Integrated design optimization framework for green lightweight concrete

The increasing global concern for the environment and advancements in computational tools and techniques are transforming the way building structures are designed and constructed. The current economic climate and growth of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry demand the creation of environmentally sustainable and efficient buildings, starting from the design stage. Despite the AEC industry being a thriving sector in many countries, it is vulnerable to environmental degradation due to the impact of building materials. This paper presents a decision support framework for the optimal structural design of green concrete buildings using recycled plastic aggregates and lightweight concrete. The framework considers uncertainties such as design safety, architectural requirements, material efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. The approach evaluates four concrete aggregate materials with varying characteristics: Natural Weight Aggregate, Lightweight Volcanic Aggregate, and Plastic-Based Green Lightweight Aggregates. The proposed approach is demonstrated through a prototype model, which shows cost savings of up to 5% per floor compared to the conventional concrete mix. The results provide quantitative evidence of the direct financial benefits of using green concrete in lieu of the optimization framework, which is expected to encourage construction professionals to use environmentally friendly concrete and take part in greening the construction industry.