Construction Waste Reduction Research Articles

AVALIAÇÃO DA EXECUÇÃO DE PRÉ-MOLDADOS EM RESIDÊNCIAS

The use of precast elements in residential construction has proven to be an effective and attractive option due to its speed, precision, and cost reduction. This research explores the particularities, benefits, and challenges associated with this construction method, covering various types of components, such as slabs and beams, as well as the stages of the process, including manufacturing, transportation, and assembly. Among the advantages are the uniformity of components, faster construction processes, waste reduction, and efficient material management, which promotes sustainability in the construction sector. However, challenges also arise, such as the need for rigorous planning, skilled labor, adherence to quality standards in production, and some limitations in project flexibility. Logistical issues and the resistance of structures to weather conditions are essential to ensure the durability of buildings. The study concludes that, despite certain constraints, the strategic use of precast elements can bring significant benefits to residential construction, especially with the advancement of new technologies and innovations.

Focusing on architectural beauty to reduce construction waste

Focusing on architectural beauty to reduce construction waste

Recycled Aggregates Influence on the Mechanical Properties of Cement Lime-Based Mortars

The current framework for managing construction waste, guided by European Union regulations, calls for an integrated waste management system. However, the reuse of old plaster waste, particularly from deteriorated facades, remains underexplored. This study investigates the potential of repurposing old plaster waste as a substitute for aggregates and cement in mortars, with the aim of promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. Three mortar mixes were analyzed: a control mix, a mix with 45% waste replacing aggregates, and a mix with 10% waste replacing cement. Results show that replacing 45% of aggregates with plaster waste led to a 30% reduction in flexural strength, while the 10% cement replacement increased flexural strength by 6%. Compressive strength dropped by 27% and 38% for cement and aggregate replacements, respectively. Despite these reductions, the waste replacement remained within acceptable limits for structural integrity. Further microscopic analysis revealed that the incomplete integration of portlandite particles from the waste contributed to non-uniform bonding and crystal formation, weakening the mortar’s structure. This research demonstrates the feasibility of reusing old plaster waste, offering a novel approach to reducing construction waste and promoting a circular economy. It contributes to filling the knowledge gap on the reuse of plaster mortars while aligning with sustainable construction goals.

Structural build-up of 3D printed earth by drying

In recent years, the potential of earth materials in construction has emerged as a sustainable pathway, offering environmental benefits compared to traditional methods. When used in raw form, earth materials can be recycled at the end of a building life, reducing construction waste. In parallel, integrating additive manufacturing into the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector has brought about a shift in construction dynamics, combining efficiency with precision. This paper bridges the study of 3D printing with earth-based fresh mortars, emphasising the capabilities of the “Forced Layer Drying” (FLD) technique in the additive manufacturing process to increase the mechanical performance of the printing mortar.This paper begins by defining the requisite rheological properties for successful 3D printing. A chosen material for this paper is speswhite kaolin. An instrumental aspect of our research is exploring an established model for the drying rate of saturated porous media, such as earth and concrete, and its application to predict the evaporation rate of saturated earth-based mortar in 3D printing with forced drying conditions. The Wind-Tunnel experiment was conducted to validate this model, examining the interplay of airflow speed and temperature on the evaporation rate. Further deepening this study, the soil water content and undrained shear strength are correlated, specifically based on models derived from oedometer geotechnical standard tests. This facilitated a comprehensive understanding of porous earth-based materials in various moisture scenarios. Our findings confirm that airflow, temperature, and the geometry of the printed object play instrumental roles in affecting evaporation rate, consequent mechanical performance, and structural build-up of the material. The paper wraps up by offering insights into the practical application of 3D printing using earth-based mortars, with a special focus on FLD technique.

Evaluating the carbon emission reduction in construction and demolition waste management in China

Construction and demolition waste reduction (C&DWR) is an important measure to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in the construction sector. The present policy in China remains a lack of emphasis on carbon tax and penalty for reducing construction waste. This paper proposes a construction and demolition waste (C&DW) management model to identify the waste reduction effects of various policies in China. It simulates the effects of single policies and combined policies on waste reduction and carbon emission by using the approach of integrating system dynamics and grey model theory. The results reveal that: (1) Penalties can effectively reduce the amount of illegal dump waste and carbon emissions from illegal dump waste, with an appropriate penalty value (in Chinese CNY) suggested as ∈160,320. (2) Subsidies can vastly increase the amount of waste recycled and a carbon tax can reduce carbon emissions; the recommended values are suggested as subsidies ∈30,45 and carbon tax ∈40,70. (3) Compared to other policies, the combined policy of penalty–waste disposal charging fee–subsidy–carbon tax (160, 60, 45, 70) achieves the greatest environmental benefits in terms of reducing waste and carbon emission. (4) Governments should improve waste minimization incentive policies and gradually introduce trials for a carbon tax policy, encourage the use of digital governance combined with blockchain technology to regulate C&DW. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to develop effective waste reduction strategies and promote sustainability through the implementation of C&DWR theories.

