Demountable structural steel assemblies would be a greener way to make use of steel in the construction industry than recycling, says University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Civil and Environmental Engineering professor, Brian Uy.
Recycling steel reduces waste but consumes only marginally less energy than producing steel from scratch, Uy says. Large-scale demountable buildings are a feasible proposition, UY says. Taking steel used in existing buildings to reuse on new projects would avoid the need to smelt new steel.
Implementing re-used steel could be a game changer for the construction industry by reducing the environmental and cost impacts of using steel in new buildings, Uy contends. Structural steel is well suited to demountability, as it lends itself to common bolted construction methods. UNSW is working on the development of appropriate components and connections to make demountable structural steel a reality.
Codes and standards would need to recognize, characterize, and assess the reliability of the material being supplied from the reused stock. Some countries including Malaysia are taking steps toward this model, promoting Cradle to Cradle concepts for infrastructure. In the UK, the Sustainable Construction Panel of the Institution of Structural Engineers recently submitted a white paper to promote reuse in BREEAM, the UK green building scheme.
(http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/demountable-steel-structures-the-future-of-the-con)
Related Stories
| Feb 5, 2014
7 towers that define the 'skinny skyscraper' boom [slideshow]
Recent advancements in structural design, combined with the loosening of density and zoning requirements, has opened the door for the so-called "superslim skyscraper."
| Jan 30, 2014
What to expect in the metal building industry in 2014
Every year brings changes. This one won’t be any different. We’ll see growth in some areas, declines in others. Here’s a little preview of what we’ll be writing about 2014 when 2015 comes rolling in.
| Jan 29, 2014
Richard Meier unveils 'urban courtyard' scheme for Mexico City towers
A grand atrium, reaching some 30 stories, highlights the contemporary, bright-white design scheme unveiled this week by Richard Meier & Partners for a new mixed-use development in Mexico City.
| Jan 28, 2014
2014 predictions for skyscraper construction: More twisting towers, mega-tall projects, and 'superslim' designs
Experts from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat release their 2014 construction forecast for the worldwide high-rise industry.
| Jan 27, 2014
A climber's dream: Rock climbing hall planned near Iran's highest peak
Forget the rock climbing wall. A developer in Iran is building a rock climbing hall. That's right, an entire building dedicated to the sport, with more than 48,000 sf of program space.
| Jan 21, 2014
Comcast to build second Philadelphia skyscraper, with Norman Foster-designed tower [slideshow]
The British architect last week unveiled his scheme for the $1.2 billion, 59-story Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, planned adjacent to the Comcast Center.
| Jan 21, 2014
2013: The year of the super-tall skyscraper
Last year was the second-busiest ever in terms of 200-meter-plus building completions, with 73 towers, according to a report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
| Dec 31, 2013
BD+C's top 10 stories of 2013
The world's tallest twisting tower and the rise of augmented reality technology in construction were among the 10 most popular articles posted on Building Design+Construction's website, BDCnetwork.com.
| Dec 16, 2013
NASCC: The Steel Conference presents special seismic sessions
Twenty years ago the Northridge Earthquake shook California and the results surprised designers throughout the U.S. AISC and the steel industry is presenting a special series of sessions at the 2014 NASCC: The Steel Conference examining the lessons learned and the state-of-the-art in seismic design.
Sponsored | | Nov 20, 2013
Four faces of curb appeal
The Furniture Row retail center in Charlotte, N.C., incorporates four specialty stores in a distinctive, efficient structure.
