Pro-Reuse

At the intersection of digital technologies and sustainability, this project is a part of the CARE Cluster of Excellence, a research collaboration between RWTH Aachen and TU Dresden. The aim the project is to create structured, interoperable, and machine-readable knowledge across the life cycle, from raw material extraction to reuse. A process ontology framework will be developed to enable transparent, automated sustainability assessments and informed decision making, supporting measurement of circularity and sustainability performance and enabling recertification for open or closed loop strategies. The project develops sensor-based methods combining non-destructive inspection and low intensity testing to assess the structural integrity and re use potential of concrete elements without causing damage. Resistance capacity is predicted using integrated sensor data and data-driven modelling approaches. In addition, a reuse preparation concept is also being developed, enabling automated surface treatment and reinforcement integration for reclaimed components. A prototype system will be created to evaluate data and connect with existing platforms. An ontology for C-LCSA tailored to deconstruction will support verification of circular scenarios and sustainability assessments. The solutions will be validated with on-site demonstrators for (de-)construction.

Further information can be found on the homepage: www.exc-care.com

Duration of the Project

January 2026 until December 2027

Researchers

Dr.-Ing. Iremnur Tokac-Celikyay (tokac.celikyay@ip.rwth-aachen.de), Marit Zöcklein (zoecklein@ip.rwth-aachen.de) and Emre Ergin (ergin@ip.rwth-aachen.de)

Funding

The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy – EXC 3115 – 533767731

Project Partners

Associated Partner