Reuse of reclaimed steel components in construction: A systematic review of potential, challenges and future directions
Helen Bartsch
Abstract
This review paper investigates the state-of-the-art potential, challenges, and future directions for the reuse of reclaimed steel components in construction. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, encompassing over 130 publications focused on keywords related to reuse, steel, components, construction, and circular economy. The paper analyses the potential benefits of reusing steel, particularly in terms of carbon savings. The findings also identify several barriers to reuse, including the high costs associated with reclaiming steel components, the lack of design regulations in Europe, as well as logistical challenges. Detailed examinations of the processes involved in the reuse of reclaimed steel components highlight current challenges at various stages. Furthermore, the paper presents several design examples that demonstrate the practical potential for reuse in real-world applications. Looking ahead, the importance of steel reuse as a sustainable alternative to recycling is expected to grow in the context of sustainable construction.