T4D Concrete Reuse for Reconstruction

Location : Ukraine

Problem

The war in Ukraine has caused massive building damage and destruction, generating large amounts of concrete debris. This situation creates a significant challenge for waste management and increased CO₂ emissions related to reconstruction.

Challenge

How can we effectively deconstruct concrete elements from damaged buildings and make them available for reconstruction, thus reducing CO₂ emissions, minimizing waste, and lowering reconstruction costs?

Solution

The project proposes innovative selective deconstruction techniques to recover concrete elements, followed by their certification for reuse in new reconstruction projects, in compliance with local and international standards.

Impact

• CO₂ emission reduction: Less production of new concrete, leading to lower CO₂ emissions.
• Waste reduction: Fewer debris sent to landfills.
• Cost savings: Reduced expenses for producing new materials.
• Increased sustainability: A circular approach to reconstruction.

Team members

• Prof. Corentin Fivet, EPFL Professor of Architecture and Structural Design, Head of EPFL Structural Xploration Lab
• Maléna Bastien Masse, Scientific Researcher, EPFL Structural Xploration Lab
• Eduard Avetian, Chairman, Waste Recycling Association of Ukraine
• Valerii Kotsiuba, Project Coordinator on Destruction Waste Management, Waste Recycling Association of Ukraine
• André Ullal, Building Expert, Skat Consulting