Research on Low-Carbon Building Development and Carbon Emission Control Based on Mathematical Models: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province

This paper investigates the development of low-carbon buildings and carbon emission control in Jiangsu Province, China, utilizing a mathematical model. Through correlation analysis and principal component analysis, the carbon emissions of the entire life cycle of residential buildings are evaluated, and a Grey Prediction Model is established. The study shows that the annual carbon emission from air conditioners is 370.92 kg, given an annual electricity consumption of 1324.71 kW and a carbon emission of 0.28 kg per kWh. It identifies the key carbon emission indicators, including precipitation, temperature, energy consumption, building area, construction materials, water, natural gas, and waste. Principal component analysis ranks building area as the most significant factor. Using the GM (1,1) model, the carbon emissions of Jiangsu Province in 2024 were predicted to be 1.5576 million tons by historical data. Emission reduction suggestions are proposed, such as constructing thicker walls, increasing green spaces, reducing construction waste, and promoting balanced economic development. Moreover, prioritizing insulation materials in building design can reduce winter energy consumption since energy consumption is higher in winter than in summer. This research supports China’s goals of achieving a carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 while encouraging low-carbon technological innovation and improving people’s living standards. This study also emphasizes the importance of locally tailored strategies for effective emissions reduction.

Treatment of Marine Clay Strength Behavior by Demolished Tile Materials and Cement

Known as a problematic soil in the civil engineering field, a sustainable solution to marine clay soil strength behaviour is needed. Another major concern in the engineering field is the solid waste management. Demolished Tile Material (DTM) is one of the largest contributors to construction waste. By utilizing DTM as a stabilizer product to treat marine clay soil, both problems can be minimized. The primary objective of this study is to assess the improvement in marine clay soil's strength characteristics through the addition of DTM and cement. Various proportions of DTM (4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20%) were incorporated into the soil, with a constant 10% cement content. Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) measurements were taken at different curing times (0, 7, 14, 28, and 60 days). Results indicate a significant increase in UCS after treating marine clay with DTM and cement, with the most substantial improvement observed at 16% DTM content. The study also emphasizes the role of curing time in enhancing soil strength. The research findings shows that the potential of repurposing DTM for soil stabilization, reducing construction waste, and promoting environmentally responsible construction practices. This study also contributes to the sustainable development of marine clay areas in Malaysia and offers valuable insights for soil engineering and waste management in construction projects.

On the micro- and meso-structure and durability of 3D printed concrete elements

3D printed concrete (3DPC) creates opportunities, including a reduction in construction waste and time and increased design freedom. However, because of the differences in the construction technique compared to traditional concrete casting, the structures also perform differently; namely, the micro- and meso-structure and durability are shown to be different. For the 3DP technology to find its way to the market, one needs to be aware of these differences and needs to know how to quantify the above-mentioned properties, as differences in the testing methodologies impose themselves when characterizing printed instead of cast concrete. In this paper, we elaborate on the test methods to investigate the micro- and meso-structure and the durability of 3DPC. We start with a discussion on the micro- and meso-structure of the 3D printed concrete and how it is different from conventional mold-cast concrete. An in-depth discussion of the test methods to assess the durability of 3D printed concrete is outlined. Reported findings related to the two aforementioned properties are discussed. In addition, we report on the technologies proposed to improve the durability performance of 3DPC, and we highlight the remaining challenges and opportunities related to 3DPC.

Construction waste reduction measures for high-rise buildings in India – a stakeholder’s perspective

Construction waste reduction measures for high-rise buildings in India – a stakeholder’s perspective

