitometric, and environmental aspects of Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels (PCSPs), with the environmental assessment focusing on CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2eq). For this purpose, we collected data from PCSPs developed in the last 10 years and carried out a global performance evaluation. The panels presented a final bending moment capacity between 3 and 44 kN·m·m−1, the weight per m2 ranged from 45 to 368 kg, the thermal transmittance (U-value) ranged from 0.10 to 4.25 W·m−2·K−1 and the CO2eq varied from 18 to 163 kg·CO2·m−2. The authors concluded that the best levels of eco-efficiency were linked to the replacement of Portland Cement with alternative binders. The PCSPs with the best balance of thermal, structural, densitometric, and eco-efficient performance had their outer layer reinforced with steel, fiberglass, or carbon mesh. Additionally, they used continuous connectors, longitudinal shear connectors, or no connectors; and their insulation core comprised Extruded Polystyrene or Expanded Polystyrene.