Systematic Review of Construction Waste Management Scenarios: Informing Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis

Abstract

Purpose Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is increasing due to rapid urbanization. An estimated 35% of CDW is disposed of in landfills worldwide. Thus all available strategies for minimizing the environmental and economic impacts of CDW are explored. This study reviews the use of recycled construction and demolition waste as substitutes for primary materials as well as strategies for the reuse of materials that lead to the circular economy. The aim of this study is to analyse previous literature on CDW that use life cycle analysis and contribute to the circular economy. Methodology A bibliometric analysis and systematic critical review is presented to investigate the contribution of construction materials to life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA). The Scopus database was the main source of data reviewed. The geographical distribution, main research sources, and keywords co-occurrence were analyzed for 69 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers. Findings Most studies compared the life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) of alternative concrete recycling methods or using waste instead of aggregates in concrete. Recycling or reuse of concrete, bricks, wood, gypsum, and steel are the most common materials studied in previous research. A knowledge gap is proposed for future research. Originality The knowledge gaps identified focus on wood waste and concrete. Currently it is not clear which of the options proposed is the most sustainable.