This study focuses on selecting the most sustainable foundation system based on life-cycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability assessment of alternate deep foundation systems, specifically piles and caissons, over their design life. Sustainability evaluation of alternate deep foundations is performed using triple bottom line: environmental, economic, and social impacts and by considering various life cycle stages that cover raw material extractions, construction, maintenance, and demolition efforts. For design purposes, subsurface soils, factor of safety against bearing capacity and allowable settlement for both foundations are considered to be the same. Technical designs of both systems are developed based on bearing capacity, both primary and secondary settlements and structural integrity. The LCA is conducted to assess potential environmental impacts, such as global warming, acidification, and smog, associated with the concrete and steel production along with the diesel used for transportation and on-site machinery due to mineral extraction and refining, and required energy inputs for processing. Subsequently, economic evaluation and social impact analyses are performed and the results of analyses are compared. For the site-specific conditions considered, it is concluded that a caisson is more sustainable foundation option than a pile foundation in terms of environmental, economic, and social aspects over its design life.
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