Improving the recycling rate of the construction industry

Grigoriadis, Konstantinos; Whittaker, Mark; Soutsos, Marios; Sha, Wei; Napolano, Loredana; Klinge, Andrea; Paganoni, Sara; Casado, María; Brander, Linus; Rábade, Miguel Prieto; Mueller, Urs; Mousavi, Marjan; During, Otto; Scullin, Michael; Correia, Ruben; Zerbi, Tommaso; Merli, Irene; Ingrosso, Ilaria; Attanasio, Agnese; Largo, Alessandro

doi:10.18552/2019/idscmt5044

Cited by 9 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…Large-sized blocks are crushed, and then processed in crushers installed directly on the site. The product of recycling of building materials is crushed stone, which is widely used for filling technological roads, filling the sinuses of pits, and drainage devices in swampy areas [38][39][40][41][42][43][44].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New approaches to the development of construction technologies

et al. 2021

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The paper presents data on the volume of materials consumed by builders and the carbon dioxide emissions that occur during this process. The reasons for the formation and volume of construction debris are considered. Recycling technologies currently used in the demolition of buildings are associated with crushing. The resulting concrete mix is used only for filling low-level earthworks due to the rapid carbonation of concrete surfaces. The scrap metal formed during crushing is used for remelting, polluting the atmosphere and requiring a large amount of energy. It is proved that due to the low economic and environmental efficiency, this method of recycling is a dead end. Studies have found that the constant increase in the strength of concrete and the absence of a decrease in the strength characteristics of reinforcing steels, stone materials, bricks, which are operated for a long time in favorable temperature and humidity conditions, allows them to be reused. General approaches have been developed that require changes in the existing technologies for the renovation of urban areas, the demolition of individual buildings and structures that currently exist. To reduce CO2 emissions and construction debris, it is enough to increase the volume of gentrification, reconstruction, major repairs, and re-profiling of the existing residential and industrial stock. When demolishing buildings, it is necessary to abandon the method of collapse of building structures with their further fragmentation. The method of piecemeal dismantling with repeated use of materials, products and structures (after determining their strength indicators by specialists), allows you to dramatically reduce the problems of construction debris and carbon dioxide emissions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New approaches to the development of construction technologies

et al. 2021

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The impact of innovative technologies in construction activities on concrete debris recycling in China: a system dynamics-based analysis

Zhang

Konyalıoğlu

Duan

et al. 2023

Environ Dev Sustain

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As construction activities become more intensive in developing countries, increasing improperly managed construction and demolition waste (CDW) brings serious environmental impacts. Recycling is a beneficial way to dispose of CDW that reduces environmental impact and brings economic benefits, especially for concrete. China is the country that generates the most CDW in the world, but its domestic recycling rate is much lower than that of developed countries. While the efficient technologies in developed regions have helped them to achieve a well-established recycling industry, whether these innovative technologies can be used to improve the concrete debris recycling targets in developing regions is unclear. This study examines whether innovations currently widely used in construction activities and materials can have a positive effect on the recycling of End-of-Life concrete materials in China. Results from modeling system dynamics imply that the introduction of innovative technologies in the recycling system of concrete debris can probably contribute to CO2 reduction (3.6% reduction) and economic benefits (2.6 times increase, but mainly from landfill charges and fines) from 2022 to 2030. Prefabrication and 3D printing significantly impact recycled concrete production and CDW recycling, and they are recommended as a priority for promotion. In contrast, carbonation is not suggested for application due to its minor role. Nevertheless, since the market share of innovative technologies and the basic CDW recycling rates are currently low in China, fluctuations in their usage are hardly to have a substantial positive impact. We suggest that financial support from the government is needed for upcycling by recyclers and technology providers to improve the base recycling rate in order for innovative technologies to make an effective contribution to the sustainable construction industry, creating a win–win situation for both the economy and the environment of the recycling system.

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