Bio

Professor Lepech's research focuses on the integration of sustainability indicators into engineering design, ranging from materials design, structural design, system design, to operations management. Such sustainability indicators include a comprehensive set of environmental, economic, and social costs. Recently his research has focused on the design of sustainable high performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) and fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), the impacts of sustainable materials on building and infrastructure design and operation, and the development of new life cycle assessment (LCA) applications for building systems, transportation systems, water systems, consumer products. Along with this he is studying the effects that slowly diffusing sustainable civil engineering innovations, and the social networks they diffuse through, can have on achieving long term sustainability goals.

Academic Appointments

Program Affiliations

  • Science, Technology and Society

Professional Education

  • MBA, University of Michigan, Finance and Strategy (2008)
  • PhD, University of Michigan, Civil and Environmental Engineering (2006)

Contact

  • Academic
    mlepech@stanford.edu
    University - Faculty Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering Position: Assoc Professor
    • Yang & Yamazaki Energy & Environment Building Room 285B
    • 473 Via Ortega
    • Stanford,  California  94305-4020 

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 4020
  • Other Names:
    Mike Lepech

2019-20 Courses

Stanford Advisees

All Publications

  • Cradle-to-gate sustainable target value design: integrating life cycle assessment and construction management for buildings JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION Russell-Smith, S. V., Lepech, M. D. 2015; 100: 107-115

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.03.044

    View details for Web of Science ID 000356191400009

  • Integrating durability-based service-life predictions with environmental impact assessments of natural fiber-reinforced composite materials RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING Miller, S. A., Srubar, W. V., Billington, S. L., Lepech, M. D. 2015; 99: 72-83

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.04.004

    View details for Web of Science ID 000356735500008

  • Static versus Time-Dependent Material Selection Charts and Application in Wood Flour Composites JOURNAL OF BIOBASED MATERIALS AND BIOENERGY Miller, S. A., Lepech, M. D., Billington, S. L. 2015; 9 (2): 273-283

    View details for DOI 10.1166/jbmb.2015.1517

    View details for Web of Science ID 000358624400021

  • Techno-Ecological Synergy: A Framework for Sustainable Engineering ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Bakshi, B. R., Ziv, G., Lepech, M. D. 2015; 49 (3): 1752-1760

    Abstract

    Even though the importance of ecosystems in sustaining all human activities is well-known, methods for sustainable engineering fail to fully account for this role of nature. Most methods account for the demand for ecosystem services, but almost none account for the supply. Incomplete accounting of the very foundation of human well-being can result in perverse outcomes from decisions meant to enhance sustainability and lost opportunities for benefiting from the ability of nature to satisfy human needs in an economically and environmentally superior manner. This paper develops a framework for understanding and designing synergies between technological and ecological systems to encourage greater harmony between human activities and nature. This framework considers technological systems ranging from individual processes to supply chains and life cycles, along with corresponding ecological systems at multiple spatial scales ranging from local to global. The demand for specific ecosystem services is determined from information about emissions and resource use, while the supply is obtained from information about the capacity of relevant ecosystems. Metrics calculate the sustainability of individual ecosystem services at multiple spatial scales and help define necessary but not sufficient conditions for local and global sustainability. Efforts to reduce ecological overshoot encourage enhancement of life cycle efficiency, development of industrial symbiosis, innovative designs and policies, and ecological restoration, thus combining the best features of many existing methods. Opportunities for theoretical and applied research to make this framework practical are also discussed.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/es5041442

    View details for Web of Science ID 000349060300063

    View details for PubMedID 25560912

  • Impact of progressive sustainable target value assessment on building design decisions BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT Russell-Smith, S. V., Lepech, M. D., Fruchter, R., Littman, A. 2015; 85: 52-60

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.11.011

    View details for Web of Science ID 000350184900006

  • Sustainable target value design: integrating life cycle assessment and target value design to improve building energy and environmental performance JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION Russell-Smith, S. V., Lepech, M. D., Fruchter, R., Meyer, Y. B. 2015; 88: 43-51

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.03.025

    View details for Web of Science ID 000347771100005

  • Incorporating spatiotemporal effects and moisture diffusivity into a multi-criteria materials selection methodology for wood-polymer composites CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS Srubar, W. V., Miller, S. A., Lepech, M. D., Billington, S. L. 2014; 71: 589-601

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.08.049

    View details for Web of Science ID 000345475300063

  • A multi-objective feedback approach for evaluating sequential conceptual building design decisions AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION Basbagill, J. P., Flager, F. L., Lepech, M. 2014; 45: 136-150

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.autcon.2014.04.015

    View details for Web of Science ID 000347745800014

  • Firm-level ecosystem service valuation using mechanistic biogeochemical modeling and functional substitutability ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS Comello, S. D., Maltais-Landry, G., Schwegler, B. R., Lepech, M. D. 2014; 100: 63-73

