Abstract
Despite significant progress in digitalisation across various sectors, the development of data-driven applications in the built environment remains ongoing, with a focus on improving labour productivity and addressing global sustainability challenges. The circular economy framework for reusing and recycling construction materials is still underexplored. Metrics on the amount and impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW) highlight the need for more effective circularity strategies. Although the circular economy seeks to minimise waste, maximise material reuse, and reduce environmental impacts, practical implementation within the construction sector requires further development—an area where digital technologies can offer substantial support. This study introduces the RecycleBIM framework, an integrated approach designed to enhance the circularity of construction materials by capitalising on the data-rich environment of BIM. The framework utilises several key enabling technologies, including cost-effective scan-to-BIM, open data formats for interoperability, model-based optimisation and decision-making, circular business models, and 3D printing, to identify, assess, and reuse materials sourced from the buildings at the end of life. By integrating BIM data representing the assets containing potential CDW and the amount of reusable and recyclable components, e.g., concrete, and linking it with regional marketplaces, RecycleBIM aims to close material loops and provide the inputs for new construction. Furthermore, the framework explores the use of recycled aggregates in 3D concrete printing and BIM-to-print workflows, presenting new opportunities for sustainable construction. The research combines developed methodologies with case study reviews to illustrate how BIM-driven collaboration can support a transition to more sustainable business models. By translating circular economy principles into actionable strategies, the study identifies opportunities for industry stakeholders and bridges digital technologies with real-world applications. This paper is a collaborative effort between the RecycleBIM (recyclebim.eu) and R2U (r2utechnologies.pt) projects. The findings contribute to the broader adoption of BIM for material recovery and reuse, thereby advancing sustainable construction and deconstruction practices.
Keywords
BIM, CDW management, material recovery and reuse, sustainable construction and demolition.
DOI
10.5703/1288284318125
Recommended Citation
Azenha, Miguel; Kuzminykh, Artur; Granja, José; Parente, Manuel; Albadri, M.; González-Cabaleiro, P.; Túñez-Alcalde, R.; Díaz-Vilariño, Lucía; Cao, C.; Ukrainczyk, N.; Koenders, E.; Babafemi, A. J.; Colyn, M.; de Villiers, W.; Ditlhokwa, A.; Els, H.; Timm, K.; van Zijl, G.; Ameh, E.; Immelman, J.; Ndjate, V.; Petrik, L.; Ciampi, E.; Nisivoccia, G.; Orecchio, M. G.; Sandonis, E.; Garcia, V.; Garcia, D.; and Delaplace, A., "Enhancing Concrete Circularity in Construction: the RecycleBIM Framework in Closing Material Loops" (2025). International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures. 3.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/icdcs/2025/keynote/3
Enhancing Concrete Circularity in Construction: the RecycleBIM Framework in Closing Material Loops
Despite significant progress in digitalisation across various sectors, the development of data-driven applications in the built environment remains ongoing, with a focus on improving labour productivity and addressing global sustainability challenges. The circular economy framework for reusing and recycling construction materials is still underexplored. Metrics on the amount and impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW) highlight the need for more effective circularity strategies. Although the circular economy seeks to minimise waste, maximise material reuse, and reduce environmental impacts, practical implementation within the construction sector requires further development—an area where digital technologies can offer substantial support. This study introduces the RecycleBIM framework, an integrated approach designed to enhance the circularity of construction materials by capitalising on the data-rich environment of BIM. The framework utilises several key enabling technologies, including cost-effective scan-to-BIM, open data formats for interoperability, model-based optimisation and decision-making, circular business models, and 3D printing, to identify, assess, and reuse materials sourced from the buildings at the end of life. By integrating BIM data representing the assets containing potential CDW and the amount of reusable and recyclable components, e.g., concrete, and linking it with regional marketplaces, RecycleBIM aims to close material loops and provide the inputs for new construction. Furthermore, the framework explores the use of recycled aggregates in 3D concrete printing and BIM-to-print workflows, presenting new opportunities for sustainable construction. The research combines developed methodologies with case study reviews to illustrate how BIM-driven collaboration can support a transition to more sustainable business models. By translating circular economy principles into actionable strategies, the study identifies opportunities for industry stakeholders and bridges digital technologies with real-world applications. This paper is a collaborative effort between the RecycleBIM (recyclebim.eu) and R2U (r2utechnologies.pt) projects. The findings contribute to the broader adoption of BIM for material recovery and reuse, thereby advancing sustainable construction and deconstruction practices.
