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The Industrialisation of Sustainable Construction: A Transdisciplinary Approach to the Large-Scale Introduction of Compacted Mineral Mixtures (CMMs) into Building Construction

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Max Bühler

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Pia Hollenbach

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Alexander Michalski

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Sonja Meyer

    (Faculty of Computer Science, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Emanuel Birle

    (Center of Geotechnics, Technical University Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany)

  • Rebecca Off

    (Institute for Strategic Innovation and Technology Management, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Christina Lang

    (Institute for Strategic Innovation and Technology Management, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Wolfram Schmidt

    (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), 12489 Berlin, Germany)

  • Roberto Cudmani

    (Center of Geotechnics, Technical University Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany)

  • Oliver Fritz

    (Faculty of Architecture, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Guido Baltes

    (Institute for Strategic Innovation and Technology Management, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

  • Geraldine Kortmann

    (Institute for Applied Sciences, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG), 78462 Konstanz, Germany)

Abstract

Increasing demand for sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon construction materials has highlighted the potential of Compacted Mineral Mixtures (CMMs), which are formulated from various soil types (sand, silt, clay) and recycled mineral waste. This paper presents a comprehensive inter- and transdisciplinary research concept that aims to industrialise and scale up the adoption of CMM-based construction materials and methods, thereby accelerating the construction industry’s systemic transition towards carbon neutrality. By drawing upon the latest advances in soil mechanics, rheology, and automation, we propose the development of a robust material properties database to inform the design and application of CMM-based materials, taking into account their complex, time-dependent behaviour. Advanced soil mechanical tests would be utilised to ensure optimal performance under various loading and ageing conditions. This research has also recognised the importance of context-specific strategies for CMM adoption. We have explored the implications and limitations of implementing the proposed framework in developing countries, particularly where resources may be constrained. We aim to shed light on socio-economic and regulatory aspects that could influence the adoption of these sustainable construction methods. The proposed concept explores how the automated production of CMM-based wall elements can become a fast, competitive, emission-free, and recyclable alternative to traditional masonry and concrete construction techniques. We advocate for the integration of open-source digital platform technologies to enhance data accessibility, processing, and knowledge acquisition; to boost confidence in CMM-based technologies; and to catalyse their widespread adoption. We believe that the transformative potential of this research necessitates a blend of basic and applied investigation using a comprehensive, holistic, and transfer-oriented methodology. Thus, this paper serves to highlight the viability and multiple benefits of CMMs in construction, emphasising their pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and resilience in the built environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Max Bühler & Pia Hollenbach & Alexander Michalski & Sonja Meyer & Emanuel Birle & Rebecca Off & Christina Lang & Wolfram Schmidt & Roberto Cudmani & Oliver Fritz & Guido Baltes & Geraldine Kor, 2023. "The Industrialisation of Sustainable Construction: A Transdisciplinary Approach to the Large-Scale Introduction of Compacted Mineral Mixtures (CMMs) into Building Construction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10677-:d:1188334
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Timothy M. Lenton & Johan Rockström & Owen Gaffney & Stefan Rahmstorf & Katherine Richardson & Will Steffen & Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, 2019. "Climate tipping points — too risky to bet against," Nature, Nature, vol. 575(7784), pages 592-595, November.
    4. Avery Sen, 2014. "Totally radical: From transformative research to transformative innovation," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 41(3), pages 344-358.
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    Cited by:

    1. Manvydas Mikulėnas & Lina Šeduikytė, 2025. "Circularity and Decarbonization Synergies in the Construction Sector: Implications for Zero-Carbon Energy Policy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-23, February.
    2. Benno Rothstein & Lena Heiderich & Michael Bühler & Lalit Kishor Bhati, 2025. "Seagrass as Climate-Smart Insulation for the Tropics: Key Insights from Numerical Simulations and Field Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-28, May.
    3. Yemeng Sun & Xiaoxia Zhang & Guoyu Yang, 2025. "The Power of Green Communication: A Dual Path to Enhanced Corporate Resilience Through Environmental Information Disclosure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, January.

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