Construction Waste Management Research Articles

A study on the waste generation rates and recycling potential for the construction and demolition waste in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Construction and demolition waste has a high environmental and socio-economic impact due to its poor management infrastructure. In recent years, Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, experienced significant growth in the real estate sector, which demands substantial construction and demolition activities within the city. Most of the construction and demolition waste finds its way to landfills, roadsides, and unapproved locations with a 2% recycling rate through local scrap vendors and unregulated recyclers. In an effort to assess the waste generation rates from ongoing construction and demolition activities, the current study employed the Site Visit method along with direct and indirect waste quantification methodologies for the investigated demolition and construction projects, respectively. The findings indicate that for per unit area (m2) of demolition and construction, the average WGR was found to be approximately 575.0 kg and 73.9 kg, respectively. Projection reveals that by 2025 and 2030, within Dhaka City, construction and demolition activities will generate roughly 1.15 MT and 1.69 MT of construction and demolition waste if no recycling actions are considered. Additionally, the results highlight the recycling potential of construction and demolition waste with respect to economic benefits through the maximum recycling rates for the relevant materials. Furthermore, to address the future of sustainable construction and demolition waste management infrastructure, this paper presents a detailed overview of the current onsite construction and demolition waste management practices as well as safety protocols for demolition and construction activities.

Paving a traceable green pathway towards sustainable construction: A fuzzy ISM-DEMATEL analysis of blockchain technology adoption barriers in construction waste management

Construction waste management (CWM) and blockchain technology (BT) are two crucial topics for sustainable production and development. As a fundamental infrastructure for artificial intelligence, BT enables real-time, reciprocal, and immutable information provision in tracing construction waste and holds a significant potential to advance CWM. However, the barriers to adopting BT in CWM and their impact on CWM practices remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to identify BT adoption barriers in CWM, assess their criticality, and clarify their correlations through a fuzzy empirical analysis. Results show that, due to interdependence, actions on one or some of the barriers can have a closed-loop impact. The findings suggest that the government and the stakeholders have a critical influence on the further adoption of BT in CWM. This exploratory study advances sustainable construction by clarifying those BT adoption barriers and providing implications to integrate BT into CWM practices.

Blockchain-Enabled Construction and Demolition Waste Management: Advancing Information Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Efficiency

The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, primarily due to the generation of substantial construction and demolition waste. However, the current practices in construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) face various information management challenges that undermine their overall effectiveness. Correspondingly, this research proposes the integration of blockchain technology as a strategic solution to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of CDWM. Despite the potential of blockchain in revolutionizing CDWM, research in this area remains limited. To address such a gap, this study adopts a design science action research methodology to integrate the use of blockchain technology into CDWM. Specifically, this study has creatively introduced the blockchain-based data supply chain to address the principal–agent problem in CDWM and develop a novel blockchain-enabled framework for CDWM. Additionally, a six-layer system architecture for the blockchain-based CDWM information system has been developed. This integration holds the promise of streamlining and empowering CDWM processes and thereby improving the administration and regulation of CDWM. Notably, the utilization of blockchain technology also presents an innovative opportunity for carbon reduction and offsetting within the construction industry. This research makes a substantial contribution to the field by introducing a novel approach to address information management challenges in CDWM, thereby promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.

BIM in construction waste management: A conceptual model based on the industry foundation classes standard

Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents an innovation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In the environmental context, the management of buildings through BIM contributes to preserving resources and promoting more sustainable environments. This research explores the application of BIM in construction and demolition waste (CDW) management and the sustainability of buildings. The method consisted of applying Design Science Research (DSR) to develop a conceptual information model based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) to meet CDW indicators and to assist in the CDW management activity. The conceptual model presented a perspective on application in CDW management and emphasized the importance of mapping information exchanges in BIM to optimize activities in civil construction. However, the results depend directly on the information available in the IFC model. The proposed conceptual model presents the potential to automate waste management with the flexibility of applying it to different phases of the construction life cycle. The results of CDW management can contribute to other types of sustainability analyses.

