Urban Mining – General
The construction industry is one of the world’s largest consumers of natural resources and is responsible for significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and construction waste. In particular, the demolition of existing buildings and infrastructures generates large quantities of mineral material flows that are often landfilled or only downcycled. Against the background of limited primary resources and increasing demands for sustainable and resource-efficient construction, urban mining is becoming increasingly important. In this context, the existing building and infrastructure stock is regarded as an anthropogenic resource reservoir whose materials and components can be systematically identified, assessed and reintegrated into new material cycles.
Within the research focus Urban Mining, the Institute for Solid Structures is engaged in the development of holistic concepts for the circular use of construction materials, structural components and infrastructures in both building and civil engineering. Particular emphasis is placed on the digital acquisition and assessment of existing structures using material cadastres, GIS-based analyses, digital twins and non-destructive testing methods. Based on these data, methods for condition assessment and the identification of suitable reuse strategies are being developed. In addition to the high-quality recycling of mineral construction materials, the reuse of entire load-bearing concrete components is investigated in particular. Furthermore, selective dismantling methods and urban mining models are being developed in order to systematically assess and evaluate material flows, transport routes, CO₂ emissions and life-cycle costs. The aim of the research activities is to support the transformation of the construction industry towards a resource-efficient and climate-friendly circular economy in which materials, components and structures can be utilized over multiple life cycles.
Urban Mining – Completed research projects
- ---
