Publication

Demolition concrete as a new building material: Exploring new supply chains for waste-negative concrete structures

2025

Abstract

This video was produced as part of the Critical Practice track at the International Conference on Structures and Architecture 2025 in Antwerp. It accompanied a physical prototype and material samples.

The overall contribution explores the reuse of discarded concrete to reduce the environmental impacts of the concrete industry. By reusing saw-cut elements and flat rubble into a fully operational load-bearing building system, it explores alternative supply chains and encourages collaboration between existing industry actors. The installation questions demolition’s dynamics and display new reuse practices, through full-scale mock-up, videos, and material samples.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/bc2b47b1-d5cb-4eec-a46b-1c18ddf8d154

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2025

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/bc2b47b1-d5cb-4eec-a46b-1c18ddf8d154

About this result

Related concepts (28)

Concrete

Concrete is a composite material composed of aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement that cures over time. Concrete is the second-most-used substance in the world after water, and is the most widely used building material. Its usage worldwide, ton for ton, is twice that of steel, wood, plastics, and aluminium combined. When aggregate is mixed with dry Portland cement and water, the mixture forms a fluid slurry that is easily poured and molded into shape.

Reinforced concrete

Reinforced concrete, also called ferroconcrete, is a composite material in which concrete's relatively low tensile strength and ductility are compensated for by the inclusion of reinforcement having higher tensile strength or ductility. The reinforcement is usually, though not necessarily, steel bars (rebar) and is usually embedded passively in the concrete before the concrete sets. However, post-tensioning is also employed as a technique to reinforce the concrete. In terms of volume used annually, it is one of the most common engineering materials.

Precast concrete

Precast concrete is a construction product produced by casting concrete in a reusable mold or "form" which is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to the construction site and maneuvered into place; examples include precast beams, and wall panels for tilt up construction. In contrast, cast-in-place concrete is poured into site-specific forms and cured on site. Recently lightweight expanded polystyrene foam is being used as the cores of precast wall panels, saving weight and increasing thermal insulation.

Related publications (11)

Demolition concrete as a new building material: Exploring new supply chains for waste-negative concrete structures

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