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2014.01.014

    View details for Web of Science ID 000334132600006

  • Probabilistic design and management of environmentally sustainable repair and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES Lepech, M. D., Geiker, M., Stang, H. 2014; 47: 19-31

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2013.10.009

    View details for Web of Science ID 000331686900004

  • Application of multi-criteria material selection techniques to constituent refinement in biobased composites MATERIALS & DESIGN Miller, S. A., Lepech, M. D., Billington, S. L. 2013; 52: 1043-1051

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.matdes.2013.06.046

    View details for Web of Science ID 000323832200122

  • Behavior of Concrete and ECC Structures under Simulated Earthquake Motion JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING-ASCE Gencturk, B., Elnashai, A. S., Lepech, M. D., Billington, S. 2013; 139 (3): 389-399

    View details for DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000667

    View details for Web of Science ID 000316701000008

  • Network-Level Pavement Asset Management System Integrated with Life-Cycle Analysis and Life-Cycle Optimization JOURNAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS Zhang, H., Keoleian, G. A., Lepech, M. D. 2013; 19 (1): 99-107

    View details for DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)IS.1943-555X.0000093

    View details for Web of Science ID 000316563500010

  • Application of life-cycle assessment to early stage building design for reduced embodied environmental impacts BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT Basbagill, J., Flager, F., Lepech, M., Fischer, M. 2013; 60: 81-92

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.buildenv.2012.11.009

    View details for Web of Science ID 000314734800008

  • Improvement in environmental performance of poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(beta-hydroxyvalerate) composites through process modifications JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION Miller, S. A., Billington, S. L., Lepech, M. D. 2013; 40: 190-198

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.08.033

    View details for Web of Science ID 000312173200022

  • Durability of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES Van Zijl, G. P., Wittmann, F. H., Oh, B. H., Kabele, P., Toledo Filho, R. D., Fairbairn, E. M., Slowik, V., Ogawa, A., Hoshiro, H., Mechtcherine, V., Altmann, F., Lepech, M. D. 2012; 45 (10): 1447-1463

    View details for DOI 10.1617/s11527-012-9845-y

    View details for Web of Science ID 000307539400002

  • Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment for a Cradle-to-Cradle Cycle: Biogas-to-Bioplastic (and Back) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Rostkowski, K. H., Criddle, C. S., Lepech, M. D. 2012; 46 (18): 9822-9829

    Abstract

    At present, most synthetic organic materials are produced from fossil carbon feedstock that is regenerated over time scales of millions of years. Biobased alternatives can be rapidly renewed in cradle-to-cradle cycles (1-10 years). Such materials extend landfill life and decrease undesirable impacts due to material persistence. This work develops a LCA for synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from methane with subsequent biodegradation of PHB back to biogas (40-70% methane, 30-60% carbon dioxide). The parameters for this cradle-to-cradle cycle for PHB production are developed and used as the basis for a cradle-to-gate LCA. PHB production from biogas methane is shown to be preferable to its production from cultivated feedstock due to the energy and land required for the feedstock cultivation and fermentation. For the PHB-methane cycle, the major challenges are PHB recovery and demands for energy. Some or all of the energy requirements can be satisfied using renewable energy, such as a portion of the collected biogas methane. Oxidation of 18-26% of the methane in a biogas stream can meet the energy demands for aeration and agitation, and recovery of PHB synthesized from the remaining 74-82%. Effective coupling of waste-to-energy technologies could thus conceivably enable PHB production without imported carbon and energy.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/es204541w

    View details for Web of Science ID 000308787800002

    View details for PubMedID 22775327

  • Human Health Impact as a Boundary Selection Criterion in the Life Cycle Assessment of Pultruded Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY Basbagill, J. P., Lepech, M. D., Ali, S. M. 2012; 16 (2): 266-275

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2011.00416.x

    View details for Web of Science ID 000302534800010

  • Project-Level Assessment of Environmental Impact: Ecosystem Services Approach to Sustainable Management and Development JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT IN ENGINEERING Comello, S. D., Lepech, M. D., Schwegler, B. R. 2012; 28 (1): 5-12

    View details for DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000093

    View details for Web of Science ID 000300439100003

  • Multi-objective building envelope optimization for life-cycle cost and global warming potential 9th European Conference on Product and Process Modelling Flager, F., Basbagill, J., Lepech, M., Fischer, M. CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2012: 193–200

    View details for Web of Science ID 000337164500027

  • Structural modeling of corroded reinforced concrete bridge columns 6th International Conference on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management (IABMAS) Rao, A. S., Lepech, M. D., Kiremidjian, A. S. CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2012: 1008–1014

