From concrete waste to walls: An investigation of reclamation and digital technologies for new load-bearing structures

Abstract

The research presented in this paper highlights current practices for the end-of-life of concrete and explores opportunities in using unaltered concrete rubbles from demolition for the digital construction of structural walls. Through research by iterative making performed by the authors, relevant upcycling processes and design strategies are identified and explored to shape new tectonics specific to reclaimed concrete rubbles with non-standard variable geometries. This iterative research proposes accessible and scalable digital processes to overcome the challenges inherent to this untapped construction material. Results from small-scale prototypes provide valuable insights for full-scale processes to advance the digitization of construction and alleviate its environmental impact.