Abstract
The ability to separate structural steel sections from concrete slabs in composite beams without damage forms a
key technical challenge for reclaim and direct re-use of composite structures as opposed to recycling. This paper
addresses this technical challenge. It presents the results of a feasibility study using a variety of potential
techniques, including laser cutting, band-saw cutting, wire-saw and wall-saw cutting, and diamond core drilling,
to cut welded shear connectors in conventional steel-concrete composite beams with the steel sheeting
perpendicular to the steel section. The most feasible reclaiming method was found to be wire-saw and wall-saw
cutting. After reclaiming steel sections, steel tensile coupon tests were carried out on the recovered steel sections
and their mechanical properties were compared to those of the original steel used in the composite beams. The
coupon test results showed identical behaviour of the original and reclaimed steels. The energy use of the
different methods of reclaiming was also recorded to calculate carbon emission and was found to be several
orders of magnitude lower than manufacturing virgin steel or recycling steel.
key technical challenge for reclaim and direct re-use of composite structures as opposed to recycling. This paper
addresses this technical challenge. It presents the results of a feasibility study using a variety of potential
techniques, including laser cutting, band-saw cutting, wire-saw and wall-saw cutting, and diamond core drilling,
to cut welded shear connectors in conventional steel-concrete composite beams with the steel sheeting
perpendicular to the steel section. The most feasible reclaiming method was found to be wire-saw and wall-saw
cutting. After reclaiming steel sections, steel tensile coupon tests were carried out on the recovered steel sections
and their mechanical properties were compared to those of the original steel used in the composite beams. The
coupon test results showed identical behaviour of the original and reclaimed steels. The energy use of the
different methods of reclaiming was also recorded to calculate carbon emission and was found to be several
orders of magnitude lower than manufacturing virgin steel or recycling steel.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 100077 |
Journal | Developments in the Built Environment |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |