Guidance on establishing European rules for the design of reclaimed steel components for reuse

In the construction industry, the reuse of components is a key strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions. Steel structures are particularly suitable for reuse due to their high degree of prefabrication and the limited degradation they typically undergo during dismantling. However, the structural application of reclaimed steel requires a coherent framework of concepts and guidelines covering evaluation, reclamation, storage, market integration, design, fabrication, and erection. Furthermore, aspects such as contracting, stakeholder responsibilities, and interface management must be addressed.
To promote the reuse of structural steel across European countries, clear safety assessment procedures and design rules are essential. This document highlights the most relevant issues related to designing new structures using reclaimed structural steel in accordance with EN 1993, defining the scope, giving proposals, and outlining necessary action plans.