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The World Bank in a decade ago reported a global collective of 1.3 billion tons of solid waste every year with building material accounting for half of this volume annually worldwide. Recycled materials from demolition sites have increased over the years to curtail the demand for natural aggregates (NA). This study investigates the use of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) produced from high strength concrete and its effects on the mechanical properties of concrete and structural members. Further comparison was made to concrete with steel fibers. The results showed that the compressive strength of RCA concrete was 5% greater than NA concrete. The influence of the properties of durability and crushing resistance of the RCA, which exceeded that of NA, contributed to the higher concrete strengths when compared to NA concrete. Additionally, concrete with RCA and steel fibers had an increase of compressive strength by 16% to concrete without steel fibers. However, no significant increase in the deflection and strain of the beams under third point loading suggest that given the right conditions RCA can be used in place of NA Keywords: Construction waste; engineering sustainability; recycled concrete aggregate; structural members; steel fiber; waste management.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the latest innovation in Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology. A strong awareness exists amongst architects concerning the benefits of BIM, however they are equally hesitant to use such tools given the associated negative factors such as cost of training. Other external factors such as the construction market and customer requirements also pose barriers to implementation. The findings of this study provide context for understanding how BIM is used in the practice of Architect in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). It can be used as a starting point to develop future research into how this technology can be effectively implemented in the practice of Architecture and the wider local construction industry. The findings of the study highlight the need to formulate a strategy for the implementation of BIM and the creation of an appropriate supportive environment for its use in the local construction industry. This requires collaboration from all stakeholders, private and public, to invest and support the development of the necessary policy and standards for BIM implementation, including technical training in the use of software and training in the management of its processes in practice.