Disassembly and Reuse of Demountable Modular Building Systems

• Published in: Journal of management in engineering Vol. 41; no. 1
• Main Authors: Yang, Yang, Luk, Calvin, Zheng, Bowen, Hu, Yifei, Chan, Albert Ping-Chuen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York American Society of Civil Engineers 01-01-2025
• Subjects: Buildings; Case Studies; Case Study; Design factors; Disassembly sequences; Dismantling; Modular systems; Modular units; Prefabricated buildings; Tracking
• ISSN: 0742-597X; 1943-5479
• DOI: 10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-6243

AbstractNumerous efforts have been exerted to explore how modular building systems are built. But limited research has focused on how modular building systems are deconstructed. Deconstruction is a means to systematically disassemble buildings and prioritize building reuse. This paper aims to understand the deconstruction process of modular building systems by providing empirical insights into the disassembly and reuse processes. To achieve this goal, this study employed a mixed-research method, incorporating ethnographic site observations, semistructured interviews, and archival research, through a case study of a four-story demountable modular building. The empirical findings indicate that the disassembly process consists of a hybrid sequential and parallel disassembly of modular units, whereas the reuse process consists of four subprocesses: take-back, material tracking, quality inspection, and touch-ups. The contribution of this study to the body of knowledge on deconstruction is twofold: (1) design for deconstruction does not inherently ensure effortless ease of disassembly; and (2) factors such as client ownership, digital material tracking, and ease of value retention play crucial roles in facilitating building reuse. These findings enhance the understanding of the deconstruction process by addressing the gaps in procurement, information, and quality between the disassembly (the first use cycle) and reuse phases (the second use cycle). By exploring disassembly sequence, take-back mechanisms, technology-driven traceability, and value retention processes, this paper provides valuable support to practitioners transitioning toward the reuse of modular buildings.
Practical ApplicationsDisassembly and reuse of modular building systems has been practiced less frequently in the construction sector. However, this practice will be in urgent demand given that the increased temporary emergency facilities built around the world will end their service lives in the near future. Consequently, it is essential to understand how modular building systems are disassembled and reused, thereby providing valuable references for future deconstruction projects. This research bridges this knowledge gap by providing insights into the issues and facilitators associated with the disassembly and reuse processes of a real demountable modular building. First, the use of bolt and nut connection systems, as one of the design for deconstruction principles, allows the separation of one module from another. However, it does not automatically imply the effortless ease of disassembly, because potential lock-in stress of the connections may be present. Second, the three facilitators, namely, retained building ownership by the client, digitalized information tracking for individual modules, and ease of repair and replacement of modular components, enable the successful relocation and reuse of disassembled modules. Ultimately, these findings provide construction professionals with useful guidance on better planning and managing the disassembly and reuse processes of similar deconstruction projects in the future.