Sustainability Assessment of Fibre Reinforced Concrete Flat Slabs Based on MIVES Multi-criteria Approach

Column-supported solid reinforced concrete (RC) slabs are amongst the most popular forms of in-situ concrete frame construction for residential buildings. However, the partial or even total substitution of traditional reinforcement by fibres has emerged as an attractive alternative. The pioneer experiences provided encouraging results with respect to resource optimization and construction time reduction without jeopardizing the structural reliability. Nevertheless, the comparison of RC and fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) solutions is primarily cost-driven, i.e., the environmental and social factors are often disregarded, although those are of paramount importance for achieving long-term sustainable goals. Hence, this study focuses on the sustainability analysis of reinforced concrete flat slabs using a multi-criteria decision-making method. Primarily, a model based on criteria, indicators, weights, and value functions is developed and calibrated. Thereafter, the case study of a given geometry is designed considering three different alternatives: (1) RC solid slab, (2) hybrid fibre reinforced concrete slab (HFRC, reinforcing steel bars + fibres), and (3) FRC slab. Finally, the sustainability of these alternatives is assessed by means of the elaborated model. The obtained results evidence the potential of FRC and HFRC solutions in economic, environmental, and social terms. Both the model and results are expected to be useful for stakeholders in decision-making processes.