ABSTRACT
One of the main contributions to meet the goals of circularity, i.e. reduce Carbon emissions and use of primary materials, is the re-use of load bearing structural components from existing structures into new structures. In the last years, as a result of the Dutch Concrete Act, different projects on re-use of structural components in new structures are executed in the Netherlands. On the other hand, the first steps in eliminating the barriers for a shift from linear to circular design and construction have been taken. One of these steps is the drafting of guidelines and codes (CB’23, NTA Steel, CROW-CUR guideline for concrete and National Annexes to Eurocodes) to make re-use of existing load-bearing components in new structures possible within the Dutch Building Act. Disseminating of knowledge through publicizing lessons-learned from executed projects is another. In this paper both points are described, with a focus on Dutch infrastructures (bridges and overpasses). Not only the technical challenges will be addressed but also the mutual influence of architectural design, road design and social safety on circular design with re-use of structural components. A framework is proposed for investing in more material and/or costs including environmental costs for easier and cheaper deconstruction depending on the most likely envisioned lifespan of the structure with regard to maintenance costs.
