RecycleBIM Approach Towards Integrated Data Management for Circularity: Proof of Concept in a RC Building

Abstract

Technology, innovation, and data-driven business models are now transforming many areas of human activity to meet the challenges of a sustainable future, and the AEC sector is no exception since its material processes cause enormous resource depletion and waste generation. Even though a major part of construction and demolition waste is composed of materials with re-use/recycling potential (e.g., brick and concrete) which could contribute towards a circular economy, the industry’s performance in circularity is considered insufficient. According to the EU, the circular economy agenda should be in line with the digital agenda. Yet, the former is considered unachievable without advancement in digital technologies, which remain poorly deployed in the sector. Bearing this in mind, this paper reveals the approach of the RecycleBIM project, which intends to make an effort towards the creation of an integrated framework for the circularity of raw materials in construction with the use of progressive methodologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and information management. The article provides a description of the project’s proposed workflow and developments that enable intelligent applications of digital technologies in deconstruction activities. The paper includes the prerequisites to the use of BIM as well as descriptions of the key enablers of the proposed approach: the established information requirements, the data collection and processing techniques, open data formats, and open-source development with web-services integration. The case study with the validation of the proposed workflow is briefly described, and prospective opportunities are outlined in the closing sections.