- Prof Dr Susanne Kytzia, University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil Switzerland; Armin Roduner, Geobrugg AG Protection Systems Switzerland; Roland Bucher, Geobrugg Australia Pty Ltd
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In times of increasing concern for the environment, the CO2-footprint method is widely accepted to evaluate the use of green house emitting production processes for a given product. This allows for comparisons between products and makes environmentally friendly choices of a product more transparent to decision makers.
In the field of slope stabilization, the high tensile steel wire mesh TECCO® in combination with soil or rock nailing is the state of the art in many countries. Compared to shotcrete, load transfer capacity is equal or higher. The open mesh leaves enough space for plants to grow through the system.
Recent CO2-footprint evaluation taking into account production and transport of the material of an equivalent slope stabilisation measure shows that the TECCO® system has a very low CO2-footprint. The methods used for assessing the impact were, the level of carbon dioxide emissions from burning of fossil fuels as well as all other emissions which contribute to climate change. These other emissions have been recorded and weighted according to their specific contribution to give an overall index, “Global Warming Potential” (GWP). Compared to shotcrete, the CO2-footprint of the mesh solution is 4 - 5 times lower! One reason for the good result is the high CO2-emitting level of concrete in general. Furthermore, less material weight and also transport costs for the same stabilizing effect of the product on the slope also account for a better CO2 balance of mesh solution.
BIOS:
Susanne Kytzia was from 2000 to 2006 Professor for Regional Resource Management at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ). In 2006, she was appointed as full professor for sustainability in construction at HSR and as coordinator of the competence centre for infrastructure and living space. She works at the interface of economics and civil engineering. Recent studies have focused on Life Cycle Costs of office buildings, material composition of buildings and integrated models of regional development. In these studies, she can build upon broad experiences in the application of Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment to a large extent in regional development.
Armin Roduner got his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Rapperswil, Switzerland. Afterwards he worked in the engineering office Gähler and Partner AG in Ennetbaden, Switzerland, in the field of tunnel construction. He went to the University of Colorado in Boulder, USA and the School of Mines in Golden, USA and graduated as a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. Back in Switzerland he worked for the Swiss engineering company Gruner AG as project manager in tunnel construction, tunnel renovations and water power projects. At present, Armin Roduner is the head of geotechnical engineering at Geobrugg AG in Romanshorn, Switzerland.
Roland Bucher - After an apprenticeship as a builder in construction and 4 years work as a Foreman/Supervisor, Roland Bucher went back to the University of Applied Sciences in Lucerne (Switzerland) and graduated as Bachelor of Science in Civil and Structural Engineering. He then started working for Rothpletz, Lienhard Consultants in Switzerland as Project Engineer and Project Manager in various projects in tunnel construction, tunnel renovations, general construction and road and railway construction. He then moved to Perth Australia, where he worked for Highway Construction as a Site Engineer in road works on Main Roads WA projects. At present Roland is the Regional Manager for Geobrugg Australia Pty Ltd where he is responsible for all the Geobrugg activities in Australia. Furthermore Roland has started his Masters in Mining and Geomechanics at the Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie.