Reuse-issues and challenges in structural engineering applications

Abstract

Reuse of structural elements, frames or modules in buildings and structures, as a concept towards improving sustainability in the built environment poses a number of issues and challenges. These issues and challenges arise as early as the conceptual stage. What are the structural elements to be considered for reuse ? How are they to be designed to allow for this possibility and to facilitate the process of reusing them as elements, elsewhere ? Are new concepts for such element types (ie non-traditional structural forms) needed or can traditional forms, but with reuse concepts in mind, still be viable propositions ? For example, there are plenty of opportunities for innovation in which the structural integrity of concrete is provided mainly by external confinement in order that the amount of cement binders in the concrete can be reduced to facilitate reuse of the aggregates. What are the limitations (Architectural as well as Engineering) that would be associated with designing such elements for their possible reuse ? These and a number of other questions are discussed and some ideas offered towards addressing them are then compiled in this paper.