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Innovation in Demolition Waste Management: A BIM-Based System

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to waste generation, with a significant impact on the environment (Pickin & Randell, 2017). Climate change, in particular, is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention (Physical, T., & Basis, S., 2021). As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, it's essential to rethink the way we design, construct, and demolish buildings. The traditional linear approach of "take, make, dispose" is no longer viable, and adopting a circular economy mindset is crucial for reducing waste and promoting recycling (Ghisellini et al., 2018). 


In this context, a BIM-based web application is being developed as part of the RECONMATIC project, which aims to optimize demolition processes with a sustainable approach. This software is designed to evaluate buildings prior to demolition, identify materials that can be recovered, recycled, or reused, and assess the environmental impact of demolition. By leveraging building information modeling (BIM) in this software, professionals can perform detailed and accurate audits. These audits facilitate data-driven decision-making to minimize material waste and reduce carbon footprint, while also providing a holistic view of the demolition process, enabling more efficient planning and management. 


Step 1/ Uploading an IFC BIM model into the web application. 

The first step in the pre-demolition audit process involves uploading a 3D digital model in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format, which provides material and product information about the building. From the user's perspective, this task is straightforward: a menu appears in the platform's interface, and the user selects the BIM model to be uploaded. However, from the programmer's perspective, ensuring correct data transfer is critical, which is achieved by ensuring compatibility between the uploaded BIM model and the web application. To address this challenge, the IFC.js library is used, which is an advanced tool designed to interpret and translate IFC files into a format that can be efficiently managed and displayed in web environments. 


IFC.js is built on the Three.js geometry system, a recognized framework for creating 3D graphics in the browser. This library is essential for handling the complexity and density of data present in BIM models, enabling efficient and dynamic visualization. 



Step 2/ Evaluation of materials for sustainable management. 

The processing phase is carried out by sophisticated logic algorithms hosted in the web application's backend. These algorithms meticulously examine each item according to predefined criteria, including ranges, limits, and other relevant values, to determine its suitability for various recyclable purposes. The assignment of potential recyclable uses is done with a detailed approach, considering the particularities of each material. This ensures that each type of material is associated with the most appropriate and sustainable recycling options, taking into account both its physical nature and current recycling regulations. 



Step 3/ Report and subsequent practice. 

Finally, the process culminates with a key stage that allows the auditor or user not only to visualize and understand the demolition management, but also to inspect, both individually and as a group, how the structural components are processed to obtain detailed reports.  


Through the application, reports are generated in Excel and PDF formats, facilitating efficient and organized management of the information. The reports provide a comprehensive breakdown, including estimated demolition times, detailed budgets, and classifications of materials according to recyclable types of use. Additionally, these documents serve as an essential resource for coordination between project stakeholders, including construction teams, waste managers, and regulatory authorities, ensuring that all aspects of demolition are managed in a sustainable, efficient, and compliant manner. 



In conclusion, the work undertaken over the four years of the project will enable stakeholders to make informed decisions about building materials, waste reduction, and environmental impacts. The proposed BIM-based web application has the potential to optimize demolition processes, reduce waste, and promote recycling. As the construction industry continues to evolve towards a more circular economy, innovative solutions like this will play a critical role in mitigating the environmental impacts of demolition and building a more sustainable future for generations to come. 


This article was written by Inés Díez Ortiz and Mikel Quintana Romo from our partner, Tecnalia. Stay tuned to our social media and news section atreconmatic. eufor the latest updates and subscribe to our newsletter to receive our news directly in your mailbox. 

 

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Stay tuned for more news related to RECONMATIC in the upcoming period. 

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