Life cycle assessment of an underground car park retaining walls

This research paper presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing the environmental footprints of four distinct retaining wall systems used in the construction of a Berlin-based underground car park. The study evaluates permanent steel sheet piles, temporary steel piles with concrete, secant pile walls, and diaphragm walls over a projected 50-year service life. By analyzing stages from raw material production to deconstruction, the authors determine that steel-based solutions generally offer significant ecological advantages due to lower material consumption and the use of recycled steel. Specifically, the report finds that using permanent steel sheet piles can reduce global warming potential by up to 60% compared to traditional concrete diaphragm walls. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses confirm that while low-carbon concrete can mitigate impacts, the structural efficiency of steel remains a primary driver for sustainability. This peer-reviewed analysis serves as a technical guide for engineers and architects seeking to optimize carbon-neutral construction in urban infrastructure projects.

See also 

Underground Car Parks – Comparative Study in Germany