In the heart of Bangladesh, a nation rapidly urbanizing and expanding its infrastructure, a significant challenge looms: the mounting piles of construction and demolition waste (CDW). This waste, a global concern, has become a focal point for researchers like Bishal Paul Shuvo, a dedicated research student at the Department of Civil Engineering, Sylhet Engineering College. His recent study, published in ‘Discover Civil Engineering’ (which translates to ‘Exploring Civil Engineering’), delves into the potential of CDW in geotechnical applications, offering a glimmer of hope for sustainable development.
Shuvo’s research highlights the pressing need to address the rapid generation rate of CDW, which poses environmental and economic hazards, including dwindling landfill space and the depletion of natural resources. “The use of CDW in geotechnical applications is not just about waste management; it’s about transforming a problem into a resource,” Shuvo explains. His study reviews the properties of CDW, how these properties can be enhanced through various stabilizers, and the impact of CDW on different soil properties.
The findings are promising. While CDW may not match the quality of natural aggregates perfectly, it meets most geotechnical standards and offers significant economic and environmental benefits. “CDW can improve key soil properties, reducing the need for excessive natural resources,” Shuvo notes. This is particularly relevant for Bangladesh, which generates a massive amount of CDW but has yet to fully exploit its potential in geotechnical applications.
The research supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation. Shuvo’s study provides a framework table on the potential geotechnical applications of CDW based on their critical properties and material suitability. This could pave the way for future developments in the field, offering a sustainable solution for infrastructure projects.
For the energy sector, the implications are substantial. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, the demand for resilient and sustainable infrastructure grows. CDW, with its potential to improve soil properties and reduce the need for natural aggregates, could become a valuable resource in constructing foundations for wind farms, solar parks, and other energy projects. This could lead to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint, making it a win-win for both the energy sector and the environment.
Shuvo’s research is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing global challenges. As Bangladesh and other nations grapple with the challenges of urbanization and infrastructure development, the findings of this study offer a beacon of hope. By transforming waste into a resource, we can build a more sustainable future, one brick at a time.