Comparative Analysis of Timber, Steel and Concrete for Sustainable Building Solutions
Master Thesis at PE Teknik & Arkitektur
Background
Timber is gaining increasing popularity in construction; however, uncertainties and differing opinions persist regarding when timber structures surpass conventional steel and concrete counterparts in terms of environmental footprint. To adress this, a comprehensive evaluation could highly improve the designers understanding in when timber could be a valuble alternative. Main unsertainties that the evaluation should focus on are:
- How much better is a timber structure compared to a similar steel/concrete alternative in CO2-Equivalents?
- What building type is best suited for a structural system in timber?
- How does green concrete and green steel compete with timber?
Thesis Objectives
This thesis will entail one or several case studies that compares two similar structures: one constructed with timber and the other with steel and/or concrete. The primary objective is to develop a deeper understanding of the circumstances and conditions where constructing a timber alternative is feasible. The thesis will provide a thorough assessment of the pros and cons associated with these different alternatives, shedding light on where opportunities lie, where potential weaknesses may be expected and how to address them.