COMPARATIVE LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF ALUMINUM PRIVACY FENCE PANELS AND CLAY BRICKS: EVALUATING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR CONSTRUCTION IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

1. Introduction The study has been carried out with the main focus of measuring the adverse environmental impact of aluminium privacy fence panels and clay brick throughout the lifecycle. 3.288m2 is the area that is considered as a unit for measuring the environmental impact of aluminum privacy fence panels and clay bricks. In order to 27.5kg(one) aluminum privacy fence panel and 475kg (198) clay bricks are required to cover a 3.288m2 area. 2. Research Methodology A life cycle assessment was conducted. The boundary was from the cradle to the grave. This comparative assessment was done using Simapro faculty version software, and the ReCiPe impact assessment model was used to generate end-points and mid-point impact categories. The primary data was collected through BOM, electricity bills, water bills and lab reportobservations. Apart from that, the data was collected by reviewing literature and through the Ecoinvent database, showing that the specific aluminium billet is not produced in Sri Lanka. To get a clay brick database, review articles, reports, and industrial reports. 3. Finding and Discussion The study compares aluminum privacy fence panels and clay bricks as construction materials, focusing on cost, durability, maintenance, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Aluminium privacy fence panels have a higher midpoint impact category, affecting freshwater ecotoxicity at 7.6134535. The next highest categories are marine ecotoxicity; freshwater eutrophication values 3.0018528 and 0.2037145, respectively, and human health endpoints. Clay bricks have a higher impact category, affecting human carcinogenic toxicity 9.5937814 and freshwater ecotoxicity marine ecotoxity values 5.4206617 and 4.4613611, respectively. 4. Conclusion and Implications Both panels have a long lifespan. According to the findings, the aluminium privacy fence panel is the most sustainable. The research suggests that construction managers should choose materials based on sustainability, cost efficiency, and long-term performance