Recycled concrete: SARCOS improves structural performance

Reusing demolition waste for new construction is possible without compromising — and in some cases even improving — structural performance. This is the outcome of the SARCOS (Steel And Recycled COncrete Slab) project, developed by a joint team from the University of Cagliari and the Politecnico di Milano and funded by the PRIN2022 programme of the Italian Ministry of University and Research.

The project led to the development of composite slabs made of steel and recycled concrete derived from demolition materials. By combining concrete with high-strength profiled steel sheets, the team created an innovative solution with performance levels equivalent to, and in some cases higher than, traditional systems.

Full-scale testing demonstrated that using recycled concrete — from 30% up to 100% — does not reduce structural performance and can even enhance it. This finding opens new opportunities for circular economy applications in the construction sector.

For the Politecnico di Milano, the research team included Marco Simoncelli and professors Claudio Bernuzzi and Marco Andrea Pisani from the Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC).

The project also addresses a global challenge related to sand consumption, a resource under increasing pressure. The use of recycled materials reduces reliance on natural extraction and contributes to environmental preservation.

The solution is designed to be fully recyclable, allowing both concrete and steel to be reused in future cycles. SARCOS represents a significant step towards more sustainable and efficient construction models.