Abstract:

This research assesses the importance of LCA method to Civil Engineers for postgraduate students. This study is carried out within the framework of the predictive models of optimization of concrete structures subject of the master’s degree in concrete engineering. This course introduces students to methods like the optimization of structures through the application of algorithms, and other concepts like multi-criteria decision making. To reach the knowledge about these techniques students are trained in life cycle assessment, machine learning and data science techniques. In this study a LCA study case is proposed for its resolution. To assess students’ opinion about LCA, they are required to complete a survey. The objectives of this study are related with the assessment of how student understand the LCA models and how much important are these methodologies for them. In order to obtain these result,s the survey is analyzed by means of a principal component analysis, that will allow to get a statistical result for this survey response. The LCA methodology allow students to acquire different transversal competencies, such as critical thinking, analysis and problem solving or the use of specific instrumental, all of them framed within the institutional project of the Universitat Politècnica de València. This paper allows to delve into the perception of the importance of new assessment techniques for Civil Engineering students and opens the door to future research studies related with multi-criteria assessment of structures and other Civil Engineering projects.

Keywords:

LCA, structures, optimization, multi-criteria, decision making, transversal competencies.