Framework for analysis of demolition supply chain to optimize use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled aggregate (RA)

Abstract

The paper discusses the factors that affect the recycling rate of recycled aggregates (RA) and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) derived from demolition waste of reinforced concrete buildings. The recycling rate for construction and demolition waste presently stand at 57% in Australia, where countries such as Japan has achieved 98% recycling rates for demolition waste. A framework is proposed to investigate demolition waste management supply chain as a whole and to critically analyse and investigate the factors affecting the recycling rate of concrete and fines to produce RA and RCA from demolition waste. The factors affecting the recycling rate of concrete and fines across the waste supply chain are categorised into technical, economic and regulatory and policy related factors. The framework proposed is to analyse the inter-relationships between these factors.