Reutilization of precast concrete slabs
Since the mid-1980s, the Department of Recycling in Construction at Brandenburg Technical University has risen to the challenge of dealing with sustainability in existing building stock, for the purpose of contributing to the circular economy.
Within the scope of research work, the installed range of precast elements investigated has included the following, with a view to reutilization and secondary usability:
Industrial, serially erected, single-story, multi-purpose buildings (hall structures of precast concrete skeleton construction)
Industrial, serially erected multi-story residential buildings (so-called slab constructions - precast panel construction)
The many and various questions that arise in the context of structural changes to building stock must initially be answered: e.g., such as partial or complete demolition and/or rehabilitation or modernization. Secondly, the question arises of whether − and if yes − which options for reutilization are feasible for the reclaimed precast slabs as a whole. Accordingly, the central question is whether added value can be retained following an initial utilization phase, in order to preserve such resources as primary raw materials and energy spent, for example, in extraction, mining, harvesting and production. And likewise essential is how the value-added chain will appear upon consideration of lifecycles?
The holistically performed investigations of parameters involve construction and environmental engineering parameters, as well as of factors including construction materials, economic, ecological, and social-cultural aspects. These investigations are intended to confirm that the previously used precast elements investigated possess in-service properties, are intact and have a potentially appreciable savings impact on the environment and in the construction sector. By retaining the gray energy in the used precast elements, up to 99 % can be saved in comparison to the energy required for new production. The results in CO2 savings are appreciable. In addition, interesting cost savings result in comparison to building with new precast elements.
Accordingly, in the context of reutilization of previously used precast elements, partial removal and/or demolition of series-erected buildings, as related to construction elements, must be accorded a key role in circular construction.