Study of The Application of Construction Waste Management Strategies in The City of Baghdad

This study investigates the effectiveness of construction waste management strategies employed by the Baghdad Municipality Department, with a focus on the spatial distribution of waste treatment facilities. Employing ArcMap 10.8, a geospatial analysis was conducted to evaluate the distribution and accessibility of these facilities within the city. Data on waste treatment site locations were gathered through interviews and Google Earth, and subsequently analyzed using network analysis in ArcMap. The findings reveal a significant deficiency in Baghdad's construction waste management system, predominantly relying on recycling and disposal, while neglecting other crucial strategies like reduction, treatment, and recovery. This insufficiency is further exacerbated by the limited number and uneven distribution of treatment plants, leading to indiscriminate waste accumulation and economic losses. The study suggests the urgent need for comprehensive government regulations on waste management, including waste sorting, transportation, and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, it recommends expanding and evenly distributing waste treatment facilities across Baghdad to optimize waste management efficiency. This study not only highlights the critical gaps in Baghdad's waste management system but also offers a methodological framework for other cities facing similar challenges, emphasizing the role of geospatial analysis in enhancing urban waste management strategies. Highlights : The study identifies major deficiencies in Baghdad's construction waste management, primarily in recycling and disposal practices. Geospatial analysis using ArcMap 10.8 reveals the need for more evenly distributed waste treatment facilities in the city. Recommendations include implementing stringent government regulations and expanding the city's waste management infrastructure. Keywords : Baghdad, Construction Waste Management, Geospatial Analysis, ArcMap, Waste Treatment Facilities

Sustainability Assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste Material

Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) constitutes a substantial portion of waste generated during construction activities, ranging from 15 to 30% globally. This waste category poses environmental threats, impacting health and the environment, particularly in Nigeria. This research investigates the environmental and economic implications of C&DW in the Nigerian construction industry, systematically addressing types, causes, and disposal methods. The study explores potential reuse through Circular Economy (CE) strategies. The literature review encompasses CE principles and Construction Waste Management in Nigeria. Employing quantitative research methods, questionnaires were administered to a selected group, revealing respondents' recognition of economic benefits from proper waste management. However, a lack of incentives and facilities for diverse disposal methods emerged as a significant challenge. Recommendations include government regulations, incentives for recycling facilities, and educational initiatives emphasizing the advantages of a circular economy. Emphasis is placed on effective information dissemination to stakeholders. This research contributes valuable insights for industry professionals, policymakers, and government entities, offering a foundation for sustainable waste management practices in the Nigerian construction sector.

Construction Waste Management in Croatia

This article discusses construction waste and its management in the territory of Croatia. In order to better understand the concept of waste, the first part of this paper discusses its origin, characteristics, and categorisation. In addition, it mentions special categories of waste defined within Croatian borders. All members of the European Union are encouraged to adopt a circular economy approach to manage these various types of waste. Furthermore, the article emphasises the necessity to construct legal landfills in addition to building management centres, recycling yards, and transfer stations, in order to reduce the formation of wild landfills, which result from irresponsible waste disposal. The second part of the article provides a detailed description of construction and demolition waste. In addition to the types of occurrences and the associated degree of hazard, a categorisation system is used. This system includes records and key numbers, and allows finding the appropriate species in the database with the corresponding key number. Modern technology has made it possible to recycle all types of waste, including construction waste, into secondary raw materials. Proper management is essential to achieve this goal. The first step involves prevention, diversion or conversion of waste into a resource. When these options are not possible, one of the recovery processes should be employed. Managing Construction Waste also provides a comprehensive explanation of recycling, which is given significant attention. The article concludes with an overview of the Republic of Croatia’s system for managing construction waste, which lags behind more developed countries, as well as offers examples of best practices and possible improvements.

The Circular Digital Cockpit: Towards an actionable framework for life cycle circularity assessment and decision

Digital solutions such as IoT, machine learning, big data, and simulation platforms are increasingly integrated into industrial practices but are not fully leveraged for enhancing circularity in the value chain. To address this, the Circular Digital Cockpit (CDC) framework is proposed to aid manufacturers and public authorities in transitioning towards circularity. The CDC is structured to analyze and improve organizational activities, incorporating Data Science, Digital Enterprise Architecture, and Circular Economy Strategies. It comprises two main parts. The first, "Measure, Understand, Prioritize", focuses on transforming lifecycle data into circularity indicators suitable for various organizational roles, like product and process managers. This helps in prioritizing improvement objectives both individually and organization-wide. The second part, “Act – Imagine, Simulate, Decide, Deploy –, Monitor”, guides each actor in developing and implementing actions aimed at circularity and sustainability goals. This involves assembling a global action plan and employing the Theory of Change methodology to assess and refine these actions based on their impact on circularity and sustainability. The CDC's adaptability and potential in enhancing circular practices across various industries and territorial levels are tested in diverse scenarios, including the remanufacturing of heavy vehicles, the maintenance of medical devices, and the management of bio-waste and construction waste.

An Integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Circular Economy (CE) Model for the Management of Construction and Deconstruction Waste Based on Construction Methods

An Integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Circular Economy (CE) Model for the Management of Construction and Deconstruction Waste Based on Construction Methods

A study on C&D waste generation and recycling potential in Gujarat

In the context of urbanization and construction’s unceasing expansion, management of Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste is a major issue facing in the current era. About 30to 40% C&D waste is generate across globe. According to Center for Science and Environment estimates, India recycles only 1% of C&D waste. The emerging and visionary project to revolutionize the management of C&D waste is discussed worldwide. The present study deals with C&D waste generation in major cities of Gujarat. To understand the gap of advance technologies required to meet with effective waste processing for increasing the recycling potential of plant. The planning for future predication of next 30 years i.e. 2051 the waste generation and recycling plant required to tackle the waste is studied. The study of market survey showing about 5 to 25% cost saving in recycled materials and utilization of recycled material with traditional material in concrete showing good results.

Framework to Identify Directions for Future Construction and Demolition Waste Management Technologies

Effective waste management is essential for sustainable urban development, and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste poses a significant challenge due to its volume and composition in urban regions. In recent years, technological advancements have offered innovative solutions to improve the management of C&D waste. This exploratory study primarily uses secondary data and draws on case studies from 5 Indian cities and global literature on technological innovations in C&D waste management to propose a preliminary framework for identifying how different technologies can play a vital role and where they can be incorporated into the reverse supply chain of C&D waste in the Indian urban context. This paper paves the road for future research that will use this initial framework to identify more practical technological solutions based on a thorough understanding of ground reality, improving chances of technology adoption.

Environmental sustainability and cost performances of construction and demolition waste management scenarios: A case study of timber and concrete houses in Thailand

Circular economy (CE) is becoming a vital strategy to tackle two major environmental challenges of building and construction sector, viz., intensive resource consumption and massive construction and demolition waste (CDW) generation. The study assessed six circular economy scenarios for CDW management of concrete and timber houses in Thailand compared to the base case (landfill). Life cycle assessment and life cycle costing were conducted to illustrate the influence of CE strategies on environmental sustainability and cost performance. Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) was evaluated to determine the circularity performances of material use for the CE scenarios. The 100% recycling scenario resulted in 124% and 166–169% reductions of the mineral resource scarcity impact as compared to the conventional CDW management for the concrete and timber houses, respectively. For the concrete house, 100% recycling scenario resulted in the lowest life cycle costs (when combining both internal cost and externalities). On the other hand, the 100% recycling scenario of timber house would bring about the highest cost due to the energy cost. However, for the timber house, energy recovery scenario provided the lowest impact values on global warming, ozone formation, and terrestrial acidification. The internal costs of implementing the CE measures are higher for timber than for concrete. The MCI value for 100% recycling scenario was about 0.55; however, it can be increased to 0.73 (timber house) and 0.75 (concrete house) if the utility lifetime of building materials were extended. The results show the integrating the CE for CDW management can bring benefit to both environmental sustainability and cost performance.

Case Study on the Application of New Technologies for Construction Waste Management in a Historic Building in Jalisco, Mexico

