Modern surveying tools allow us to rapidly obtain a digital terrain model (DTM) of waste stocks and to calculate their volumes. These techniques, in combination with conventional measuring methods that can be carried out before the demolition let us inexpensively determine certain parameters and indexes that are very helpful to improve waste management.

With such a surveying tool -which is considered the most accurate and objective method-and by reviewing plans and measurements from projects we have measured the volume of wastes in several demolition projects completed by the wrecker company Excavaciones y Transportes Posada S.A. in Asturias (Spain). Then we have calculated the specific parameters and indexes for each one, some of them using a commercial software (UrbiCAD-Gestión de Residuos©).

Taking into account the obtained results and their analysis, even the variations in item, the study shows some interesting correlations among indexes and parameters that probably will be confirmed and validated as certain, once the quantity of data available becomes higher, hence representative, while more varied, hence specific and accurate.

We have concluded that data registration during each demolition project - including values of the previewed and the measured waste volumes - is considered to be crucial. The methods used to obtain these data must be homogeneous to allow for data comparison and data combined processing. It is also useful to register the geographical positioning of each demolition for the geographical information system (GIS) on the C&DW generation.

It has also to be said that the previewed volumes of waste could be figured out using plans and measurements from each project, but it is important to take into account the different structural changes placed upon the materials depending on how the demolition has been performed. Joining it with the surveying measurements could represent an objective and non-expensive method to anticipate the volume of waste to be managed.

In relation to the commercial software, the quantification of volumes and weights facilitated by it depends on many variables that the system user has to decide. The hypothetical results rendered by the software, assuming some data as realistic, must be analysed. It is highly probable that the unit weight values for each construction material and for each waste material need to be checked.

Nevertheless, the quantification of waste during each demolition using an empirical, verifiable method is essential for two main reasons: the legal regulations on the management of waste are increasingly more restrictive arising from the environmental implications as well as a greater environmental awareness, and to improve productivity derived from knowing in advance the quantities of waste to be managed in every demolition project. It will be of great benefit for demolition companies.

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