Abstract The construction sector significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from cement production. To mitigate this, a strategy focusing on reusing structural components from existing reinforced concrete structures is being explored. This study highlights challenges and presents initial results in designing new structures from reused elements. The objective is to develop methods for designing load‐bearing structures using available elements from demolished buildings, categorized in a construction kit. The challenge is to find a structure that meets load‐bearing capacity and architectural demands under the constraints of available elements. The feasibility of integrating existing foundations into the design process is investigated. Non‐destructive measurements and simulations characterize the foundation and soil properties, while methods for strengthening or adjusting the foundation are developed. The design process considers the constraints of the foundation and construction kit, with the coordinated arrangement of reused elements and connection types controlling stress distribution. The structural reliability of the proposed structure is assessed, quantifying the effect of uncertainties related to individual elements.
Neu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.