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dc.contributor.advisorChong, Oswald
dc.contributor.authorLiu, Lanfang
dc.date.accessioned2010-01-20T00:00:08Z
dc.date.available2010-01-20T00:00:08Z
dc.date.issued2009-12-17
dc.date.submitted2009
dc.identifier.otherhttp://dissertations.umi.com/ku:10658
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1808/5707
dc.description.abstractCradle-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.
dc.format.extent141 pages
dc.language.isoEN
dc.publisherUniversity of Kansas
dc.rightsThis item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
dc.subjectArchitectural engineering
dc.titleTRACKING THE LIFE CYCLE OF CONSTRUCTION STEEL: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESOURCE LOOP
dc.typeThesis
dc.contributor.cmtememberGlavinich, Thomas E.
dc.contributor.cmtememberHan, Jie
dc.thesis.degreeDisciplineCivil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
dc.thesis.degreeLevelM.S.
kusw.oastatusna
kusw.oapolicyThis item does not meet KU Open Access policy criteria.
kusw.bibid7079114
dc.rights.accessrightsopenAccess


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