    View details for Web of Science ID 000328502801053

  • USING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT METHODS TO GUIDE ARCHITECTURAL DECISION-MAKING FOR SUSTAINABLE PREFABRICATED MODULAR BUILDINGS JOURNAL OF GREEN BUILDING Faludi, J., Lepech, M. D., Loisos, G. 2012; 7 (3): 151-170

    View details for Web of Science ID 000322715200010

  • ECOLOGICAL PAYBACK TIME OF AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT MODULAR BUILDING JOURNAL OF GREEN BUILDING Faludi, J., Lepech, M. 2012; 7 (1): 100-119

    View details for Web of Science ID 000303729200008

  • A Framework for Multiphysics Modeling of Natural Environments for Valuation of Privately Owned Ecosystem Services IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology (ISSST) Comello, S. D., Lepech, M. D. IEEE. 2011

    View details for Web of Science ID 000297353100064

  • INTEGRATED PROBABILISTIC LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT AND DURABILITY DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE SHCC INFRASTRUCTURE 2nd International RILEM Conference on Strain Hardening Cementitious Composites (SHCC2-Rio) Lepech, M. D., Stang, H., Geiker, M. R I L E M PUBLICATIONS. 2011: 157–164

    View details for Web of Science ID 000309322600019

  • Life-Cycle Optimization of Pavement Overlay Systems JOURNAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS Zhang, H., Keoleian, G. A., Lepech, M. D., Kendall, A. 2010; 16 (4): 310-322

    View details for DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)IS.1943-555X.0000042

    View details for Web of Science ID 000284277500010

  • Dynamic Life-Cycle Modeling of Pavement Overlay Systems: Capturing the Impacts of Users, Construction, and Roadway Deterioration JOURNAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS Zhang, H., Lepech, M. D., Keoleian, G. A., Qian, S., Li, V. C. 2010; 16 (4): 299-309

    View details for DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)IS.1943-555X.0000017

    View details for Web of Science ID 000284277500009

  • Design of Sustainable Pavements Using Probabilistic LCA/Durability Design Proceedings of International Workshop on Energy and Environment in the Development of Sustainable Asphalt Pavements Lepech, M. D. XIAN JIAOTUNG UNIV PRESS. 2010: 16–21

    View details for Web of Science ID 000283200900006

  • Improving infrastructure sustainability using nanoparticle engineered cementitious composites International Conference on Advanced Concrete Materials (ACM) Lepech, M. D. CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2010: 153–161

    View details for Web of Science ID 000353964900020

  • Time varying risk modeling of deteriorating bridge infrastructure for sustainable infrastructure design 5th International Conference on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management (IABMAS) Rao, A. S., Lepech, M. D., Kiremidjian, A. S., Sun, X. Y. CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2010: 2501–2508

    View details for Web of Science ID 000320615004038

  • Water permeability of engineered cementitious composites CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES Lepech, M. D., Li, V. C. 2009; 31 (10): 744-753

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2009.07.002

    View details for Web of Science ID 000271850300007

  • Application of ECC for bridge deck link slabs MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES Lepech, M. D., Li, V. C. 2009; 42 (9): 1185-1195

    View details for DOI 10.1617/s11527-009-9544-5

    View details for Web of Science ID 000270841100003

  • Introduction of Transition Zone Design for Bridge Deck Link Slabs Using Ductile Concrete ACI STRUCTURAL JOURNAL Qian, S., Lepech, M. D., Kim, Y. Y., Li, V. C. 2009; 106 (1): 96-105

    View details for Web of Science ID 000262291800011

  • Transition Zone Analysis and Design for Bridge Deck Link Slabs using Ductile Concrete ACI Structural Journal Qian, S., Lepech, M., Kim, Y., Y., Li, V., C. 2009; 1 (106): 96-105
  • Sustainable Infrastructure Systems using Engineered Cementitious Composites Lepech, M., D. 2009
  • Treatment of Uncertainties in Life Cycle Assessment Baker, J., W., Lepech, M. 2009
  • Improving Infrastructure Sustainability using Nanoparticle Engineered Cementitious Composites Lepech, M., D. 2009
  • Autogenous Healing of Engineered Cementitious Composites Under Wet-Dry Cycles Journal of Cement and Concrete Research Yang, Y., Lepech, M., D., Yang, E., H., Li, V., C. 2009; 39: 382-390
  • Design of Green Engineered Cementitious Composites for Improved Sustainability ACI MATERIALS JOURNAL Lepech, M. D., Li, V. C., Robertson, R. E., Keoleian, G. A. 2008; 105 (6): 567-575

    View details for Web of Science ID 000261585200004

  • Materials design for sustainability through life cycle modeling of engineered cementitious composites MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES Kendall, A., Keoleian, G. A., Lepech, M. D. 2008; 41 (6): 1117-1131

