Management of excavated soil and rock - A literature review on mass management and circularity practices

Rapport, 2026

This literature review emphasizes the importance of effective mass management, with a specific focus on sustainable management of excavated soil and rock from construction projects. Excavated soil accounts for approximately 52% of the construction and demolition waste, and 20% of the total waste generated yearly in Europe. As urbanization continues to increase, with the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the environmental impact of the construction sector, especially its energy consumption and CO2 emissions, remains a major concern. The review examines how frameworks such as Circular Economy, Urban Metabolism, and Doughnut Economy can provide solutions to these challenges and foster more sustainable practices in managing excavated soil.  

The review's primary objective is to assess current mass management practices with a focus on sustainability and circularity, identifying strategies to improve the handling of excavated materials in a circular economy framework. It also delves into the regulatory frameworks and legislation that govern mass management. Key barriers to more effective mass management and increased reuse of soil and rock include regulatory inconsistencies, economic disincentives, and concerns over the quality of the excavated soil and rock. To overcome these challenges, the review recommends strengthening regulatory frameworks, integrating reuse into urban planning processes, and implementing digital systems that enhance resource coordination and management while enabling more effective tracking and documentation of excavated materials.

Case studies from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and France demonstrate the success of innovative regulations and digital tools in advancing soil management practices. The examples illustrate the potential for collaborative efforts between industries and governments to improve mass management outcomes. Reusing excavated soil for applications such as base layers, recycled building materials, and other construction products can significantly reduce the reliance on virgin materials and contribute to greater sustainability. By addressing current barriers and implementing effective strategies, the sustainability of excavated soil management can be greatly enhanced, aligning with broader goals of sustainable urban development.

Despite these advances, a significant research gap remains in understanding how Circular Economy strategies should be clearly defined and effectively implemented in excavated soil and rock management. The review also shows that indicators and key performance indicators for measuring sustainability and circularity in ESR management are not yet widely or systematically applied. To address this gap, this PhD project will not only identify and develop relevant indicators and KPIs but will also contribute to creating a tool for measuring circularity and sustainability in ESR management. Together, these efforts aim to support more consistent assessment, monitoring, and continuous improvement of sustainable and circular mass management practices.