Evaluating the Potential of Tapered Members for Embodied Carbon Reduction in Gable Steel Frames

As part of the global sustainability efforts, the construction industry is facing an increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, particularly in terms of Embodied Carbon (EC) emissions. Steel, a critical material in modern construction, contributes significantly to these emissions owing to its carbon-intensive production process. This study investigated the potential of tapered steel members as sustainable alternatives to standard I-beams in gable steel frame structures, focusing on reducing the EC and improving the overall structural efficiency. This study evaluates the structural performance, embodied carbon, and cost implications of tapered members compared to standard I-beams across different span lengths. The results show that the tapered steel members can achieve up to a 22% reduction EC compared to the standard I-beams while also providing higher design efficiency. These benefits became more pronounced as the span width increased. From a cost perspective, the tapered members offer savings for shorter spans; however, for longer spans, the increased fabrication complexity may offset the material and carbon reductions. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable structural design by emphasizing the importance of the material optimization and environmental impact reduction in the construction industry.