Case study on selective demolition method for refurbishing deteriorated residential apartments

In refurbishment projects, a great deal of waste from the existing buildings is generated at the demolition stage. By maximizing the amount of waste that is recycled or reused, the environmental impact from the refurbishing works can be minimized. As a solution for environmental impact minimization through maximizing reduction/reuse and recycling of construction debris, the Selective Demolition Method (SMD) has recently been introduced in the construction industry as an alternative to conventional methods. However, there has been a lack of in-depth analysis in terms of productivity, cost efficiency, and environmental impact. This study demonstrates a comparative analysis by quantifying the merits/demerits of the SDM method in a refurbishing residential project. After pilot-testing the SDM method in a real-case project using evaluation tools, including work sampling, a foreman survey, and worker interviews, the results showed that SDM method could lead to positive outcomes compared to the existing demolition method. Although the case study is merely a showcase for quantifying the two methods, the findings may positively support the benefits of the SDM method in terms of cost and environmental issues.