Framework for Reusing Building Components

Reusing building components can substantially reduce the environmental footprint of new construction. However, this practice remains uncommon. A major barrier is the labor-intensive task of matching reclaimed components with design requirements, caused by fragmented and incomplete data. This research explores the potential of knowledge graphs to organize reuse-related information and integrate it into the design process. It proposes a computational workflow that enables designers to interactively explore reclaimed component suggestions as their designs evolve. The workflow was tested through a field study involving the sourcing of reclaimed steel components, the design of a small steel structure, and its partial realization with these reclaimed steel components as a 1:1 physical demonstrator.

Interviews with experts from across the AEC industry and a review of recent reuse guidelines were used to identify key data requirements and process stages. Based on these findings, an ontology was developed to formalize relevant reuse concepts and relationships for standardized linear steel profiles. After identifying suitable data sources, a knowledge graph was populated with real-world information. In addition, a prototype for a computational design tool was implemented, allowing users to upload design data to a remote graph database and retrieve reuse suggestions, based on the provided data.

Testing the knowledge graph with competency questions derived from the interviews revealed significant data availability challenges, particularly for economic parameters, which interviewed experts had also identified as a major barrier to reuse. Nonetheless, the tool generated meaningful reuse suggestions, based on design, structural and availability criteria. These suggestions were implemented into the  demonstrator with minor design adjustments, potentially helping to reduce emissions by about 40% compared to the use of new materials while preserving the overall design intent.

The current framework focuses on the incorporation of linear steel components into the design workflow which demonstrates that the ontology is equally applicable to include other materials and component types. Future work may apply probabilistic reasoning to address incomplete data and improve matching reliability. While the framework establishes a foundation for integrating reuse into design workflows, wider adoption among industry stakeholders such as building owners, contractors, manufacturers, and policymakers will be essential to make reuse a standard practice.

ITECH M.Sc. Thesis Project 2025: Framework for Reusing Building Components - A Computational Framework for High-Quality Reuse of Structural Building Components  
David Gallego, Stefan Lang, Jonas Thorn

Thesis Advisers: Diellza Elshani, Katja Rinderspacher 

Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Achim Menges
Second Supervisor: Prof. Thomas Wortmann