Title: Life cycle assessment of precast concrete sewage treatment plant

Abstract

The fast expansion of built habitats away from main sewage lines and more stringent environmental legislations have led to an extensive need for creating sewage treatment plant (STP) units in the country. An essential and decentralized infrastructure such as the STP which is expected to perform without much hassle should be selected and evaluated on basis of life cycle performance and costing. This paper first provides a brief overview of legislations and norms for sewage treatment in India followed by a compilation of the common types and pros and cons of different STP technologies. With this backdrop, the research identifies various indicators and a sustainability framework with life cycle perspectives for selection and evaluation of STPs. It was identified that modular precast concrete STP has multifold benefits in the performance of the STP. The research presents the case of modular precast concrete STP with MBBR Technology highlighting the importance and superiority of high quality and durable waste water retaining structure and its influence on the performance of the STP. Salient features of such a structure in terms of construction standards, pre-designed technology formulation, corrosion resistance, anti-floatation measures, structural stability and anti-overturning effects, longer service life, anti-leakage features, quick installation & commissioning, water-tight jointing at interconnections, anti-vandalism chances, occupied footprint and proven construction quality are captured qualitatively and quantitatively in the case study. Further, life cycle cost assessment of precast concrete STP has been performed and expressed herein indicating the suitability of this waste water treatment solution in India.