BIM-driven digital twin for demolition waste management of existing residential buildings

Abstract

Abstract With the accelerated development of urbanisation, the construction industry has significantly contributed to environmental degradation due to its substantial energy consumption and construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation. By assessing the ecological impact of the construction industry alongside existing demolition waste management practices, this article aims to develop a conceptual framework to optimise building demolition, transportation, and recycling processes. This study integrates a BIM-driven Digital Twin framework into C&D waste management, aiming to maximise economic benefits and advance the sustainable development of construction practices. Specifically, it simulates the demolition process of an existing townhouse in Washington, D.C., using BIM-Navisworks software and employs a digital twin to update demolition data in real-time. This approach optimises the classification and transportation of demolition waste, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The study validates the proposed conceptual framework for building demolition waste management through case simulation. Additionally, it utilises BIM-Dynamo software to analyse the economic benefits of demolition waste recycling, demonstrating that a high recycling rate can significantly enhance economic outcomes. The proposed framework leverages BIM technology to optimise demolition and recycling processes, providing a valuable reference for selecting demolition waste management strategies for other buildings.