Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The proposed research is a significant initiative to develop new technologies and strategies for pre-fabricated elements and sustainable structural design through the complete reuse and recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW), which is responsible of more than one-quarter of all waste generated in Canada. The overall objective of this program of research is to present globally applicable solutions to counteract the negative effects of CDW on the environment, the economy and society by developing pre-fabricated structural and non-structural elements that incorporate green construction materials, and by promoting and popularizing reuse and/or recycling in the construction industry. ***The specific objectives are to: (1) propose novel reuse and/or recycling methodologies that are substantially less energy intensive, more economical and more easily applicable for taking full advantage of CDW materials; (2) maximize the amount of reused and/or recycled CDW without compromising the prolonged sustainability and enhanced greenness of the final product; (3) modify reused and/or recycled ultimate products with green fibers for more versatile and widespread use; (4) merge ultimate reused and/or recycled green products into easily demountable structural and non-structural building systems to introduce sustainable deconstructable system designs; and (5) develop a holistic design and integrated inspection protocol for Green Lego-type Houses to identify their green construction performance. ***In-depth theoretical and experimental investigations will focus on recycling 100% of the inert portion of CDW to manufacture green concrete-based geopolymeric binder reinforced with vegetable and recycled green fibers, and to develop novel, environmentally sustainable masonry units and green foam concrete to be used in real-scale deconstructable building systems and sustainable design. ***Successful outcomes of this research will impact the construction industry by reducing CO2 emissions and limiting climate change. The long-term effects will benefit construction and demolition stakeholders, as outdated approaches are abandoned in favour of more environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the deceleration of global warming. Participating students will gain knowledge and experience that will qualify them to be a viable resource for both academia and the Canadian construction industry.