Pitch-faced concrete is becoming a very popular element of modern architecture in the 21st century. In particular, the demand for concrete facades is increasing globally. On the other hand, climate change, environmental degradation, and limited resources are motivations for sustainable building materials. The construction industry is one the highest emitters of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, in which concrete plays a major role. Thus, reduction in the volume of concrete consumption is essential to control greenhouse gases. One approach to this problem is to use textile reinforced concrete (TRC). The main aim of the present study was to compare the subtle TRC facade made of three different types of technical textile rovings (glass, carbon, and basalt) with ordinary facades reinforced by steel reinforcement (ORC). The goal was to compare the basic environmental impact potential according to product category rules (PCR) for concrete structures. The functional unit was defined as an experimental facade with an area of 60 m² and a 100-year lifespan. Inventory data were elaborated for concrete, steel, and textile fiber production; the building site; service life; demolition; and final disposal. The main life cycle assessment (LCA) parameters were global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion (ODP), acidification (AP), eutrophication (EP), abiotic depletion (ADP), and photochemical oxidant creation (POCP). All the data used in the work were related to Czech Republic. Textile reinforced concrete facades appeared to be more environmentally friendly in four of six impact categories by an average of 30%. The results of the present study revealed that, in comparison to ORC, TRC has a lower environmental impact for the given conditions and thus good potential for use in sustainable construction.

In the case of concrete sustainability, two main ways are generally discussed: (1) the reduction of natural raw materials and (2) the reduction of emissions related to concrete production. Following the second point, there have not yet been reported clear results. This problem is not given enough attention in present publications. This study brings a general view of this issue and a basic comparison with common concrete and traditional reinforcement. This case study deals with the life cycle analysis of a concrete slab made of recycled aggregate concrete with a fine recycled aggregate. The concrete slab was designed according to the limit states of load-bearing capacity and serviceability, which is based on the experimental verification of recycled aggregate concrete properties. Two different reinforcements are compared: (1) ordinary reinforcement by steel bars and (2) glass fibers. Furthermore, scenarios vary due to the slab thickness and reinforcement percentage. The results show the positive environmental impact of replacing natural sand with a fine recycled aggregate. The reduction of climate change potential can be almost 40% in some cases.

The use of recycled aggregate concrete is mainly negatively affected by its poorer mechanical and long-term properties. However, there are few structural applications for which recycled aggregates can be used. In this case study, the possibility of use as massive external reinforcement wall is verified. For this structural application, the most important characteristics are freeze–thaw resistance, and carbonation resistance and then the mechanical properties such as compressive strength. Durability characteristics of the materials have been tested and improved in the study. The mechanical properties and durability of recycled aggregated concrete have been verified and crystalline mixture has been used to improve durability. The specific structural application of the massive external reinforcement wall is for the renovation of the Czech WW2 concrete fortification, which is one of the most important cultural heritages of the Czech Republic of the 20th century. However, these buildings have not yet been professionally rebuilt, but this research project aims to change this trend. The thickness of the bunker wall is between 0.5 and 3.5 m (depending on the type of bunker) which leads to a huge amount of concrete and primary resources consumption; however, the security function is not necessary today, so the reconstruction could be provided by recycled aggregate concrete. The results showed a positive effect of the crystalline mixture on the essential properties of recycled aggregate concrete. Recycled aggregate concrete with a complete replacement of aggregate by recycled concrete or masonry aggregate is possible to use for the reconstruction of the Czech WW2 concrete fortification and save natural aggregate as a primary resource.

Currently, high performance concrete (HPC) is becoming more and more popular mainly because of its great mechanical parameters. As in the case of ordinary power concrete (OPC) it is necessary to improve the load bearing capacity with using of reinforcement. The present age calls for using of very thin structures for reasons of both environmental parameters and visual quality. Based on this fact, reinforcement start to use durable composite materials, such as technical textiles made of them. Element of HPC with this type of reinforcement is called textile reinforced high performance concrete (TRHPC). It is impossible to use the traditional approach for usually used steel reinforcement if we want to design these extra-thin structures. Modeled structures are very sensitive for input parameters and the development of standards for TRC material lags. The present study is focused on the different method of approach for the determination of tensile modulus of composite reinforcement. Three used methods are compared with each other using numerical analysis of four point bending test of façade element for one type of used reinforcement. Curves from numerical analysis are finally compared with the curve from real experiment and based on this the final evaluation is generated.