Enabling Construction Circularity Through Digital Platforms: A Marketplace Approach to Managing Excess Materials

Abstract

Surplus construction materials, unused items discarded during active construction, represent a significant yet underexplored fraction of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in the UAE. While circular economy (CE) principles are gaining attention in the built environment, most existing frameworks address CDW holistically and overlook the specific characteristics of surplus materials. This study investigates how digital platforms can enable surplus material reuse and proposes a lifecycle-informed conceptual framework to support construction circularity in alignment with the UAE’s CE policy goals. A systematic literature review of 50 peer-reviewed studies was conducted using the PRISMA method and categorized into six thematic domains: market feasibility, regulatory conditions, digital technologies, lifecycle strategies, CE frameworks, and platform implementation factors. The proposed framework centers on the construction stage, where surplus becomes visible, and distinguishes between two stakeholder groups: those who supply surplus and those who integrate it into new projects. It identifies six core digital functionalities, including stakeholder collaboration hubs, verification engines, and compliance modules. Upstream and downstream strategies are included to provide lifecycle context and emphasize that while construction is the primary intervention point, earlier and later stages influence surplus outcomes. Enablers are aligned with each functionality to support implementation and mitigate barriers related to trust, interoperability, policy, and capacity. The framework also integrates performance indicators and strategic guidance for phased adoption, particularly among SMEs and regulatory bodies. Its development was informed by a comparative analysis of existing academic and real-world digital platforms, which helped validate the identified functionalities, enablers, and barriers. This study contributes theoretical value by positioning surplus as a distinct intervention point within CE and offers a UAE-specific foundation for platform conceptualization and policy development.

Date of Award	Aug 2025
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Malik Mansoor Ali Khalfan (Supervisor)