In a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’, researchers have demonstrated a sustainable approach to managing cement-based waste (CBW) from renovation projects, offering a promising alternative to traditional disposal methods. The research, led by Ammar Younes from the Construction and Building Engineering Department at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in non-structural concrete.
The study highlights the potential of decentralized community recycling, which can be particularly relevant for maritime sectors dealing with construction and renovation projects on offshore platforms, ships, and coastal infrastructure. By recycling CBW on-site or near the project location, the need for transporting waste to centralized facilities or landfills is reduced, leading to lower transportation costs and environmental impacts.
The research involved creating 36 concrete specimens using three different mixes: CBW0 (100% natural aggregates), CBW1 (100% coarse RCA and 50% fine RCA with a styrene butadiene rubber/water ratio of 1:25), and CBW2 (100% coarse RCA and 50% fine RCA with a styrene butadiene rubber/water ratio of 1:50). The results showed that CBW2 achieved the target strength for grade 20 concrete, reaching 16 MPa after 28 days, while reducing overall environmental impacts by 29% compared to conventional concrete.
“This study demonstrates the potential of decentralized recycling and BIM-LCA integration to balance mechanical performance with environmental efficiency in sustainable construction,” said Younes. The phase-specific savings were even more impressive, with 23.4% savings in the A1-A3 phases (product stage) and 75% savings in the A4 phase (transport to site).
For maritime professionals, the commercial impacts and opportunities are significant. The use of RCA can lead to cost savings through reduced material and transportation expenses. Additionally, the environmental benefits can enhance the sustainability profile of maritime projects, potentially opening up new opportunities in green financing and eco-friendly tenders.
Moreover, the integration of BIM and LCA can provide maritime project managers with valuable insights into the environmental impacts of their projects, enabling them to make more informed decisions and optimize their processes for sustainability.
As Younes noted, “These outcomes demonstrate the potential of decentralized recycling and BIM-LCA integration to balance mechanical performance with environmental efficiency in sustainable construction.” This approach could be a game-changer for the maritime industry, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing construction and renovation waste.
The study, published in ‘Scientific Reports’ (which translates to ‘Scientific Reports’ in English), provides a robust framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of concrete production and recycling. It offers a practical guide for maritime professionals looking to adopt more sustainable practices in their projects. By embracing decentralized recycling and advanced digital tools like BIM, the maritime industry can make significant strides towards a greener and more efficient future.