Current state of building demolition and potential for selective dismantling in Vietnam. (15th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoang, Ngoc Han; Ishigaki, Tomonori; Watari, Takuma; Yamada, Masato; Kawamoto, Ken
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 149(2022)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2022-07-15
• Subjects: Selective dismantling -- Building deconstruction -- Conventional demolition -- Greenhouse gas -- Recycling; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.06.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: Surveys were conducted to reveal characteristics of current demolition techniques. A model of selective dismantling is proposed, and its potential is evaluated. Current demolition is proven unsustainable, with a recycling rate as low as 3%. Selective dismantling takes time but doubles resale value, greatly reduces disposal costs. Selective dismantling will be competitive if higher disposal fees are put in place. Abstract: In Vietnam, an increase in construction activities together with the absence of recycling-oriented demolition techniques is giving rise to an alarming generation of construction and demolition waste. This study scrutinized the current state of building demolition approaches in Hanoi, Vietnam and evaluated the potential for the selective dismantling, or deconstruction, of reinforced-concrete (RC) houses. Site observations, direct measurement, and interviews were conducted to obtain information on technical, environmental, and economic characteristics of three residential housing sites, each representing a typical current demolition technique (manual, hybrid, and mechanical demolition). A selective dismantling site is proposed based on the collected survey data and published case studies. Our findings confirmed the unsustainability of RC-building demolition practices in Hanoi, which have an average reuse/recycling rate of roughly 3%. The application of selective dismantling will boost the recycling rate to a remarkable 90%, associated with a 55% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Even though selective dismantling is more time-consuming and therefore more costly, it results in double the resale value and an eight-fold decrease in disposal costs. The results of a sensitivity analysis indicate that increasing the current disposal fee will significantly improve the feasibility of selective dismantling, suggesting a need for stricter disposal charging mechanisms along with other interventions such as the development of recycling facilities to promote the introduction of this building removal alternative in Vietnam.