Raw materials are finite and yet present in huge quantities in building stocks. In view of this fact, what could be more natural than to "actively" recover the large volumes of raw materials in buildings at the end of their life cycles? This _involves considering vital factors in materials sourcing, such as sufficiency, consistency and efficiency as well as the intelligent use of resources, recyclable structures and construction based on the use of structures and materials over their entire life cycles: in short, "urban mining" in the construction sector. The strategy will require a shift in values and a fundamental rethink of planning and building.
For architects and engineers, the greatest challenge will lie in persuading people of the value of this approach by demonstrating the aesthetic, economic and socio-cultural qualities that such structures can achieve, and in making buildings environmentally friendly over the long term. Possibilities for dismantling and recycllng buildlngs must be firmly embedded at the design stage in order to leverage their full potential for reuse In a circular system. The Manual of Recycling outlines the expertise that will be needed for this paradigm shift in construction. lt regards a building as a source of materials that requires intelligent planning, from the initial choice of its materials through to construction and focuses on the related circular economy.
A comprehensive and detailed catalogue shows all the relevant building component connections and provides comprehensive explanations of calculation methods and tendering aspects. Finally, detalls on built structures provide readers with inspiration for successfully implementing these ideas in practice. A book for architects and engineers who are not only convincing in terms of aesthetic, economic and socio-cultural qualities, but who also want to construct sustainable, environmentally friendly buildings.
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