Exploring the Circle of Consumption Around Reused Construction Demolition Waste: Evidence from Construction Sites

Abstract

Reuse of construction materials/components from dismantled structures is an economic sector that is scarcely regulated and highly fragmented. Research into the reuse of components or materials extracted tends to focus on maximising the benefits when deconstructing building or civil structures. However, investigations that explore the dynamics involved in dismantling a built structure, trade and reuse of materials or components extracted with multiple actors is limited. This study aims at exploring the circle of consumption around reused materials or components extracted from dismantled structures. The study adopted a mixed method approach, and data was obtained from observation, interviews and structured questionnaires from stakeholders involved in deconstruction works. The results revealed that there are patterns in the consumption of extracted components from demolished structures that should be regulated involving construction supply chains. The study argues that construction practitioners actively shape the way components extracted from demolished structures are repurposed and reused in subsequent construction works. The study contributes to the literature on circular economy and deconstruction by focusing on the dynamic relationship between members of construction supply chains and the reuse construction materials or components.