BIM-driven transformation of waste management toward enhanced reduction and circularity in the built environment

Abstract

Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) results in substantial environmental, economic and social losses. Alternatively, Building Information Modeling (BIM) was pointed as a promising technology to achieve zero-waste goals. Recent studies showed that BIM use for CDW Management and Assessment (CDWM/A) is still limited and needs a better understanding. This research addresses this gap through a systematic review. The study revealed that BIM disposes of 5 instruments and 6 functionalities that allow important CDW minimization and inclusion of extrinsic CDWM/A resources into an integrated environment. The paper classified 39 CDWM/A guidelines into 3 categories and examined 15 data inventories supporting the analysis of CDW plans and impacts. nD-BIM data scalability was demonstrated to ensure integration of these resources into a single model, enabling multiparametric simulations and accurate CDWM/A. Similarly, the study discloses 57 digital tools used to assist CDWM/A and develop new solutions, and other 51 to manage/assess CDW environmental impacts. BIM interoperability was confirmed to foster an inclusive environment in which tools can collaborate and operate with 19 other technologies, ensuring enhanced CDWM/A and leveraging existing wares. Accordingly, the paper introduces nD BIM-WMS, a CDWM/A system disclosing how intrinsic and extrinsic BIM environments can be interconnected to enable efficient BIM-based CDWM/A through a practical algorithm maximizing the 4R principle reward, thereby supporting balanced, well-managed, and optimized sustainability. Overall, the study affirms BIM’s potential to advance zero-net waste and equips scholars and practitioners with well-founded knowledge and methodological system, paving the path for grounded research, regulation, and innovation in this field.