The comparison of the environmental impact of steel and vinyl sheet piling: life cycle assessment study

The literature review concerning various materials for production of sheet piles used in wet ground, waterfront and marine conditions has been presented. Polyvinyl chloride has been identified as a promising steel alternative. Despite unambiguous findings suggesting a higher environmental impact of steel sheet piles compared to polymer products, the necessity of further detailed surveys, confirming the preliminary conclusion, has been perceived. The main objective of this study has been to compare the environmental impact of steel and vinyl sheet piles taking into consideration various corrosion rate depending on the local conditions. The comparative life cycle assessment analyses have been carried out according to a cradle-to-site approach. The comparison of indicators has shown that the environmental impact of polymer products had been significantly lower than that of steel products. In case of the most aggressive environment, the differences of results have reached an order of magnitude. The dominant environmental impact has resulted from the production process of sheet piles. An uncertainty analysis has been carried out by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The study has also provided sensitivity analysis to the assumptions of the model applied. The minimum thickness of steel sheet piles after 50 years of use, including loss allowances and protective coatings, as well as different parameters of transport has been analyzed. Irrespective of the assumed conditions, the general conclusion has remained the same: steel sheet piles indicated significantly higher environmental impact than vinyl sheet piles.