Abstract
The construction and demolition of infrastructure can produce a surplus of excavated soils that ends up at landfills. This practice is not sustainable, and approaches are needed to reduce soil waste and minimize environmental and human health hazards. The “Reuse of urban soils and sites” Working Group in the European Large Geotechnical Institute Platform (ELGIP) works towards a safe and resource efficient use of excavated soils for construction. By considering relevant literature and practicals based on experience in the participating ELGIP countries (France, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden), this study presents current practice related to the reuse of excavated soils, and the main barriers (regulatory, organizational, logistical and material quality) to effectively reuse them. Results show that there is no consensus on the best strategies to manage excavated soils in urban areas. This paper provides suggestions of ways in which stakeholders can increase reuse of excavated soils.
Highlights
Current and projected urbanization and concurrent population growth places a greater pressure on natural non-renewable resources and demands a new economic strategy which stimulates the sustainable use of Earth’s resources and prevents the production of unwanted waste [1]
Given the imperative need to implement sustainable practices in construction projects supported by legislation and policy makers to increase the reuse of excavated soils, the objective of this work is to present the current status for the reuse of excavated soils, of which the majority are clean or lightly contaminated, in a selection of countries (Australia, Canada, England/Wales, France, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland)
Information was collected from relevant stakeholders that covered the entire chain of a construction project and included those building on the ground, large companies that had won building contracts and were responsible for design and development, consultants who were employed at various stages of the construction projects as well as policy makers and enforcers working with excavated soils and construction works
Summary
Current and projected urbanization and concurrent population growth places a greater pressure on natural non-renewable resources and demands a new economic strategy which stimulates the sustainable use of Earth’s resources and prevents the production of unwanted waste [1]. The building and construction sector is responsible for a large part of this consumption and, to meet societal demands, this sector must improve resource efficiency and increase material reuse [5,6,7]. Building and construction projects (e.g., railways, roads, houses, energy supply networks) often lead to the production of large quantities of excavated soil (both clean and contaminated) which most often ends up at landfill [8]. Smarter methods are needed to reduce soil waste and ensure that its reuse does not pose a hazard to public health or the environment.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
