Did you know that more than a third of all waste generated in the European Union comes from construction and demolition activities? Every year, approximately 450 to 500 million tons of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) are produced across Europe, comprising materials like concrete, bricks, wood, glass, metals, and plastics. This enormous waste stream represents a significant challenge, and an even greater opportunity. 

As part of the CIRCUIT Project, partners from Infra Plan Consulting, Beton-Lučko, and ZAG (the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute) are taking on this challenge by developing innovative solutions for circular construction. Their work centers on the creation of prefabricated concrete slabs for a new bridge, incorporating recycled concrete and waste bio ash into the mix. 

Closing the Loop in Construction 

Concrete accounts for about one-third of CDW, making it a prime candidate for recycling. By integrating recycled materials into the concrete production process, the CIRCUIT Project is reducing reliance on virgin materials, mitigating natural resource depletion, and lowering embedded energy consumption, key steps toward sustainable construction. 

For this innovative concrete mix design, 50% of the aggregates were replaced with recycled concrete. This achievement required meticulous optimization to ensure that the new concrete met the highest standards of mechanical strength and durability. Key performance indicators include resistance to frost, deicing salts, abrasion, and water permeability, all essential for long-lasting infrastructure. 

This recycled concrete shows exceptional mechanical properties and durability, proving that recycled materials can deliver on par with traditional construction methods. This achievement demonstrates the potential for circular solutions to reshape the construction industry. 

Building Bridges to a Circular Economy 

The new bridge being constructed with these prefabricated slabs is more than just a piece of infrastructure: it’s a symbol of progress in sustainable construction. By reimagining waste as a resource, the CIRCUIT Project is setting a new standard for innovation in circularity and green infrastructure. 

This initiative is not only an important step toward reducing construction waste but also a shining example of how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. 

 Want to see these innovations in action? Check out the video to learn more about this innovative work.