    View details for DOI 10.1617/s11527-007-9310-5

    View details for Web of Science ID 000256434800010

  • Design of green engineered cementitious composites for pavement overlay applications 1st International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering Lepech, M. D., Keoleian, G. A., Qian, S., Li, V. C. CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2008: 837–842

    View details for Web of Science ID 000267796500130

  • An integrated life cycle assessment and life cycle analysis model for pavement overlay systems 1st International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering Zhang, H., Keoleian, G. A., Lepech, M. D. CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2008: 907–912

    View details for Web of Science ID 000267796500141

  • Large Scale Processing of Engineered Cementitious Composites ACI Materials Journal Lepech, M., D., Li, V., C. 2008; 4 (105): 358-366
  • Integrated Structure and Materials Design for Sustainable Concrete Transportation Infrastructure Lepech, M., Keoleian, G., A., Li, V., C. 2007
  • Incorporating Life Cycle Analysis into Early Stage Office Furniture Product Development International Life Cycle Assessment and Management 2007. Conway, C., Lepech, M., VanValkenburg, D., Youngs, B. 2007
  • Guiding the design and application of new materials for enhancing sustainability performance: Framework and infrastructure application Symposium on Life-Cycle Analysis Tools for Green Materials and Process Selection held at the 2005 MRS Fall Meeting Keoleian, G. A., Kendall, A. M., Lepech, M. D., Li, V. C. MATERIALS RESEARCH SOCIETY. 2006: 123–134

    View details for Web of Science ID 000237226800013

  • Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering: Integrating Material and Structural Design with Life Cycle Analysis Advances in Cement and Concrete X: Sustainability Lepech, M., Li, V., C. edited by Schrivener, K., Monteiro, P., Hanehara, S. ECI. 2006: 55–60
  • Long Term Durability Performance of Engineered Cementitious Composites International Journal for Restoration of Buildings and Monuments Lepech, M., D., Li, V., C. 2006; 2 (12): 119-132
  • Durability ang Long Term Performance of Engineered Cementitious Composites Lepech, M., Li, V., C. 2006
  • General Design Assumptions for Engineered Cementitious Composites Li, V., C., Lepech, M. 2006
  • Life Cycle Modeling of Concrete Bridge Design: Comparison of Engineered Cementitious Composite Link Slabs and Conventional Steel Expansion Joints JOURNAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS Keoleian, G. A., Kendall, A., Dettling, J. E., Smith, V. M., Chandler, R. F., Lepech, M. D., Li, V. C. 2005; 11 (1): 51-60

    View details for DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)1076-0342(2005)11:1(51)

    View details for Web of Science ID 000208358700006

  • Water Permeability of Cracked Cementitious Composites Lepech, M., Li, V. 2005
  • Life-Cycle Cost Model for Evaluating the Sustainability of Bridge Decks Keoleian, G., A., Kendall, A., Chandler, R., F., Helfand, G., Lepech, M., D., Li, V., C. 2005
  • Life Cycle Model for Evaluating the Sustainability of Concrete Infrastructure Systems Keoleian, G., Kendall, A., Chandler, R., Helfand, G., Lepech, M., Li, V., C. 2005
  • Design and Field Demonstration of ECC Link Slabs for Jointless Bridge Decks Lepech, M., Li, V., C. 2005
  • Sustainable Infrastructure Material Design Lepech, M., Li, V., C., Keoleian, G. 2005
  • Self -healing of ECC under cyclic wetting and drying Yang, Y., Lepech, M., Li, V. 2005
  • Self-healing in Cementitious Compounds Self-healing Materials Workshop Li, V., C., Lepech, M. edited by aan Zee, N. Delft, Netherlands. 2005: 1
  • Life Cycle Modeling of Concrete Bridge Design: Comparison of ECC Link Slabs and Conventional Steel Expansion Joints Journal of Infrastructure Systems Keoleian, G., A., Kendall, A., Dettling, J., E., Smith, V., M., Chandler, R., F., Lepech, M., D. 2005: 51-60
  • Crack Resistant Concrete Material for Transportation Construction Transportation Research Board 83rd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers, Paper No. 04-4680. Li, V., C., Lepech, M. 2004
  • Development of green engineered cementitious composites for sustainable infrastructure systems International Workshop on Sustainable Development and Concrete Technology Li, V. C., Lepech, M., Wang, S. X., Weimann, M., Keoleian, G. CENTER TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH & EDUCATION. 2004: 181–191

    View details for Web of Science ID 000223336500017

  • Development of Green ECC for Sustainable Infrastructure Systems. Li, V., C., Lepech, M., Wang, S., Weimann, M., Keoleian, G. edited by Wang, K. 2004
  • Size Effect in ECC Structural Members in Flexure Lepech, M., Li, V., C. 2004
  • Preliminary Findings on Size Effect in ECC Structural Members in Flexural Lepech, M., Li, V., C. 2003