Computing irregular hypar-based quad-mesh patterns for segmented timber shells

Hyperbolic paraboloids, “hypars,” are special types of ruled surfaces. Their geometric properties provide them with loadbearing and stabilizing capacities, as well as distinct esthetic qualities. These attributes become evident in numerous applications in buildings, in many of which concrete or timber is used for the construction of the hypars. Hypars could also be relevant in the context of circular construction and design for disassembly, and the upcycling of construction waste. Due to the geometric simplicity of straight lines, which generate ruled surfaces, hypar-based structures can be designed and built with relatively simple means. They can consist of self-similar or even identical elements, which could facilitate their reuse.Compared to other types of ruled surfaces, such as conoids, hypars have the advantage of being doubly ruled, meaning that structural grids of straight elements can be formed. This paper investigates another interesting property, which is the possibility of creating flat-quad meshes by diagonally connecting the intersection points of the generatrices. This property has been previously described by other scholars, some of which explored its applicability for glass-clad steel grid shells. In this research, we focus on its potential for segmented timber shells that can serve as stand-alone structures, or as modular and reusable building parts, such as façade or roof components. The reusability of such modular units could be achieved by using reversible joints between them.More specifically, our research investigates the design space of construction systems based on such components via computational design and optimization algorithms, such as the memory limited Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (LBFGS) algorithm with automatic computation of the gradient, within the Julia programming environment. By applying principles and methods of differential geometry, we study hypars with irregular tilings, enabling the integration of panels with diverse proportions, shapes and sizes, as they can occur in wood production waste. By reducing construction waste, the work aims at reducing the negative environmental impact of the building construction sector. Moreover, irregular tilings could enable a more customized design of acoustic qualities and offer visual variety in segmented hypar based timber structures.The here presented studies show that the proposed optimization method provides a good fit of many tiles to rhombi, particularly when the steepness is not too large. We also show that optimizing towards rectangles provides better results. Overall, the results support the initial assumption that irregular rulings could be a means of adapting to both homogeneous and diverse material stocks.

A strategy for reducing construction waste generated during the design process in architectural design firms in Egypt

Purpose This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and validated to reduce CW generated during DP. Findings Through literature review, the research identified the highest 40 causes of CW during the DP and classified them into 13 categories. Despite early promotion of WMS to reduce CW at its source, Egypt and other countries with similar construction market characteristics lack laws and regulations to address CW during the DP, with current codes primarily focusing on post-occurrence issues. In addition, analysis of three case studies showed that CW was reduced by adopting WMS during the DP. Findings of data analysis revealed that ADFs have an average knowledge of WMS and a low awareness of Egyptian laws and WMS during DP. “Prefabrication” was the highest-ranked strategy for CW reduction during DP. Several challenges hamper the implementation of WMS. The “preparation and briefing” was ranked the most common design stage where CW causes occur, while “waiting” was ranked the most common form of CW. These findings informed the research outcome and helped in the development of the proposed strategy. Research limitations/implications The proposed strategy was developed taking into account the results of the survey questionnaire which was conducted in ADFs in Egypt where the authors reside, and such a strategy is needed. However, it could be applied in other countries that share the same characteristics of the architectural DP as well as the causes of CW and WMS implementation challenges. Practical implications This research presents a practical strategy to reduce CW generated during the DP. It was based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The strategy was explained in a workable way to include the required activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources. The strategy was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability for implementation towards developing a sustainable built environment. The practical application of the strategy will have long-term and short-term benefits. The long-term benefits include improving the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability during the design and construction phases in Egypt. In the short term, application of the strategy will improve the cooperation between design and construction teams, reduce the negative impact of CW production and enhance the quality of construction projects in Egypt. Originality/value Despite the need to reduce CW during DP, a practical strategy is lacking in Egypt, where laws are focused on dealing with CW after its existence. This research studied a topic that received scant attention in construction literature. It developed and validated a strategy to reduce CW during DP, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value in a manner that has not been previously explored.

Catalyzing sustainability through prefabrication: Integrating BIM-LCA for assessing embodied carbon in timber formwork waste

Prefabrication is effective in reducing construction waste, as well as mitigating the associated carbon emissions. Timber formwork, as a crucial source of construction waste, has a substantial influence on the environmental performance of construction projects. Since no previous studies have investigated the effectiveness of prefabrication for reducing embodied carbon from timber formwork waste, this study develops a building information modeling (BIM) model of a case study building for quantifying timber formwork waste reduced under different prefabrication rates. The embodied carbon from cradle-to-cradle and during the materialization phase of timber formwork is calculated by employing life cycle assessment (LCA), while Monte Carlo simulation is conducted for uncertainty analysis by varying the parameters of consumption rates related to timber formwork waste. The results show that the manufacturing phase of timber formwork accounts for the largest proportion of embodied carbon: 83% during materialization and 78% throughout the cradle-to-cradle life cycle. The study also concludes that at a prefabrication rate of 88.47%, 30.38 kg/m2 of timber formwork can be saved, resulting in reductions of 11.43 kg/m2 and 10.80 kg/m2 of associated embodied carbon during the cradle-to-cradle life cycle and during materialization, respectively; conversely, at a prefabrication rate of only 30.08%, the reduction in embodied carbon during both phases decreases to 4.57 kg/m2 and 4.32 kg/m2, respectively.

