Sustainability Assessment of Concrete vs. Steel Structural Systems: A Case Study on a Two-Story School Building

Abstract:

This study applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using OpenLCA software in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 standards. A two-story school building was modeled with reinforced concrete and structural steel systems, both designed using ETABS. The study looks at a two-story school building over several phases, such as getting materials, making them, building them, using them, and then getting rid of them. Key performance indicators such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, recyclability, and construction waste are analyzed. Results reveal that concrete structures emit 27% less CO₂ and consume 55% less energy than steel systems, though steel offers superior recyclability (98%). The results show that steel structures may be recycled and used again and again, whereas reinforced concrete uses substantially less energy and carbon. The study proposes the use of hybrid systems that combine concrete slabs and foundations with steel superstructures to actualize these results. It also proposes employing materials that are good for the environment, such fly ash and recycled aggregates, and establishing national databases to assist people choose products. These suggestions are a practical way to get Iraq to embrace green building laws and practices.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 935)
• Pages: 253-260
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-kk1kQA
• Online since: April 2026
• Authors: Bareq Abdulhadi*, Alaa Hussein Abd Ulameer, Aqeel Abdulhasan Hussein, Mustafa M. Hasan, Mohammed Abdulkarim Razouki
• Keywords: Concrete Structures, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Steel Structures, Sustainability

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