To support the construction sector and the entire construction value chain, Flanders Make, EnergyVilleBuildwiseEmbuild and Agoria  are joining forces. Flanders Make and EnergyVille have identified four areas in which new technology will be developed to support companies. One of these is (Re)design of buildings, maximum reuse of existing components and materials. 

(Re)design of buildings, maximizing the re-use of existing components and materials​

WHY?

At the end-of-a-building-life, which could easily span over 60 years after its actual construction, none or very little information is available on the used materials and building parts, let it be on the upgrades and restorations that were executed during its lifetime. This makes it difficult to identify in advance possible building elements that may be reusable for other buildings or from which the materials could be recycled. It also hinders smooth demolition because the reusable building elements should best be detached intact from the building structure, which requires proper planning. 

WHAT?

Therefore, an easy-to-use building scanning technology, able to recognize structures, building elements and their materials for potential re-use with a potential first level of quality control to determine possible fit-for-reuse, would be a very valuable solution for this circularity challenge.

HOW?

Scanning of large environments, like e.g. manufacturing halls, including the infrastructure, together with a fast translation to a digital twin has been demonstrated already by using a cell phone camera. Material recognition can often be done by applying machine learning techniques by using existing and old building product catalogues. And by zooming in, surface textures could provide information on the state-of-health of the building part of interest.

Want to know more?

Interested in learning more about our initiatives that support the construction industry? Then come to the matchmaking event on Sept. 24, 2024 or contact us.