Construction Waste Reduction in Buildings through Modular and Offsite Construction

Construction Waste Reduction in Buildings through Modular and Offsite Construction

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CIRCULAR ECONOMY

This study analyzes contemporary innovative approaches and technologies aimed at reducing construction waste and promoting its recycling, while also exploring their implementation potential within a circular economy framework. The scientific novelty lies in the examination of innovative strategies enhancing construction waste management within the circular economy context, contributing significantly to understanding and utilizing such technologies. Additionally, the practical value of this work is underscored by its provision of actionable insights and global best practices in implementing innovative technologies for construction waste management. The article delves into the significance and opportunities of utilizing innovative technologies within the context of a circular economy, addressing pertinent issues, expanding the understanding of circular economy concepts in construction, and offering practical examples and recommendations for implementation. The impact of circular economy principles on waste reduction and resource optimization in construction is thoroughly analyzed, with a focus on tools and technologies such as secondary resource utilization, 3D printing, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence to enhance waste management processes, ensuring their sustainability and efficiency. Furthermore, the article showcases successful innovative projects and initiatives globally while examining challenges and future prospects. It advocates for the active adoption of innovative technologies in construction and waste management to foster sustainable development and environmental preservation. By highlighting the intersection of cutting-edge technology and environmental sustainability, this study provides a comprehensive overview of how the construction industry can evolve to meet contemporary environmental challenges, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient construction sector. The research emphasizes the critical role of integrating technological advancements with circular economy principles to address the mounting issue of construction waste. It explores how the adaptation of these advanced technologies can lead to substantial reductions in waste generation, improved resource efficiency, and the development of sustainable construction practices. The study also underscores the importance of policy support and stakeholder collaboration in facilitating the widespread adoption of these innovative solutions. In conclusion, this article not only presents a detailed analysis of current trends and technologies in construction waste management but also offers a forward-looking perspective on the future of the industry. It serves as a call to action for policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers to embrace and invest in innovative technologies that align with the principles of the circular economy, ensuring a resilient and environmentally responsible construction sector for future generations. Keywords: technologies, management, waste, innovations, economy, efficiency, resources, sustainability, materials, cycle

A Roadmap for Reducing Construction Waste for Developing Countries

A Roadmap for Reducing Construction Waste for Developing Countries

Efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry: based on improved three stage SBM-DEA model in China

PurposeReducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry is crucial for the “dual carbon” goal. Evaluating the efficiency of reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry at the regional level is an important evaluation basis for the sustainable development of the construction industry. It provides a basis for formulating construction waste and carbon reduction policies tailored to local conditions and comprehensively promote the sustainable development of the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA three stage SBM-DEA model based on non-expected outputs is proposed by combining the SBM-DEA model with the SFA method. The proposed model is used to evaluate the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry in 30 regions of China from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, the study explores the impact of environmental variables such as urbanization level, proportion of construction industry employees, resident consumption level, and technological progress.FindingsFrom 2010 to 2020, the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in China’s construction industry has been increasing year by year. Provinces with higher efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry are mainly concentrated in the eastern coastal areas, showing an overall pattern of “East>West>Northeast>Middle”. There is a clear correlation between the level of urbanization, the proportion of construction industry employees, residents’ consumption level, technological progress, labor input, machinery input, and capital investment. The construction waste and carbon emission efficiency of the construction industry in various provinces is greatly influenced by environmental factors.Practical implicationsThe research results provide policy makers and business managers with effective policies for reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry, especially circular economy policies. To provide empirical support for further understanding the connotation of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, to create innovative models for construction waste and carbon reduction, and to promote the multiple benefits of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, and to provide empirical support for countries and enterprises with similar development backgrounds in China to formulate relevant policies and decision-making.Originality/valueThe construction industry is a high investment, high energy consumption, and high pollution industry. This study uses the three stage SBM-DEA model to explore the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, providing a new perspective for the evaluation of sustainable development in the construction industry, enriching and improving the theory of sustainable development.