This article presents a comprehensive examination of a case study conducted at the “Catedral de Santa María de la Asunción” in Jalisco, Mexico. The focus is on innovative strategies for the management of construction waste in historic buildings. In this context, the scope of the research, the purpose of exploring new methodologies, the existing gap in waste management practices, the implications of implementing advanced technologies, and the need to adopt sustainable approaches in the preservation of architectural heritage are discussed. The analysis examines the deterioration and degradation of construction materials, emphasizing the significance of advanced methodologies in waste management to mitigate these effects. A comprehensive two‐ and three‐dimensional study has been carried out using Revit, a state‐of‐the‐art technology, to improve precision and accuracy in quantifying waste. The intervention parameters are quantified and classified according to the codification of the European Waste List (LER), thus facilitating the implementation of efficient waste management practices and closing the identified gap in current practices. Subsequently, the sorted materials are integrated into the toolkit, which allows for the assessment of pollution levels and the assessment of the feasibility of reusing construction and demolition waste (CDW). This toolkit offers practical solutions for sustainable waste management. The recovery process, which encompasses recycling, recycling, or landfilling, ensures a nuanced and sustainable approach to CDW management within the study area. This approach has positive implications for the conservation of historical heritage and the reduction of environmental impact. The necessity for the design and implementation of innovative sustainable construction strategies becomes evident, and each project benefits from the use of advanced design and modeling software, such as Revit and its toolkit. These indispensable tools facilitate effective sorting based on LER coding, thereby streamlining waste management practices and helping to bridge the gap between current practices and sustainable best practices. Furthermore, the study concludes that materials from demolished architectural heritage can be reused in the creative design of new sustainable buildings, underscoring the importance of adopting integrated approaches to heritage conservation and sustainable urban development. This is consistent with contemporary ethical frameworks that emphasize conservation and sustainability, advocating for the reduction of resource consumption and demolition waste. This approach effectively balances the production of materials, consumption during construction and restoration, and the utilization of essential natural resources for both historic and new buildings, driving a positive transformation in the construction industry toward environmental sustainability and cultural heritage conservation.

Assessment of Cost Benefit Analysis of Implementing Sustainable Practices for Construction Organisational Performance in Abuja, Nigeria

There is growing need to improve the implementation of sustainable construction in Nigeria. The awareness of the costs and benefits of sustainable construction is a fundamental principle underlying the implementation. This study assessed the economic viability and societal impact of implementing sustainable development practices in the construction industry in Abuja, Nigeria. Through a comprehensive Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) framework, the research investigated the long-term costs and benefits associated with sustainability practices in building construction. Data collection was done using mixed method approach. Corelational analysis was use to analyse data of existing datasets on economic indicators, environmental parameters, and social statistics. The study revealed a dichotomy in the construction professionals' stance toward sustainable development, with a high level of awareness but a disparity in actual implementation. The Relative Importance Index (RII) findings emphasize the importance of indoor ventilation, energy-efficient systems, and structured construction waste management. Findings from the research recommend deepening the awareness levels of the long term benefits associated with sustainable construction among relevant stakeholders. The research contributes to addressing the gap between booming construction activities in Abuja and sustainable construction practices, aiming to create a more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible construction industry.

A proposed plan for managing construction waste in Syria

A proposed plan for managing construction waste in Syria

Construction Waste Management In The Green Accounting Perspective: A Study On Construction Companies In Indonesia

Construction Waste Management In The Green Accounting Perspective: A Study On Construction Companies In Indonesia

Management of Household-Generated Construction and Demolition Waste: Circularity Principles and the Attitude of Latvian Residents

This study aims to investigate to what extent the construction and demolition waste generated by households is managed by the principles of circularity and to identify the main influencing factors in the behavior of households regarding the circularity-based management of construction waste in Latvia. The current research presents principles of circularity of household-generated waste based on a systematic literature review, and the data obtained from a survey were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. This study clarifies the circular economy rationale for construction and demolition waste (CDW) management in Latvia and proposes further development to promote the achievement of sustainable development goals and increased energy efficiency. The results reveal that the observance of circular economy principles in construction and demolition waste management among Latvian households does not correspond to good circular economy practices due to attitudes toward environmental issues, expenses, and logistics; thus, compliance with these principles and legislation as well as closer cooperation between municipalities and households can promote significant economic benefits.

