A couple of days back I was fortunate to a part of Entrepreneurs delegation whose primary aim was to study latest eco-friendly Construction and Demolition ( C&D) technologies. Though the primary objective was to understand the technologies of the Construction industry and sustainable construction methodology, we got the opportunity to understand the cities civic management system as well.

Three crucial pointers which made me think off are
1. European’s zeal to safeguard natural resources to pass it on to next generation
2. R&D in reuse of natural resources
3. The importance is given to harvest natural energy like solar, wind etc.
4. Various transport system for intracity, Intercity and intercountry.

In days coming ahead, I shall write on these subjects.

In this article, I will concentrate on the need for a focus of reusing C&D waste.

India being a growing economy and developing country, Metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and many other cities are bound to have closely coupled high raised buildings. In days to come, few skyscraping structures are bound to be demolished either for being obsolete due to age or to accommodate a new structure. The challenge stand here!

1. How to demolish an existing structure?
2. How to dispose of the mountainous debris due to demolition?

Demolition of huge buildings takes days together in the conventional method. During our study tour, we got in-depth knowledge of Building implosion methodology used to bring down a massive structure. In this methodology, explosives are strategically placed at different parts of the building and is detonated in such a way that building collapses inwards. The demolition multistoried buildings are done in a matter of seconds without affecting the buildings nearby.

Once the demolition is done disposing of the debris is a humungous task. In cities like Bengaluru, one can see Such debris are dumped in open areas causing an ill look for the city. How long can we dispose of debris in open areas? In Germany, they follow a multi-level process to ensure maximum reuse of such debris.

At different levels, various technologies are used for sorting. Near InfraRed (NIR), is used to sort Gypsum, Wood and plastic material.
Metal parts are sorted out using electromagnetic mechanism.
Color cameras are used to sort red bricks, Grey concrete and tiles.

By using the said mechanisms, different materials are sorted out. Parts of sorted materials are recycled and used in various infrastructure projects like construction of a road. The scope of reuse of C&D wastage is being explored to minimize the wastage. These technologies sooner or later will have be used in Indian cities to ensure reduced waste and cost effective infrastructure development. We need to start making R & D in these areas. Research should be done in areas of cost-effective reuse of C & D wastage with decremental wastage ratios as a target. Implementing such ideas shall not only help us in reducing costs but also renewing our commitment for eco-friendly infrastructure development.

Having run a company in the civil industry for a couple of years now, I understand the immediate need for reuse C &D wastage. I look forward to opportunities for setting up a plant which can turn C&D waste to a useful product.

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