LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF A POST-TENSIONED TIMBER FRAME IN COMPARISON TO A REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAME FOR TALL BUILDINGS

This paper summarises a recently conducted project to investigate the sustainability of high-rise timber buildings. In particular, an innovative post-tensioned timber frame structure using glued laminated timber was compared to a functionally equivalent traditional reinforced concrete frame by means of a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Further, the two structures were compared with regard to costs and time for the construction. The assessment showed that the post-tensioned timber frame structure contributes about 44% less on greenhouse gas emissions compared to the traditional reinforced concrete structure. Additional performed analysis estimating the construction costs and construction time showed the great potential when using timber in comparison to reinforced concrete.