Iacovidou, E orcid.org/0000-0001-6841-0995 and Purnell, P (2016) Smart technologies: Enablers of construction components reuse? In: Proceedings. CYPRUS2016 4th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management, 23-25 Jun 2016, Limassol, Cyprus.
Abstract
Purpose: The exploitation of smart technologies such as, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) for tracking and archiving the properties of structural components, is an innovative disruption in the construction sector. It could stimulate reuse of construction components, rather than their wastage addressing a serious pressing problem. Methods: This study explores the potential of smart technologies to facilitate construction components reuse, and develops a guidance list for promoting their redistribution back to the supply chain. A preliminary assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the RFID technology is presented in order to depict its current and future potential in promoting construction components’ sustainable lifecycle management, and in capturing and creating value. Results: For both RFID and BIM technologies to operate successfully, the right amount and flow of information at each stage of the design-construction-deconstruction-reuse-disposal process is a prerequisite. Although a number of limitations related to the technical operability and recycling of RFID tags currently withhold its roll-out, technological innovation may provide solutions for the future, enabling it to become mainstream. Conclusions: the use of RFID in the construction sector can create the right conditions for the development of new business models based on the reuse and lifecycle management of components, unlocking multiple technical, environmental, economic, and social benefits. With technological innovation enhancing the capabilities of RFID, and with policy interventions controlling and managing its uptake at all stages of the supply chain, its use as a construction components reuse enabler might soon become realised.
Metadata
Item Type: | Proceedings Paper |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Construction and demolition waste (CDW); Construction components; Reuse; RFID; Information flow; Life-cycle valuation |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Leeds) > School of Civil Engineering (Leeds) > Institute for Resilient Infrastructure (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number EPSRC EP/K012398/1 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 16 Jan 2017 15:47 |
Last Modified: | 16 Jan 2017 15:47 |
Published Version: | http://uest.ntua.gr/cyprus2016/proceedings/proceed... |
Status: | Published |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:110586 |