Waste management is a key area of concern within the construction and engineering sector today, with landfills already overflowing everywhere. It’s time to take salvage/reclamation opportunities, recycling or reusing materials, source reduction and waste disposal more seriously.
Like other solid waste, C&D waste management systems can be broken down into these 6 functional elements:
- Generation
- Handling, separation, storage, and processing (at source)
- Collection
- Separation, processing and transformation
- Transfer and transport
- Disposal
Here are three ways to improve construction waste disposal and waste management:
Sustainable Design
If buildings are designed to be more adaptable, or disassembled and reused when required, there will be a lower demand for demolition and removal. This can have a tremendous impact on the amount of waste generated during each building’s lifetime. Key strategies include:
- Planning adaptation or disassembly options that include relevant details such as materials and components, built drawings, structural properties, etc.
- Developing buildings with modular and standard-sized assemblies/components, and structural systems that follow a simple, open-span design.
- Designing safe access points and easy movement for workers conducting repair, disassembly or adaptation tasks in the future.
- Reducing the use of different material types, and increasing the use of durable, reusable and recyclable materials in building construction.
- Providing visible connections that are easy to access, and using screws, nails, bolts and other mechanical fastenings instead of adhesives/sealants.
Demolition & Deconstruction
Building demolition results in heavy pollution and waste generation, so deconstruction needs to be the focus instead.
Deconstruction allows for extensive recovery of usable material at every level, right from systems and assemblies to entire structures and foundations. In addition to preserving resources and minimizing landfill waste, it also boosts the economy by creating new employment opportunities.
Here are some aspects to consider while designing/removing buildings:
- Complete deconstruction is not always possible, but most buildings can be partially deconstructed by combining demolition and deconstruction methods.
- Buildings that are wood-framed are highly deconstructable, especially if they have been constructed with heavy timber or versatile, old growth wood.
- Hardwood flooring, architectural mouldings, electrical or plumbing components, unique windows/doors and other specialty materials have a high resale value.
- Paving or construction projects using high-quality brick covered with low-quality mortar are easier to deconstruct, clean and reuse in new buildings.
- Structurally sound buildings that are constructed with durable materials are the easiest to deconstruct, with the maximum salvage/recovery potential.
To read the full story, visit http://www.buildingtalk.com/3-sustainable-waste-management-tips-for-construction-and-engineering-sector/.