Work

Economic impacts of material selection on check dam construction in Japan: An input–output analysis promoting timber use

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the construction sector, replacing high-environmental-effect materials with low-environmental-impact materials is an effective measure for mitigating the effects of global warming. Although timber is an excellent alternative to concrete, its high cost makes it difficult to use in construction. In this study, to promote the use of timber in the construction sector, we quantitatively evaluated its economic impact as an added value to offset high construction costs, with a check dam as the target structure. To compare the economic impacts of constructing timber, concrete, and steel check dams, we created an extended input–output table. Although the construction cost of the timber check dam was approximately 2.1 and 1.7 times those of concrete and steel check dams, respectively, the economic impact ratios, which indicate the relative magnitude of economic impacts, were 2.06, 1.84, and 1.94 for timber, concrete, and steel, respectively. Thus, although the construction cost of the timber check dam is higher than those of other check dams, timber construction can positively impact economies. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that replacing conventional concrete and steel check dams with a timber check dam could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and revitalize economies. In this study, in addition to construction costs, the added value of timber was evaluated at the design stage by assessing the economic impacts of civil engineering structures from design documents. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the importance of considering not only construction costs but also economic impacts and greenhouse gas emissions when selecting materials for civil engineering structures.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107425

Authors: Tomohumi Huzita, Ryu Noda

Institutions: Nagano University, The University of Nagano, Akita Prefectural University

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940