Vision

The current methods of concrete production and the management of end-of-life reinforced concrete (RC) structures are characterized by inefficiency, environmental unsustainability, and high costs. Consequently, the development of environmentally friendly construction materials holds the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the utilization of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW), and promote the creation of durable and sustainable structures. However, the acceptance of CDW recovery approaches within the construction industry is limited due to their low efficiency, making them economically impractical.

In response to these challenges, the proposed project seeks to address these issues by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among material scientists, civil/structural engineers, and practitioners. The primary goal is to develop "truly green" geopolymeric concretes made entirely from CDW through the upcycling of the currently unused portion of CDW. These eco-friendly materials will be employed in prefabricated and demountable structural components, resembling construction approach. Additionally, the project will introduce a novel design methodology, Design for Deconstruction (DfD), with the aim of facilitating the future reuse of structural elements after their service life. This innovative approach is anticipated to achieve a significant reduction of more than 50% in the embodied energy of structures. Furthermore, it provides clients with the advantage of retaining the value of their assets by avoiding the current practice of structural demolition at the end of a structure's life.

The CodeDemo project not only strives to revolutionize construction practices but also serves as a valuable platform for training highly qualified and exemplary fellows in the effective upcycling of CDW and sustainable materials/structures. By integrating a network of researchers and private sector professionals, the project establishes a collaborative environment that will persist beyond its immediate scope. The skills acquired by the fellow, which differ significantly from their existing expertise, will prove invaluable in building a career as an independent researcher. These skills are anticipated to secure future positions as an independent research leader, ensuring a lasting impact on the field of sustainable construction.