Multiobjective Mathematical Programming Model for the Optimization of End-of-Life Buildings’ Deconstruction and Demolition Processes

Dimitrios Aidonis

doi:10.3390/su11051426

Abstract

Nowadays, construction and demolition waste management has become a critical process for the construction industry, as the specific waste stream poses important environmental issues and challenges. In the case of dismantling end-of-life buildings, the selection of the appropriate technique between deconstruction and conventional demolition is a critical decision affecting the total volume and type of produced waste. Toward this effect, in this paper, a novel decision-making model for the optimization of end-of-life buildings’ deconstruction and demolition processes is proposed. The objective of the proposed model is the simultaneous and weighted optimization of the total cost and time for the completion of the deconstruction and demolition processes, taking into consideration economic, legislative, and environmental criteria. Finally, a demonstration of the application of the proposed model is presented via two specific case studies and by discussing a few interesting managerial insights.

Highlights

In the past years, the main objective of the construction industry has been the optimal management of construction works in order to reduce the total cost of the process and increase a system’s profitability
After 2000, the construction industry has focused on the design stage, as well as on the construction and demolition works of end-of-life (EOL) buildings/structures, taking into consideration certain environmental issues
The most important environmental issue deals with the optimal management of generated construction and demolition (C&D) waste

Summary

Introduction

The main objective of the construction industry has been the optimal management of construction works in order to reduce the total cost of the process and increase a system’s profitability. After 2000, the construction industry has focused on the design stage, as well as on the construction and demolition works of end-of-life (EOL) buildings/structures, taking into consideration certain environmental issues. The most important environmental issue deals with the optimal management of generated construction and demolition (C&D) waste. This major change was due to increased environmental awareness of people, as C&D waste is one of the most voluminous waste streams generated worldwide. In the case of the European Union, this waste stream accounts for approximately one-third of all generated waste [2] To this end, the European Union developed the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC [3] for C&D waste management. According to Article 11.2, by 2020, there is an objective of 70% of reuse and recycling of C&D waste by all member states

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Conclusion