Tunnel Carbon Calculator

Calculate the CO2 emissions created by a tunnelling project.

Input tunnel geometry

We use the method featured in the Tunnel Journal April/May 2021 edition. Read more about this method here.

Internal diameter m
Enter a number between 2 & 15.
Thickness mm
Enter a number between 50 and 750.
Length m
Enter a number greater than 0.

Carbon emmissions prediction

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Total carbon emissions:
- tonnes (CO2 eq)
Carbon emissions per m length: - tonnes/m (CO2 eq)
Assumptions:
Full construction lifecycle is considered (LCA) including production, construction, use and end-of-life and the estimate is best suited for a road or metro tunnel. The estimate assumes that segmental primary lining considered only, constructed by TBM, SFRC of 35kg/m3 included and a C50/60 concrete is specified.
Does not include:
Secondary lining, Shaft construction, M&E or operation, no segment bar reinforcement, no optimised logistics or delivery method is considered.
We've has detected that it may be possible to reduce up to -% (- tonnes) of embodied CO2, equivalent to - round the world flights, through material and design optimisations.

Carbon reduction suggestions

Material Optimisations:

Estimated saving: - tonnes of CO2 (-%)
This saving is equivalent to - round the world flights. ✈
Optimisation summary
Original CO2 prediction - tonnes CO2 eq
CO2 prediction with material optimisation - tonnes CO2 eq
Further details
Requirements for material optimisations:
  • An inert single component annulus grout with lower cement content is specified, instead of a typical two component grout.
  • An early strength enhancing material is specified in the segmental lining concrete mix to reduce curing time.
  • There is a huge discrepency between the wider environmental impact of different types of grout.
  • Read a more detailed explanaition of the requirements for these material optimisations here

Design Optimisations:

Our data indicates that an estimated tunnel lining thickness of -mm has been used on - similar projects.
Optimisation summary
Original CO2 prediction - tonnes CO2 eq
CO2 prediction with design optimisation - tonnes CO2 eq
Further details
  • Analyse whether a reduced tunnel lining thickness of -mm would be suitable for this application.
  • Typically as much as two-thirds of carbon emmissions come from cement, so any material reduction can have a signifcant effect on sustainability.
  • Find more information on the CalcForge lining thickness prediction by running a full design prediction here.

Finalised carbon prediction

Once you are satisfied with your design optimisations generate your final prediction below.
mm

Final Prediction

Carbon emissions predicted: - tonnes CO2 eq

Your finalised design saves approximately - tonnes of CO2 compared to your original design, equivalent to - round the world flights. ✈
What's this calculator used for?
This tool can be used by Tunnel Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers to estimate the CO2 or carbon emmissions being generated from their tunnelling project design and provide ideas to create a more sustainable tunnel design.
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