The reuseability of cast-in-situ concrete slab elements

Abstract

The construction sector faces an urgent need to reduce embodied carbon and close material loops, yet the structural reuse of cast-in-situ concrete elements—particularly floor slabs—remains rare in practice. This thesis investigates how concrete slab reuse can evolve from isolated experiments into an integrated and reliable strategy within the construction industry. The research addresses two interdependent barriers identified in current practice: the absence of standardised technical verification procedures and the fragmentation of communication and responsibilities between demolition (donor) and new construction (target) projects.

A mixed-methods approach combines a systematic literature review, multiple case studies of recent Dutch reuse initiatives, semi-structured expert interviews, and design-science research. The study develops two complementary frameworks: a Verification Framework, which provides a Eurocode-aligned, stepwise method for assessing the geometry, material properties, durability, and structural performance of reclaimed slabs, and a Communication Framework, which defines how verification data is generated, transferred, and safeguarded across project stages to ensure traceability and alignment among stakeholders.

Validation of both frameworks using real project data shows that reclaimed slabs can meet structural and durability requirements—especially in lower-load, repetitive applications—while achieving substantial embodied-carbon reductions of up to 60% relative to new concrete alternatives. The findings demonstrate that technical feasibility alone is insufficient: successful reuse depends equally on well-structured information flows, early role definition, and integrated collaboration between donor and target projects.

By providing practical guidance for engineers, project managers, contractors, and policymakers, this thesis contributes a coherent, ready-to-apply foundation for professionalising structural concrete reuse. The developed frameworks offer a pathway to reduce uncertainty, improve decision-making, and embed reuse within mainstream construction processes—supporting the wider transition toward a circular built environment.