We are excited to share our study titled "RECONMATIC Digital Information Management System." This study addresses the construction industry's pivotal role in transitioning to a Circular Economy (CE), despite the industry's inherent resource intensity and the complex nature of CE implementation.
The construction industry is known for its high resource use, making it crucial in the shift towards a Circular Economy (CE). However, the sector faces unique challenges in implementing CE due to its intricate nature. Industry 4.0 technologies offer promising solutions to support decision-making aligned with CE goals, but gaps in current research highlight the need for comprehensive integration of these technologies in Construction and Demolition Waste Management (CDWM).
Ali Saad, Jason Underwood and Juan Antonio Ferriz-Papi of the RECONMATIC Team in the University of salford have contributed to this direction with this study that is now public on the RECONMATIC Repository on Zenodo!
Literature Review Insights
A thorough review of existing literature identified key issues in CDWM and highlighted three significant research gaps in integrating Industry 4.0 technologies for effective CDWM. Notably, the absence of an all-encompassing Digital Information Management System (DIMS) that spans the entire project lifecycle, from inception to demolition, emerged as a critical limitation.
Effective information management, crucial for understanding waste generation, composition, flows, and recycling potentials, is lacking in current systems. Material flow analysis (MFA), a tool for quantifying material flows and stocks, is also unsupported by most existing digital information systems. Additionally, there is ambiguity regarding the roles and engagement of various stakeholders in these systems and the CDWM process.
Research Objectives
Our research aims to bridge these gaps by developing a DIMS specifically for facilitating CDWM, with a focus on MFA. This system will integrate Building Information Modelling (BIM), Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance CDWM. The ultimate goal is to align these technological advancements with CE principles, fostering a more sustainable and efficient construction industry and serving as a pilot for RECONMATIC demonstrators.
Methodology and Progress
Utilizing the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, our approach begins with problem awareness, progresses to proposing a solution, and involves iterative artifact development through collaboration between RECONMATIC partners and the wider industry. Subsequent steps include rigorous artifact evaluation via RECONMATIC demonstrators, followed by the development and implementation of a DIMS prototype, leading to final findings and recommendations. This systematic approach ensures practical solutions to CDWM challenges within CE principles.
Currently, the study is at the crucial stage of proposing a solution to integrate BIM, IoT, and Blockchain. This solution aims to address existing CDWM gaps by supporting MFA and covering the entire project lifecycle, considering stakeholder roles and engagement. Establishing this framework sets the foundation for the design, development, evaluation, and implementation phases, ultimately leading to an innovative DIMS demonstrator in the construction industry.
This milestone sets the stage for the co-creation of the initial system architecture, meticulously designed within the developed framework, advancing the study towards a practical and sustainable solution for construction waste management.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this exciting project, driving innovation and sustainability in the construction industry.
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