Cost and Carbon: Concept V5
Concept is a free conceptual design tool which enables designers to quickly compare embodied carbon, cost and construction time for a wide range of concrete frame options. It is intended to be used for selecting the most appropriate scheme for a concrete frame building, and to give initial member sizes.
Concept version 5, released in September 2024, incorporates a waffle slab option and opportunities for users to alter beam widths for wide beam solutions. The revision also includes updates to scheme calculations and the results page to improve accuracy and usability.
Cost, programme and carbon evaluation is dependent upon unit rates for materials, formwork and cladding, etc. Default rates based on available information are provided but the user should check that these are applicable to their project. The user may also input their own values. For basic assumptions, see the NOTES sheet in the software.
Concept version 5 will allow the user to investigate their preferred options, ranking them in terms of carbon, cost or construction time. Printed outputs include floor plans, sections, isometric stick diagrams, cost comparisons and material quantities. A construction cost summary can also be produced, based on default rates for construction costs or those entered by the user.
As it is spreadsheet, much of the program's work and data is available for inspection, avoiding the 'black box' scenario. The engineer can then proceed with verification and detailed design via conventional means such as The Concrete Centre’s RC Spreadsheets.
Watch our on-demand walkthrough which guides users through the tool. Feedback from those that have watched the webinar and used the tool include:
"Powerful tool at concept stage of a project."
"An amazing tool, it should form a part of all structural engineers' toolkits."
How to use Concept: Cost and Carbon
In addition to the webinar, a free User guide, with step-by-step instructions is available to support use of the tool.
To get started with Concept:
- Download Concept for free using the link above.
- Open the file concept.xls using Microsoft Excel.
- ‘Enable macros’ when prompted – these are necessary for the operation of the spreadsheet.
Some quick tips for users:
- Cells containing blue text are for data entry.
- Values in red or with a red background indicate errors.
- Do not copy and paste from one cell to another – this may cause errors.
- To get started, press ‘Start’ in the welcome sheet, and then use navigation area to proceed though the design stages.
Terms of Use
There is no licence required to use Concept v5. Users should note that all advice or information from MPA The Concrete Centre is intended for those who will evaluate the significance and limitations of its contents and take responsibility for its use and application. No liability (including that of negligence) for any loss resulting from such advice or information is accepted by MPA The Concrete Centre or its subcontractors, suppliers or advisors. Users should note that all MPA The Concrete Centre software and publications are subject to revision from time to time and they should therefore ensure that they are in possession of the latest version.
The current version of Concept is v5.0, released in September 2024.