Case Study on the Application of New Technologies for Construction Waste Management in a Historic Building in Jalisco, Mexico

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive examination of a case study conducted at the “Catedral de Santa María de la Asunción” in Jalisco, Mexico. The focus is on innovative strategies for the management of construction waste in historic buildings. In this context, the scope of the research, the purpose of exploring new methodologies, the existing gap in waste management practices, the implications of implementing advanced technologies, and the need to adopt sustainable approaches in the preservation of architectural heritage are discussed. The analysis examines the deterioration and degradation of construction materials, emphasizing the significance of advanced methodologies in waste management to mitigate these effects. A comprehensive two- and three-dimensional study has been carried out using Revit, a state-of-the-art technology, to improve precision and accuracy in quantifying waste. The intervention parameters are quantified and classified according to the codification of the European Waste List (LER), thus facilitating the implementation of efficient waste management practices and closing the identified gap in current practices. Subsequently, the sorted materials are integrated into the toolkit, which allows for the assessment of pollution levels and the assessment of the feasibility of reusing construction and demolition waste (CDW). This toolkit offers practical solutions for sustainable waste management. The recovery process, which encompasses recycling, recycling, or landfilling, ensures a nuanced and sustainable approach to CDW management within the study area. This approach has positive implications for the conservation of historical heritage and the reduction of environmental impact. The necessity for the design and implementation of innovative sustainable construction strategies becomes evident, and each project benefits from the use of advanced design and modeling software, such as Revit and its toolkit. These indispensable tools facilitate effective sorting based on LER coding, thereby streamlining waste management practices and helping to bridge the gap between current practices and sustainable best practices. Furthermore, the study concludes that materials from demolished architectural heritage can be reused in the creative design of new sustainable buildings, underscoring the importance of adopting integrated approaches to heritage conservation and sustainable urban development. This is consistent with contemporary ethical frameworks that emphasize conservation and sustainability, advocating for the reduction of resource consumption and demolition waste. This approach effectively balances the production of materials, consumption during construction and restoration, and the utilization of essential natural resources for both historic and new buildings, driving a positive transformation in the construction industry toward environmental sustainability and cultural heritage conservation.