The project in five facts.
Challenge, approach and results.
The operation of wastewater systems remains one of the key concerns in the development of sustainable communities today. Recent decades have seen a significant increase in urbanisation, which has led to greater demand for improvements to wastewater infrastructure systems. This diploma thesis addresses a comparative life cycle analysis of two different wastewater pipe materials, namely PVC and reinforced concrete. The findings show that in gravity sewerage systems, the production phase has the most significant impact. Of the two pipe materials examined, PVC appears to be the less favourable choice, whilst reinforced concrete appears to be the most optimal alternative.
Problem
The operation of wastewater systems remains one of the key concerns in the development of sustainable communities today. Recent decades have seen a significant increase in urbanisation, which has led to greater demand for improvements to wastewater infrastructure systems. Storm water drainage represents an important part of municipal infrastructure, as it enables the drainage of rainwater and thereby reduces the risk of flooding and other negative impacts on the urban environment.
Efficient wastewater drainage is also crucial for environmental protection, as it prevents soil and groundwater contamination and contributes to improving the quality of life in urban and rural areas. Historically, research on sewerage system design has mostly emphasised maximising economic benefits, whilst less attention has been paid to analysing the environmental consequences of sewerage systems constructed from different pipe materials.
Solution and Method
This diploma thesis addresses a comparative life cycle analysis of two different wastewater pipe materials, namely PVC and reinforced concrete. The environmental consequences were evaluated and compared for both pipe materials. In addition to the environmental aspect, the work includes an analysis of implementation costs, installation complexity and long-term usability of the materials examined, and enables a comprehensive assessment of their suitability in practice.
The modern strategy is to increase the overall life cycle efficiency whilst simultaneously achieving lower installation costs, less leakage, greater resistance to corrosion and temperature fluctuations, and reduced maintenance during the service life of the pipeline infrastructure system. The selection of appropriate pipe material is a critical aspect in the design and implementation of a sewerage system. Technical, economic and environmental criteria must be taken into account, as only a balanced approach enables an optimal solution according to the specific conditions of the project.
Results
The findings show that in gravity sewerage systems, the production phase has the most significant impact. Of the two pipe materials examined, PVC appears to be the less favourable choice, whilst reinforced concrete appears to be the most optimal alternative. The analytical results can assist current and future designers of sewerage infrastructure and material manufacturers in understanding and developing more environmentally friendly and durable sewerage systems.
Module, programme and stories.
Your diploma project for a real company.
A diploma thesis at Academia solves a challenge from a company – often the one where you do your 800 hours of placement. Read about the Gradbeništvo module or book a consultation.