Evaluation of Solidification/Stabilization Technology Performance by Combining Economic and Environmental Impacts Assessment for a Port in Sweden

The importance of reducing environmental impacts has gained speed in the contemporary global context. Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) has become a practical method for handling polluted dredged sediments to make them usable as a construction material. This study aims to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of a 48,586 m2 port, with stabilized dredged sediment, by focusing on the production and construction stages in Sweden. It encompasses eight distinct scenarios that are proposed based on cement types and binder mixtures. Environmental impact categories, including Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), and Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), were assessed. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modeling was carried out in the software LCA for Experts (GaBi). The study also incorporates Life Cycle Cost (LCC) calculations to be integrated with LCA results, using the Single-Point Rate (SPR) method to aid decision analysis. The results show that the optimal scenario features cement type I with a 20% cement and 80% slag binder mixture. This choice demonstrated a nearly 29% reduction in environmental impacts and approximately 1.5 MSEK lower initial costs compared to the base case which is cement type I with a 30% cement and 70% slag binder mixture. These results highlight the potential for environmentally responsible and cost-effective decision-making in infrastructure projects through an integrated LCA and LCC approach