Turning South African Construction Industry Waste into Wealth: An Insight into Bio-digital Materials and Practices

Back to 2025 Papers

Seyi Segun Stephen, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Jummai Okikiola Bello, Nana Akua Asabea Gyadu-Asiedu and Gloria Awnyetemy Akanyawie

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64755/LVWS7668

Keywords: Bio-digital, Circular Economy, Construction Waste, Green Building, Sustainable Construction

DOWNLOAD PDF

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE

This study explores how construction waste in the South African Construction Industry (SACI) can be turned into useful resources using bio-digital materials and practices.

DESIGN / METHODOLOGY / APPROACH

The research used scientometric and narrative reviews, collecting data from Scopus and Web of Science between 2010 and 2025. Analysis was done using Biblioshiny in RStudio to study keywords and themes.

FINDINGS

The results show strong research interest in “sustainable development,” “recycling,” and “compressive strength,” while new themes like “circular economy” and “3D printing” are emerging. These trends match South Africa’s need to manage construction waste better. Waste materials like concrete rubble, bricks, and wood can be reused with help from tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins (DT), Augmented Reality (AR), drones, and bio-materials like mycelium and hemp.

VALUE

This study connects global research with local challenges in SACI, showing that bio-digital methods are both possible and practical for reducing waste and creating economic opportunities.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Using people-centred ideas from Construction 5.0 can lead to better project delivery and more resilience to problems like economic downturns or resource shortages.

LIMITATIONS

The study only used published data and lacks field testing. Future studies should include real-life case studies within South Africa.