Research Proposal

Designing for Disassembly

Summary Statement

During the next year the research will analyze the management of reducing construction and renovation waste in future developments. With the focus of the studies being on the innovative concept of building design for disassembly and future re-use.

Purpose

The research will take a comprehensive look into the green building and renovation variation, in which, old materials are still consuming land-fills. And where traditional construction techniques and materials are still commonly being used to incorporate and achieve earth-friendly attributes in buildings.

Goals and Objectives

The research will study the amount of waste that comes from different variations of demolition to, first, gain an understanding of the impact on land-fills and the environment. Then, continue to research the methods and materials that would be best used for a design to disassemble concept.

Methodology and Analytical Approach

Throughout the next calendar year, the research will pursue articles and studies already produced and include contacting professionals and asking them questions to gather experienced knowledge from their opinions, experiences and predictions of the design to disassemble approach. The focus of the research will be based on a Canadian environment but will explore a broad range of information and examples from countries around the world.

The research is going to analyze: when, where and how a design to disassemble concept would be most and/or least effective; and compare traditional methods with design to disassemble methods focusing in on cost, time, availability, strength and durability in the short and long term.

Previous Studies

With the growing awareness and concern for our eco-system, the earth-friendly/green approach to buildings is becoming more main stream. Even with home renovations the Canadian Government is recognizing the need for change with a tax credit for green home renovations. Therefore, studies on new concepts are on the rise, trying new methods and materials from what we already to have to obtain the same quality of life without as much pollution and waste. Many areas in Europe are already realizing how limited we are in our resources and making changes, such as design to disassemble, to makes changes. Therefore, being an excellent resource for studies and examples. The references that have been citied on the following page are some good examples of studies well underway.

Plans for Dissemination

The results of the research will be broadcast with the use of an internet blog that will be updated with the research results on a regular basis. Once the research is complete during the fifth semester of the ARET Program an applied research report will be composed with the lessons taught in the upcoming English 285 course.