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Demolition waste characterization from post-earthquake controlled demolitions in Türkiye: A field-based study
Kadir Özçelik1, Serra Selin Övez1, Kadriye Elif Maçin1
1Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Türkiye.
Summary
This study analyzed post-earthquake demolition waste (DW) composition in Türkiye. Mineral fractions dominate DW, with iron content varying by building age, informing waste management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Effective waste management and recovery planning are critical after earthquakes.
- Understanding demolition waste (DW) composition is essential for sustainable practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize demolition waste from post-earthquake controlled demolitions.
- Investigate the influence of building age and seismic codes on debris composition.
Main Methods:
- Field investigation in Malatya, Türkiye, post-earthquake.
- Collected and characterized debris from nine controlled demolitions and mixed piles.
- Analyzed 490 tonnes of material by mass percentage.
Main Results:
- Mineral fractions consistently dominate demolition waste (≈94-97% by mass).
- Iron content shows variability (1.69-3.48%) based on construction period.
- Other fractions (wood, plastics, metals, etc.) constitute less than 5% of total mass.
Conclusions:
- Provides a baseline for demolition waste composition in post-earthquake controlled demolitions.
- Supports research on valorization and sustainable management of construction debris in earthquake-prone regions.
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