Unsuccesful Case Study - Recovering Steel for Reuse
Summary
Steel reuse was evaluated for a restricted site where steel was available for recovery. Despite the promising potential, a range of constraints and pre-existing conditions prevented the recovery from being successful. Both Cleveland Steel and Tubes and EMR assessed the steel on-site and deemed it suitable for reuse.
Key challenges
Tower crane
- The main contractor for the upcoming construction phase had already been appointed, and their early involvement in design and planning had established the location for the future tower crane. Unfortunately, this position was unsuitable for use during demolition.
- An alternative tower crane location was proposed, with a suggestion to bring it in earlier in the schedule to facilitate the removal of steel sections for reuse.
- However, the construction plans were too far advanced, and it was considered too late to implement such significant changes.
- The proposed alternative crane position was also unsuitable for the recovery of steel for reuse.
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Retained facade
- The works involved a retained façade, with the only available access for material removal being a wait-and-load system on the street. This was facilitated through a gantry and waste conveyor positioned over the active footpath at the front of the building.
Success
Steel reuse for temporary works
- Some steel from the ground and first-floor levels was successfully salvaged and repurposed for temporary works.
Lessons learned
- Early Planning and Flexibility: Rigid planning, such as the predetermined tower crane location, limited the ability to adapt for steel reuse. Reuse options should be considered earlier in the design phase.
- Align Reuse Goals from the Start: Material reuse considerations need to be integrated from the very beginning of planning to avoid conflicts with demolition and construction activities later on.
- Overcome Site Constraints: Limited access and site restrictions made steel recovery difficult. A thorough site review should be carried out early to identify logistical challenges for material reuse.
- Timing of Changes: Major changes, like moving the crane, were impossible once plans were too advanced. Reuse decisions must be made early to ensure they are feasible.
- Involve Experts Early: Although specialists assessed the steel for reuse, involving them earlier in the planning stage might have influenced decisions to make recovery more feasible.