Sustainable strategies for sea locks: An <scp>LCA</scp> study on reinforcement corrosion prevention methods

Abstract Waterway structures' planning, construction, and maintenance demand an intricate balance between technical excellence, durability, cost‐effectiveness, and other sustainability criteria, like ecological aspects. This study focuses on sea locks, which are crucial for coping with water level differences and ensuring smooth shipping. Sea lock structures, requiring high durability, pose challenges regarding environmental impacts, resource conservation, and social considerations. To address these challenges, this study compares three design approaches for sea locks over a target service life of 100 years: Conventional (including repair measures by replacing parts of the structural element), as well as preventive measures by using stainless steel and Cathodic Protection (ICCP) with both preventive (ICCP A) and reactive (ICCP B) approaches. The analysis reveals that major repairs significantly escalate environmental impacts and life cycle costs of reinforced concrete sea locks. Cement and steel manufacturing emerge as major contributors to environmental burdens, emphasizing the need for reduction measures. The preventive ICCP A method shows promise in reducing environmental footprints while keeping construction costs relatively low, although ongoing maintenance is required. The choice of stainless steel type significantly influences environmental impacts, highlighting the importance of lifecycle considerations. Multicriteria decision‐making aids in selecting the most balanced option based on stakeholder preferences, with sensitivity analysis proving beneficial. Incorporating weighing factors into tender processes could optimize decision‐making, while social indicators should be integrated into future assessments. Overall, this study sheds light on the complexities of balancing durability and sustainability in waterway structures, providing valuable insights for future planning and decision‐making.