Designing Structural Systems for Deconstruction: How to Extend a New Building's Useful Life and Prevent it from Going to Waste When the End Finally Comes

Abstract

This paper applies the emerging concept of Design for Disassembly (DfD) to building structural systems. DfD benefits the environment by simplifying building modifications and end-of-life disassembly. Buildings are more likely to be renovated, rather than replaced, when renovations are made simpler and less costly by the application of DfD. At the end of the building’s life, materials are more likely to be salvaged or recycled if they can be easily removed and segregated. Structural systems generally account for well over 50% of a building’s mass, so application of DfD to the structure is particularly worthwhile.