Development of a bridge circularity assessment framework to promote resource efficiency in infrastructure projects

Tom B. J. Coenen, João Santos, Sonja A. A. M. Fennis and Johannes I. M. Halman

Journal of Industrial Ecology, 2021, vol. 25, issue 2, 288-304

Abstract: Given the predominant use of virgin materials and the creation of vast amounts of waste in the construction sector, increasing its resource efficiency could result in a large improvement in overall use of resources. Bridges are a logical target for increasing resource efficiency, not only because of the large amount of materials involved but especially because a considerable number of bridges are demolished because of changing functional demands rather than technical failure. Furthermore, climate change increases future uncertainty and the likelihood of functionally motivated demolitions, which potentially exacerbates the creation of waste. Currently, it is not possible to measure and quantify the resource efficiency of bridge designs. In this study, a framework is presented that combines four indicators based on the principles of the Circular Economy. The four indicators are: (1) Design Input, (2) Resource Availability, (3) Adaptability, and (4) Reusability. Each indicator is further broken down into multiple sub‐indicators. To test the usefulness of the proposed framework, it was applied to two real‐world Dutch case studies. In addition, uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the robustness of the indicator to changes in the design parameters and the weighting method used. Validation of the framework has shown that this bridge‐specific circularity indicator is useful for determining the level of resource efficiency in terms of material use. This will allow clients to use resource efficiency, or circularity, as a selection criterion in the procurement process. This article met the requirements for a gold—gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.

Date: 2021
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