RECONMATIC Demo #2: Advancing Circularity in Railway Construction

As part of the Horizon Europe RECONMATIC project, six real-world demonstration case studies are being rolled out across five European countries to test and validate technologies that can reduce construction and demolition waste (CDW). These pilots span various lifecycle phases—from new construction to recycling—and address real challenges faced on the ground. One of these demonstrations is taking place in Italy, focusing on the railway sector. 

Silvia Cavarocchi, Innovation Specialist at Italferr SpA, was interviewed by RECONMATIC Communication & Dissemination Leader Egle Joneliunaite from Future Needs to share insights into the goals and progress of Demonstrator #2, which is piloting RECONMATIC’s digital and circular solutions in a real-world railway construction context. 

Silvia Cavarocchi, Innovation Specialist at Italferr SpA

What challenges do railway projects face in managing construction waste?  

Railway projects and track maintenance generate large quantities of waste products and materials such as steel, concrete, ballast, wood, and hazardous materials. Especially excavated soils (both clean and contaminated), which are the most significant source of waste in volume across the European Union. 

This variety of materials and the difficulty of effectively separating these diverse materials for recycling or proper disposal could be challenging. Moreover, other barriers include logistical complexities, environmental concerns, financial constraints, and regulatory factors. 

In brief, effective construction waste management in railway projects requires careful planning, coordination, and investment. It also necessitates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. 

What are your main goals for the demonstration in Italy?  

RECONMATIC aims to reduce the environmental impact of railway construction by promoting material reuse and minimising landfill reliance. Assess and optimise the CDW reduction potential by developing concurrent synergies among flows of materials, data, and information. So, with this demonstrator we aim to validate CDW traceability and management, boosting the knowledge of reuse, selective demolition, and high-value recycling of CDW to achieve zero waste. 

To develop innovative strategies for sustainable waste management, with a particular focus on the reuse and recycling of excavation materials, RECONMATIC represents a significant opportunity to improve waste management practices in the railway sector, promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. 

With this demonstrator we aim to validate CDW traceability and management, boosting the knowledge of reuse, selective demolition, and high-value recycling of CDW to achieve zero waste. 

What steps are you taking to prepare for the railway demo?  

The demonstration activities will be demonstrated on a railway project located in Italy in the design and pre-construction phases. For RECONMATIC we chose a portion (about 500m) of a new single-track railway line that spans approximately 50 km. This section is characterised by various structures such as a viaduct, embankments, and cuts. We chose this model because the terrain features a variety of structures, including viaducts, embankments, and cuts, generating large quantities of excavation material. 

In particular, Italferr has shared the IFC model of the chosen portion, and all the elements and material parameters related, especially for excavated soils, rails, and slippers. Italferr will collaborate with other partners to share expertise and develop effective solutions. 

Why this matters 

The Italian demonstrator is one of six RECONMATIC pilot projects designed to put theory into practice. By testing innovative tools—such as material mapping, waste prediction, and digital BIM integration—under real conditions, RECONMATIC seeks to deliver scalable, measurable improvements in how CDW is prevented, tracked, and repurposed across Europe. 

Learn More About Our Demonstrations

Each demonstration, including this railway use case, will be assessed through a sustainability and circularity assessment tool to verify the feasibility and impact of the solutions in live settings. 

Together, these demos in Greece, Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, and the UK reflect RECONMATIC’s commitment to supporting Europe’s shift toward a circular construction economy—reducing waste, lowering emissions, and rethinking how materials move through our built environment. 

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The interview was edited by Egle Joneliunaite, Communication and Dissemination Manager at Future Needs, leading Dissemination and Exploitation for Business and Education in the RECONMATIC project.