Circular Steel – technologies and processes for the reuse of dismantled steel profiles in uptownBasel

Abstract

The former industrial site of uptownBasel in Arlesheim, Switzerland, has great potential for local reuse of steel profiles, as disassembly, processing, and storage can be handled within the same site. The direct reuse of steel is significant because it contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, especially when transportation and processing are minimized. This study addresses how the dismantled steel profiles in uptownBasel can be made accessible for future use, considering both physical and digital accessibility. Based on stakeholder consultations and literature research, this study examines which technologies and processes are suitable for the reuse of dismantled steel profiles in uptownBasel. It analyzes and compares existing Track-and-Trace as well as data storage technologies. Data requirements for the reuse of steel are examined by regarding constant and variable information and structuring it according to its data type (numeric, alphanumeric, vector, or image-based) specific to the uptownBasel use case. Furthermore, an analysis of storage types reveals important distinctions: Whether single or multiple storage units are needed, whether the storage is intended to be long-term or short-term, and whether materials should be stored sorted or unsorted. Finally, this study provides an outlook on how the process and the tasks of those involved in the project change when steel profiles are labelled and their information is made digitally accessible.