Summary + Readers response to "4 Ways to Demolish a Building" by Juan Rodriguez Draft 3

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In this article "4 Ways to Demolish a Building", Rodriguez (2018) discusses the four methods demolition experts use during demolition. The author begins with implosion, the detonation of explosives along the main structural components, causing the building to collapse onto itself. The second method is known as the high reach arm demolition, where a base machine attached with a demolition tool will tear down tall structures from the top down for a ground team that will clear the fallen debris. The author then moves on to its riskier counterpart, the wrecking ball method. Limited only by the surroundings and the size of the crane, a skilled crane operator can easily decimate the building either by striking a 13,500 pound wrecking ball repeatedly, producing dust, vibration and noise. The author then ends with selective demolition, where builders recycle materials for new buildings, reducing overall cost with its downside being higher labor demands and its incompatibility for light-framed buildings. Although the author elaborates each demolition method concisely, the article could be improved with further elaboration on not only the monetary benefits, but also the environmental benefits of selective demolition.


A survey that was conducted across several countries found that up to 30% of waste that is contributed to the landfills comes from construction and demolition related activities (Bossink & Brouwers, 1996). Demolition methods that reduce waste generation such as selective demolition not only helps alleviate cost, but provides other benefits such as the reducing the need for energy and raw materials e.g., fossil fuels (Hradil, 2014). This will in turn garner recognition by environmental supporting organizations and be rewarded in the form of grants and prestige. 

References
Bossink, B. & Brouwers, H. (1996). Construction waste: qualification and source evaluation, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Vol. 122, No 1 March, 1996
Hradil, P. (2014). Barriers and opportunities in structural elements re-use (VTT-R-01364-14) Retrieved from https://www.vtt.fi/inf/julkaisut/muut/2014/VTT-R-01363-14.pdf

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