Rediscovering Structural Steel Reuse: Practice and Perception in Italy

The publication of CEN/TS 1090-201:2024 represents a step towards the formal recognition of structural steel reuse within the European regulatory framework. By providing a formal technical reference, the specification contributes to achieving the decarbonisation objectives of the European construction industry. Nevertheless, the implementation of structural steel reuse depends not only on technical provisions but also on the practices and perceptions of the actors involved. Building on this background, this research explores stakeholder perspectives on structural steel reuse in the Italian construction sector, with particular attention to direct experiences and perceived barriers to its adoption. Among the actors of the construction supply chain, steel fabrication workshops were selected as the survey target, since they represent the technical node where reclaimed steel is reprocessed and adapted for reuse. To investigate these aspects, an exploratory survey was administered to companies operating in the Italian construction sector. The questionnaire distinguishes between respondents with and without direct experience of structural steel reuse and, where applicable, investigates how reuse practices were implemented and which difficulties were encountered. For respondents without direct experience, the survey focuses on perceived obstacles to the adoption of structural steel reuse. Barriers are examined across technical, regulatory, economic and practical dimensions. The collected data are intended to inform future research and support policymakers and standardisation bodies by assessing whether established but undocumented practices of structural steel reuse exist within the construction sector.