Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is spearheading research into non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to extend the life cycle of concrete components, as part of a national initiative to accelerate the circular economy in construction.
The project, supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under the newly launched Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1683, seeks to fundamentally transform how the built environment is renewed. Traditionally, concrete from decommissioned buildings is crushed and downcycled as filler. CRC 1683 challenges this paradigm by exploring how structural components—such as slabs, walls, and columns—can be carefully dismantled, evaluated, and reused in new constructions.
BAM brings decades of experience in advanced testing technologies to the project. Its role is central: developing fast, reliable, and cost-efficient NDT techniques to assess the condition and load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete elements without invasive procedures such as coring or cutting.
The goal is to deliver actionable, on-site diagnostics that support both safety and sustainability, enabling architects, engineers, and construction firms to incorporate reused components with confidence.
The broader mission is to reduce the environmental impact of concrete—the world’s most widely used but ecologically taxing construction material—by prolonging the service life of high-value components and minimizing raw material extraction.
By embedding NDT into the reuse assessment process, BAM aims to unlock large-scale structural circularity, aligning infrastructure renewal with climate resilience goals.
