Construction is one of the largest consumers of natural resources and generates significant levels of waste, and the production of new materials is associated with high carbon emissions. In the context of increased urbanisation and population growth, material demand and the pressure on existing resources are high. “Reusing, Recycling and Repurposing” end-of-life materials and infrastructure components becomes essential to meet carbon emission targets. These targets can be achieved through more sustainable materials, efficient material usage and optimised structural components. On the other hand, adapting and reusing existing buildings and infrastructure can reduce environmental damage and carbon footprint associated with demolition and reconstruction while enabling energy savings and maintaining social value. This Special Issue covers topics at the intersection between innovative materials incorporating recycled elements and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and infrastructure. Papers could include investigations on the performance of construction materials with recycled elements, typically incorporated in concrete, such as crushed glass, tyre rubber, plastic fibres and granules, concrete and brick aggregates and asphalt pavement, among others. Studies on recycled timber fibre, plastic-timber elements and other novel composites are also strongly encouraged. Composites in which the recycled elements contribute to enhancing the properties of the material are particularly sought. Studies on the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and wider infrastructure could focus on retrofitting schemes to meet modern demands such as new loading, functions and performance requirements. Practical case studies and parametric investigations at both the material and structural level are highly welcomed, and all papers should incorporate some elements of broader sustainability standards indicating how they can contribute towards achieving a more sustainable built environment.
Keywords: recycling; adaptive reuse; retrofitting; sustainable materials; composite materials; existing infrastructure.