CDW quantification in the several stages of life of a building : identification and characterization of the main methods

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) represent, in mass, the largest fraction of the waste generated in many Brazilian cities. Quantifying this type of waste is an expensive task that still has to overcome some obstacles. Lack of management and irregular disposal are some of the main limiting factors. Thus, this work aims to identify CDW quantification methods as a basis for further studies of adaptation and/or development of specific methods for the quantification of the Brazilian CDW in the different life stages of a building. Publications were identified in scientific journals and events from the set of keywords: “estimate generation”, “quantification method”, “construction and demolition waste”, “construction waste” e “demolition waste”. The articles were classified in general criteria, type of residue evaluated, scale and public interest. At the end, 22 articles presenting methods of quantification of construction and demolition residues were identified. Methods for quantification of construction waste (CW) and CDW predominate among those identified, representing 41% each. Half of the studies adopt design data and 41% use regional data. Some of the methods identified cover both the interest of the builders and the public agencies, reaching 50%, however only 18% are specific of interest to the public management agencies. Related to the Brazilian CDW, only 2 publications were identified. Therefore, it is possible to verify that there is a gap in the development of Brazilian CDW quantification methods in the various phases, which could help construction companies and public agencies to improve the management of this type of waste.