Development of Sustainable 3D Printable Ternary Composite

3D printing technology has the potential to reduce construction waste through its controlled manufacturing process and optimized material consumption, making it a promising sustainable construction approach with reduced environmental impact. However, current 3D printed structures often have a high carbon footprint due to the large amounts of fine-grained primary materials used in mortar composites. Most efforts to develop 3D printed structures are associated with concrete and Portland cement-based materials.This research presents an innovative approach for the reuse of gypsum to develop a material suitable for 3D printing, with the goal to industrialize the usage of waste gypsum in civil engineering. The objective of this study is to develop a sustainable gypsum-cement-pozzolanic (GCP) ternary binder composite, incorporating recycled industrial waste gypsum materials such as construction demolition waste gypsum (CDG), along with Portland cement and secondary pozzolanic materials. The GCP ternary composite combines the desired properties of gypsum, such as fast setting time, with those of Portland cement, which offers high final strength. The addition of a pozzolanic component is essential to ensure the chemical stability of this ternary system.As part of this study, ternary composites were designed and tested for their mechanical properties, durability, and suitability for 3D printing. Development and optimization of the ternary composite was carried out as a loop of procedures (Fig.1). Through these optimization procedures, a range of mixtures with necessary properties for 3D printing was found. To ensure sustainability and to assess the environmental impact of the mixtures, life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed.The LCA of GCP composites showed at least 1.5 times lower embodied energy and carbon dioxide emissions compared to Portland cement-based mortars. This is without considering avoided emissions from the end-of-life stage of gypsum waste, as well as higher technical properties that make GCP composites superior to regular cement composites. Considering these factors, GCP composites exhibit even lower emissions and are considered a viable alternative to Portland cement-based mortars.

Promoting Circular Economy of the Building Industry by the Use of Straw Bales: A Review

Over the past decade, the concept of a circular economy has increasingly gained attention as a framework for guiding businesses and policymakers. Given its significant environmental impact, the building industry plays a pivotal role in the transition toward a circular economy. To address this, our review proposes a bio-based building material, specifically straw bale, which elaborates on the circularity of bio-based buildings based on the 3R principles of a circular economy: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In terms of the “reduce” principle, straw-bale buildings can reduce construction waste, the environmental impact, energy requirements, and carbon emissions. Regarding the “reuse” principle, straw-bale buildings utilize agricultural waste resources and are easily disassembled due to their prefabrication. As for the “recycle” principle, straw-bale buildings can undergo physical, biological, and biochemical conversion processes (thermochemical conversion), yielding both wooden composite boards and potential biogas and biomass fuels for electricity and heating. This study evaluates the contribution of straw packaging construction and the use of straw as a raw material, using the 3R principles to determine future research opportunities for the construction industry to achieve a circular economy. The results of this study offer circular economy solutions and interdisciplinary research insights for researchers and practitioners interested in the building environment.

Revolutionizing architecture: The synergy of computational design and digital fabrication

This article delves into the profound impact of computational design and digital fabrication on the architectural landscape, presenting a comprehensive overview of their theoretical foundations, technological advancements, and environmental implications. It explores the transition from traditional design methodologies to algorithmic and generative approaches, highlighting how these technologies facilitate the creation of innovative, efficient, and sustainable architectural solutions. Through the lens of pioneering case studies, the analysis demonstrates significant efficiency gains and the potential for reducing construction waste and energy consumption. The integration of computational design with digital fabrication heralds a new era of architecture that not only challenges conventional construction practices but also aligns with the urgent need for sustainability in the built environment. The article further investigates the role of material innovation, robotic automation, and software development in pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved, ultimately underscoring the environmental benefits of these integrated technologies.

Sustainable reuse of waste ceramic tiles powder and waste brick powder as a replacement for cement on green high strength concrete properties

Nowadays, reducing construction waste has grabbed the attention. As bricks and ceramic tiles represent more than 50% of the ceramic waste in many European countries. Thus, the recycling of this waste type is one of the most significant challenges within the paradigm of the circular economy. This paper investigated the impact of substitution levels of cement by waste ceramic powder (WCP) and waste brick powder (WBP) at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, on the HSC characteristics. The WBP and WCP materials were characterized in detail by laser granulometry, XRF and XRD measurements, followed by standard mixing, production, and curing of concrete samples. The experiments on dry density, modulus of elasticity, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, compressive strength, resistance to sulfate attack, water absorption and ultrasonic pulse velocity were conducted to evaluate the hardened properties of concrete. It was demonstrated that the durability and strength of concrete containing WBP and WCP as partial replacements for cement are marginally inferior to those of the control sample. On the other hand, samples containing WBP had a lesser negative effect on HSC properties in comparison with samples containing WCP. However, employing a 5% WBP with 10% WCP mixture enhanced the characteristics of the HSC in comparison to samples containing various percentages of WCP individually. In addition, the microstructure analyses revealed that the addition of 10% WCP and 5%WBP to HSC specimens resulted in higher hydration products and a slightly denser concrete matrix compared to samples containing various percentages of WCP individually. Research findings indicate that a 15% substitution of cement with WCP or WBP illustrated an environmental benefit in concrete production due to a 13.1% reduction in specific energy consumption.