CirCrete: A multi-criteria performance-based decision support framework for end-of-life management of concrete

In response to the need for a smooth transition from a linear economy, circularity strategies are gaining attention within the construction industry. While the circularity strategies for concrete, which is the most widely used construction material, are well known, there is a paucity of research about their practical implementation for end-of-life (EOL) management of concrete structures. In this study, a novel performance-based decision support framework named ‘CirCrete’ is proposed to facilitate a holistic approach for integrating the circular economy strategies for EOL management of whole concrete structures. The core of the framework is based on three broad circularity strategies that include: refurbishing, remanufacturing, and recycling. A set of indicators developed from a sustainability perspective are integrated in the framework to facilitate the comparative evaluation of the different circularity strategies for concrete. An Excel spreadsheet is provided to illustrate the utility of CirCrete. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated in two case studies exemplifying the three circularity strategies for EOL management of concrete. The first case study considers a hypothetical UK office building that demonstrate the application of CirCrete when adopting remanufacture or recycling/landfilling route, with the consideration of eight different scenarios. The second case study presented is based on an actual refurbishment project in the UK to demonstrate the application of CirCrete when implementing a refurbishment route. The results obtained highlighted the capabilities of CirCrete in providing optimal solution for EOL management of concrete and a classification system developed for rating circularity. • A novel systematic decision-making workflow integrating circularity strategies is proposed. • The workflow was applied to two case studies to demonstrate applicability of the framework. • In a new build scenario repair and reuse supersedes recycling, and landfilling. • Clear economic and environmental advantages of refurbishment over new construction.