Reliability of Reusing Gypsum Flat Board Grinded Waste as a Conventional Plaster Replacement for Buildings

Julian David Puerto (), Sandra Uribe, Luis Ayala, Alexander Padilla and Alvaro Rodriguez
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Julian David Puerto: Departamento de Ingeniería Civil y Agrícola, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
Sandra Uribe: Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de la Salle, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
Luis Ayala: Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de la Salle, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
Alexander Padilla: Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de la Salle, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
Alvaro Rodriguez: Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de la Salle, Bogotá 111711, Colombia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-12

Abstract: This research work focuses on the recycling of gypsum, a key component of drywall panels commonly used in construction. It proposes this practice as a technically and economically viable strategy that also aligns with the circular economy model. In this context, waste loses its status as refuse and is transformed back into raw material. A technical feasibility analysis was conducted based on a sample extracted from a specific project, which was subjected to characterization tests and mechanical behavior assessments in both laboratory and real construction conditions. Additionally, an economic feasibility analysis was performed by comparing the budgets of the same project in two scenarios: the traditional plastering process and the use of recycled gypsum. This analysis highlighted the fiscal and legal benefits that adopting the circular model could offer to stakeholders in the construction industry. This study began with a market analysis to determine the availability of recyclable material and to assess the multiple benefits that its reuse can provide. Based on the characterization of the material obtained from the construction site and the mechanical tests conducted, the economic advantages were evaluated for contractors as well as for the potential establishment of companies focused on gypsum recycling. All of this analysis was framed within the context of sustainability, emphasizing the positive environmental impacts of this practice, as well as the development of a strategy that serves as a valuable proposal for the construction sector. This work concludes that recycling gypsum in construction projects represents a technically, environmentally, and economically sustainable alternative that can positively transform the industry.

Keywords: feasibility analysis; gypsum board recycling; circular economy; construction waste potential; gypsum characterization; construction strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:7889-:d:1474958

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