FIB 18: Recycling of offshore concrete structures 18

The report confirms that removal, re-use wholly or in part, and complete demolition and recycling of CGS (Concrete Gravity Structures) are technically feasible. Governmental policy is consistently moving towards rewarding those industries that contribute to environmentally friendly management. Recycled material is an environmentally friendly alternative that incurs reduced consumption of virgin material and less waste disposal. There is no reason to believe that offshore concrete should be less suitable for recycling than other concrete. For some platforms the most suitable vessel for carrying the topside ashore may prove to be the CGS itself, as it has to be removed from its position anyhow. A successful removal, however, requires a well planned and controlled operation, necessitating a profound knowledge and understanding of the structure, both in its technical and operational aspects. An important instrument to acquire such knowledge are the records kept during the platform's history describing the main parameters and events. The report treats the aspects of re-use, removal, demolition methods and recycling of materials and refers to all known international and national regulations in this field, adding a comprehensive list of references and usable internet links.