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

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 Civils.ai 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. ✈