Scientometric review of construction demolition waste management: a global sustainability perspective

The increase in construction projects with rising construction demolition waste (CDW) challenges is alarming, and it poses a significant threat to sustainable urban development. The challenge of CDW management (CDWM) is noteworthy with varied consequences on social, economic, environmental, and physical development perspectives. Although there has been research from different perspectives on CDWM for over 40 years, there is a limited scientometric review research in these areas to date. This study, therefore, conducts a global scientometric analysis of CDWM articles to understand its sustainable development research approach for further studies. Article titles, keywords, and abstract search methods were used to extract related articles from the year 2000 to 2021. A total of 4374 articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection were analysed using CiteSpace software for scientometric analysis. The result revealed active research on CDWM from influential researchers, research institutes, institutions, reputable journals, and countries. The policy recommendations and frameworks adopted in the past have focused more on reducing, recycling and reuse (3R), and they adopt these strategies and others as single strategies for improving CDWM. These strategies are limited in integrating sustainable development strategies such as the circular economy and bio-dynamic. This study concludes that there is a need for a comprehensive research approach that incorporates the economic, social, and physical implications of CDWM to maximise the value of CDW for sustainable development. It presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the CDWM, adds to the existing knowledge of CDWM sustainability approach, and provides insights for future research direction relevant for the academics, professionals, and government agencies in CDWM projects.

Automated summary

The increase in construction demolition waste poses a significant threat to sustainable urban development. However, there is a limited scientometric review research on the management of construction demolition waste (CDW). This study conducts a global scientometric analysis and identifies active research in the CDWM domain. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive research approach that integrates the economic, social, and physical implications of CDWM for sustainable development.