Environmental requirements and integrateddesign: methodological and applicativeaspects

The paper refers to an experimental application of methodologies and tools of eco-design, life-cycle service design and life-cycle assessment, for the integrated design of a footbridge. The main objective of the work was to demonstrate the real possibility of developing a design solution that can simultaneously meet needs of static security (structural design), useful life optimization (life-cycle services design), environmental impacts evaluation (life-cycle assessment) and their minimization through the correct configuration of building elements. Secondary objective of the study was to evaluate potential changes in the environmental behaviour of the footbridge during its whole life cycle, in the case should change the useful life and the materials used. The study was developed with regard to the more meaningful life cycle stages. The production, the construction and assembly, the maintenance and disposal.