# Sustainability Enhancement and Evaluation of a Concrete Dam Using Recycling
## 2 Methodology
### LCA Method  
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a systematic and holistic methodology employed to assess the environmental impact of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle. This includes the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and end-of-life disposal [10; 30]. The primary goal of LCA is to quantify the environmental burdens associated with a particular system and identify opportunities for improvement in terms of resource use, energy efficiency, and emissions. The LCA process typically involves four main stages: goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. During the goal and scope definition stage, the objectives and boundaries of the assessment are established. Life cycle inventory involves compiling an exhaustive list of inputs and outputs associated with the system under study. The life cycle impact assessment phase evaluates the potential environmental impacts of these inputs and outputs, considering factors such as climate change, resource depletion, and human health [31; 32].  
Interpretation is a critical step where the results of the LCA are analyzed and communicated. This involves considering trade-offs and identifying areas where changes can be made to reduce environmental impacts [33]. LCA is a versatile tool used across various industries to inform decision-making processes, guide sustainable product development, and support environmentally conscious practices [34]. In recent years, life cycle thinking has gained prominence as organizations and consumers increasingly recognize the importance of considering the entire life cycle of products and services to achieve more sustainable and environmentally friendly outcomes. LCA provides a comprehensive framework for making informed choices that balance economic, environmental, and social considerations.  
Impact 2002+ is a widely used methodology in the field of LCA, a systematic approach to evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or activity throughout its entire lifecycle [35]. Impact 2002+ encompasses a comprehensive set of impact categories and indicators that allow for a holistic analysis of environmental consequences. By assessing factors such as resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and other ecological considerations, Impact 2002+ provides valuable insights into the potential environmental burdens associated with various alternatives [35]. Its incorporation into LCA studies aids in making informed decisions and formulating strategies for minimizing the overall environmental footprint of a given system, thereby contributing to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices across industries and sectors.  
Hence, this research employs the Impact 2002+ approach to acquire and assess the ecological repercussions of the dam. The environmental impacts associated with dam construction, considering materials such as concrete, fuel, wood, blasting material, steel, and rebars, are evaluated in this study. Using LCA, each material's environmental footprint is assessed across its entire life cycle from extraction and processing to transportation, construction, and disposal. Figure 1 shows the system boundary for dam construction.