CETIM is researching disruptive technologies for the design, revaluation of materials and raw materials, demolition work, waste management, recycling, and the search for a second life for construction and demolition waste.
Currently, due to the large amount of waste we produce, it is necessary to seek new technologies that improve recycling, reuse, and recovery processes. This is especially true when it comes to Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW), as it accounts for nearly 40% of all waste generated annually in the European Union, with a volume exceeding 450 million tons.
That is why CETIM is researching disruptive technologies at DEMOLTECH to improve the recycling, reuse, and recovery processes for waste from demolition works. The aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive prototype that promotes smart demolition with recovery processes for the generation of circular raw materials in urban environments during the different phases of a deconstruction project cycle: design, recovery of materials and raw materials, demolition work, waste management, recycling, and search for a second useful life.
To achieve this goal, DEMOLTECH has a multidisciplinary consortium led by FCC Construcción and made up of CETIM, BECSA, ITAINNOVA, and Grupo IDP. We are all working together to develop a digital tool.
CETIM, a key partner in DEMOLTECH
At CETIM, we have already carried out an analysis of the conditioning of CDW from the construction site, demonstrating that it is feasible to obtain recycled aggregate for use in non-structural applications (paving stones, curbs, and street furniture). We have also designed an automatic CDW separation system that increases recovery rates.
In parallel, and in order to take advantage of the data collected, research is being conducted into the application of Artificial Intelligence to predict the amount of CDW recovered and its circular potential. To this end, two Machine Learning models are being deployed. One of them allows us to predict the tons of waste recovered and broken down by category, taking into account the size of the demolished plot. The second model predicts, for each category of CDW recovered, the quantities for each type of treatment (recycling, energy recovery, backfilling, or disposal).
Soon, we will develop concretes for non-structural applications, partially replacing natural aggregates with CDW conditioned as recycled aggregate. In addition, we will design a Digital Product Passport that certifies the sustainable origin of the new materials through blockchain.
Technological innovation and circularity in construction
DEMOLTECH represents a key contribution to overcoming the current challenges of Construction and Demolition Waste management, promoting technological innovation and circularity in the sector. With initiatives such as this, CETIM reaffirms its commitment to more sustainable, efficient, and resource-oriented construction, in line with the objectives of the circular economy and the reduction of environmental impact.
DEMOLTECH is funded under the 2023 call for public grants for Colaboración Público-Privada projects, the Programa Estatal para Impulsar la Investigación Científico-Técnica y su Transferencia, and the Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación 2021-20233. Project CPP2023-010533 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades / Agencia Estatal de Investigación /10.13039/501100011033 / FEDER, EU.
