The Evolution of Research on C&D Waste and Sustainable Development of Resources: A Bibliometric Study

Abstract

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is steadily increasing as both urbanization and the construction industry advance. Therefore, numerous studies on C&D waste have been conducted. In this paper, the literature published in the field of C&D waste and sustainable development from 2002 to 2022 was utilized to examine the current state of research and potential future research hotspots via the bibliometric method. Herein, 3550 studies found in the literature were analyzed using Citespace and VOSviewer, two efficient visual analysis programs, for the annual quantitative distribution, contribution and cooperation of authors, influential and productive countries/regions and institutions, keyword co-occurrence analysis, literature co-citation analysis and identification of research frontiers. The findings show an exponential rise in publications on construction waste and sustainable resource development, while the research focus has clearly shifted from recycling and reduction of C&D waste to harmless and resourceful treatment in the last five years. The keywords “optimization”, “implementation” and “strategy” also indicate that more emphasis is being placed on the research of management method realization mechanisms, technological optimization schemes and policy strategies. The research results of this paper will help participants in the construction industry to grasp the current research hotspots and development trend in the field of C&D waste and the sustainable development of resources. It also plays a positive role in formulating relevant regulations and policies, reducing resource waste and construction project costs.