Interconnections: An Analysis of Disassemblable Building Connection Systems towards a Circular Economy

This study investigates the interconnection methods used to create a circular economy building featuring modularity and designed for disassembly and relocation. Designing modular buildings for disassembly and reuse can decrease waste production and material depletion, in line with the circular econo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Timothy M. O’Grady, Roberto Minunno, Heap-Yih Chong, Greg M. Morrison
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-11-01
Series:Buildings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/11/11/535
Description
Summary:This study investigates the interconnection methods used to create a circular economy building featuring modularity and designed for disassembly and relocation. Designing modular buildings for disassembly and reuse can decrease waste production and material depletion, in line with the circular economy framework. Disassemblable buildings require connections to be easily accessible. Visible connections may be unpopular features; however, concealing these, yet leaving these accessible, presents a substantial design challenge. This study demonstrates solutions to this challenge by analyzing a purposely designed case study: the Legacy Living Lab. The challenges of disguising and sealing, such as by waterproofing, two types of connections are analysed: structural and non-structural. This study details the materials and connections used across the two analyzed connection types and compares the weights and reusability of components. Thus, a necessary case study is provided for practitioners to advance circular economy theory in the building industry. Notably, all connections in the Legacy Living Lab can be easily accessed with standard building tools, facilitating its disassembly and fostering component reusability.
ISSN:2075-5309