Reuse of demolition materials and excavated earth

PRIU IC: Reuse of demolition materials and excavated soil for the circular economy of road infrastructure construction and maintenance works: development and proposals for applicability in the Republic of San Marino

Subject

The project represents an interdisciplinary study involving three main Research Units (ICAR-04 Roads, Railways and Airports; ICAR-07 Geotechnics; ICAR-08 Construction Science) focused respectively on specific skills in the sector of road infrastructures, geotechnics and construction science. The project aims to identify the possible ways for the differentiated reuse within the construction or maintenance processes of road infrastructures of waste materials deriving from construction and demolition works and of excavated earth and rocks specifically for the San Marino context, supported by the appropriate modeling.

Learning outcomes

In the specific context of San Marino, it is essential to identify a short- and long-term strategy for the recovery of both demolition materials and excavated earth and rocks in order to direct future generations towards a sustainable built environment and start a system based on the circular economy.

The aspects with the main impact on innovation, economic and industrial growth as well as on the environment and society are summarised below:

• Recovery of demolition materials, earth and rocks from excavations otherwise destined for landfill;
• Safeguarding of first-use natural resources;
• Reducing emissions from the production of building materials;
• Healthier and safer working environment thanks to the reduction of operating temperatures;
• Reducing the impact of construction sites on the social fabric;
• Reduction of production costs;
• Possibility of developing a virtuous internal production chain independent of production plants outside the borders;
• Dissemination of results through seminars, workshops, technical meetings and lectures.

Expected results

The research project explored topics and techniques that not only offer economic benefits through reduced production costs and the creation of new economic opportunities, but also a range of significant social benefits. These include reducing environmental impacts, improving public health, and promoting community participation and environmental awareness. These benefits are not only critical to the social and environmental well-being of the community, but also to the long-term sustainability of construction activities. Therefore, they reflect the crucial importance of developing and sustainably promoting research and initiatives that promote sustainable and innovative practices in the road infrastructure sector, thereby contributing to a healthier, more resilient and equitable environment for future generations.

The results were presented and discussed in the seminar “Civil engineering and eco-sustainability: new challenges and opportunities” organized at the Civil Engineering branch of the University of the Republic of San Marino, Thursday 15 December 2022.