Old concrete can have a useful second life, study says

Concrete elements from dismantled buildings can be safely reused in new construction, according to a new study by researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

The researchers ran thousands of computer simulations to predict the future lifespan of reused concrete elements such as slabs, beams, and columns, based on measurements of the condition of existing buildings. The lifespan of a given piece of concrete depends on past use, storage history, climate conditions such as humidity and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, and its function as repurposed material.

For instance, a slab that was exposed to harsh elements for decades may be best reused as an interior component. Repair and refurbishment techniques—such as waterproof coatings—can extend the lifespan of concrete elements.

The study suggests that concrete element reuse could make the building sector more sustainable. Concrete production is estimated to be responsible for as much as 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions.