Summary

This bachelor thesis aims to compare the current standardized beam cross section, MOT, with a cross section under development called “Normalized T-Beams” (NTB). There will also be done a greenhouse gas emission analyses of the structural elements for several bridge spans.
The MOT-cross section has been updated from an older set of regulations to the current ones. Abutments have been designed for different bridge-spans from 23m to 40m. NTB cross sections and abutments have then been analysed for their greenhouse gas emissions for these spans.
The calculations done for the MOT-cross section is based on regulations stated in Eurocodes and in Norwegian federal manuals. The abutments have been designed using tables given by “Statens Vegvesen”. The analyses of greenhouse gas emissions are done by using Environmental Product Declaration.
There were found that the NTB-cross section had less greenhouse gas emissions then the MOT-cross section, with the potential of longer spans. The greenhouse gas emissions from the different spans where found to have small variations.
The results show that the span of 28m with NTB-cross section had least emissions. Because the variations in emission is so small, one should also consider other criteria to determine which span should be used. The results also show that the use of low-carbon-concrete instead of standard concrete is more important than the design of the bridge itself. One should also consider aesthetic- and safety factors.