CON: A Case Study on a Structural System Utilizing Reused Concrete Slabs
摘要
Concrete production is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, largely due to the energy-intensive process of cement manufacturing. One effective strategy to reduce these emissions is the reuse of concrete elements from buildings slated for demolition. Unlike recycling, which requires energy-intensive processes to break materials down to their raw state, reuse preserves the original form, mechanical properties, and chemical integrity of components. This paper presents a proof-of-concept prototype that explores the reuse of concrete slabs within a 1:1 mockup for a multi-story structural system. Emphasis is put on the ability of the system to allow the integration of slabs with varying thicknesses as well as testing the performance of two construction design iterations. This adaptability is achieved through the development of new Design for Disassembly (DfD) connection methods, enabling the incorporation of different slab types into the design. A life cycle assessment (LCA) reveals the performance of the system which reduces global warming potential (GWP) by 62.6% compared to a traditional construction using concrete and by 67.9% when compared to a traditional construction DfD systems made of concrete. Altogether, the findings of this paper highlight the potential for reused concrete slabs to meet structural requirements while substantially reducing embodied carbon. This research contributes to the growing body of work on circular construction and advocates for broader adoption of material reuse strategies to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.