ПОШИРЕНІСТЬ ПЕРЕРОБКИ ЗОЛИ ПРИ ВИГОТОВЛЕННІ БУДІВЕЛЬНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ

The object of research in the work is the waste of thermal energy enterprises, the annual volume of which in Ukraine is 8 million tons, and the increase in occupied land areas is 22 thousand hectares. In EU countries, up to 84% of such waste is recycled. Therefore, forecasting the prevalence of ash processing in the manufacture of building materials in different countries of the world from the main parameters of influence in order to solve the problem of solid industrial waste management is an urgent scientific and technical task. A study of the prevalence of ash processing in the manufacture of building materials in different countries of the world was conducted by planning a second-order experiment using the Box-Wilson method using rotatable central composite planning using the developed software protected by a copyright certificate. The purpose of the study is to determine a regression model for predicting the prevalence of ash processing in the manufacture of building materials in different countries of the world from the main parameters of influence. A regression dependence of forecasting the prevalence of ash processing in the manufacture of building materials on the main parameters of influence was obtained: the country's population density, the value of the gross domestic product per capita, the average geographical latitude of the country. It was established that, according to Fisher's test, the hypothesis about the adequacy of the obtained regression model can be considered correct with 95% confidence. The correlation coefficient was 0.99999, which indicates sufficient reliability of the obtained results. The obtained regression dependence can be used during the development of a construction waste management strategy. It was established that among the factors of influence that were considered, the prevalence of ash processing in the manufacture of building materials is most affected by the value of the gross domestic product per capita, and the least by the population density of the country. Response surfaces of the target function - the prevalence of ash processing in the production of building materials and their two-dimensional sections in the planes of the influence parameters - were constructed.

Управління будівельними відходами на принципах циркулярної економіки

It was determined that construction belongs to the fundamental structure of economic activity, that is, to the types of activity that are immanently inherent and ensure the existence of humanity. Analysis of the state of the construction industry in Ukraine at the beginning of 2022 revealed that the industry’s contribution to the creation of GDP in the last ten years did not exceed 3%, which is half the average figure in EU countries. It is emphasized that until 2022, the industry demonstrated positive dynamics (except 2013-2014); at the same time, no dependence was observed between the dynamics of the specific weight of the industry in GDP, physical volumes of construction, gross added value, and the contribution of the industry to the amount of taxes paid. A trend in construction industry entities’ organizational and legal structure was revealed: an increase in the number of enterprises and a decrease in the number of individual entrepreneurs. The peculiarities of taxation explain the trend and the institutional structure of Ukraine’s socio-economic and political environment. It is noted that the factors of demand, supply, and institutional environment influence the functioning and development of the construction industry. It was determined that the full-scale Russian military invasion caused enormous damage to buildings and infrastructure, one of the consequences of which was the actualization of the issue of disposal of construction waste. The thesis that construction and demolition waste management should be based on circular economy principles is substantiated. It is proposed to analyze the construction waste disposal process using A. Pigou’s concept of externalities: construction waste is a negative externality, the elimination of which is possible through state regulation using a system of instruments of institutional, administrative, and economic influence. It is noted that construction waste management based on the principles of the circular economy, considering positive foreign experience, will make it possible to effectively use limited financial resources, reduce the negative impact of waste on the environment, and create acceptable social conditions for people’s lives. Keywords: construction industry, circular economy, negative externalities, construction and demolition waste, construction waste management.

Tools for the Involvement of Construction and Demolition Waste in the Repeated Production Cycle

Purpose. This paper aims to analyze and classify construction and demolition waste. It is necessary that this classification not only reflects statistical data on waste generation, but also serves as an information basis for the integrated waste management system (IWMS). The main task of this system is to maximize the involvement of waste in economic recycling and to objectively reflect the technological capabilities of its processing. This is extremely important in the context of the implementation of European waste management principles and the implementation of the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine until 2030. Methodology. The article considers the problems of construction waste management within the framework of the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine until 2030, which provides for the implementation of measures and principles of waste management, including construction waste. The author analyzes the management problems in the field of construction and demolition waste, which substantiates the need to classify construction waste with the simultaneous harmonization of processing methods and technologies. Construction activities are inextricably linked to the management of various types of resources, among which secondary materials play a key role in the implementation of construction processes. The ability to effectively manage the flows of these secondary resources is critical to ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of construction production. In this context, the study of the importance of managing the flows of secondary resources becomes an integral part of strategies for optimizing construction processes. Findings. Construction waste from the demolition of buildings and structures is unique due to its size and the need to prepare it for primary crushing. This is especially true in the context of implementing the concept of renovation of the outdated housing stock. Various static and dynamic methods of destruction of building materials, in particular, impact and vibration, have been investigated, with dynamic methods being characterized by lower energy consumption. Originality. The work reflects the formation of theoretical and methodological directions based on the use of recycled materials in construction, as well as a comparative characterization of various methods of destruction of building materials. Practical value. The possibilities of recycling construction waste, in particular, their maximum involvement in recycling, which meets the goals of the Strategy of Ukraine, provides 50% of waste recycling.