KUKU

KU ScholarWorks

  • myKU
  • Email
  • Enroll & Pay
  • KU Directory
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    TRACKING THE LIFE CYCLE OF CONSTRUCTION STEEL: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESOURCE LOOP

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    LIU_ku_0099M_10658_DATA_1.pdf (747.3Kb)
    Issue Date
    2009-12-17
    Author
    Liu, Lanfang
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Format
    141 pages
    Type
    Thesis
    Degree Level
    M.S.
    Discipline
    Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
    Rights
    This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    Cradle-to-grave model is established on the assumption of a model of one-way, linear flow of materials in the industrial system. Eco-efficiency, as the design strategy of the cradle-to-grave model, aims to reduce the reliance of industry on resources while decreasing the negative consequences to the environment; but designers do not consider the usefulness of a material after it ends its life cycle. Eco-effectiveness and cradle-to-cradle design present a new concept as an alternative design strategy by modeling material-flow based on biological metabolism processes. This concept assumes that a material will have to be rejuvenated at the end of its functional life, and reused for another use. Both of those models: cradle-to-cradle and cradle-to-grave, integrate energy and materials in different processes, such as extract, manufacture, transport, install, deconstruct, demolish and dispose of materials. This thesis developed a "resource loop" which represents both the cradle-to-cradle and cradle-to-grave model to accounting materials and energy. Construction steel is chosen as a case study to show the developing processes, and identify "feeds" and "leaks" within the resource loop. The thesis found: 1) The transportation process generates a significant amount of leaks; 2) Materials and energy accounting methods are not comprehensive enough; 3) The resource loop needs to be improved to implement the cradle-to-cradle model in construction industry. In the end of this thesis, some suggestions will be given for future research in implementing the cradle-to-cradle design.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/5707
    Collections
    • Engineering Dissertations and Theses [1055]
    • Theses [3828]

    Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.


    We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.


    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    Browse

    All of KU ScholarWorksCommunities & CollectionsThis Collection

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    The University of Kansas
      Contact KU ScholarWorks
    Lawrence, KS | Maps
     
    • Academics
    • Admission
    • Alumni
    • Athletics
    • Campuses
    • Giving
    • Jobs

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

     Contact KU
    Lawrence, KS | Maps