Reader Response Draft 1

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In the article 4 Ways to Demolish a Building, Rodriguez (2018) claims that demolishing of a building takes into consideration on several aspects. Implosion comprises explosion method to demolish large structures. To succeed, blueprints are evaluated to figure out the type, placement and time of explosion. The author mentioned that high rich arm is used on buildings of approximately 66 feet or higher. It involves a base machine and demolition tool to demolish and remove large structures for certain structural materials. Wrecking ball is the oldest and commonly used method. It requires skillful and experienced crane operators to ensure smoothness of operation. Size of building to be demolished is limited to certain extend and such method of demolition is an environmentally friendly method. The main objective is to get back the greatest amount of materials with minimal cost involved. However, it requires manpower and is time consuming.

Based on the points elaborated, the article addressed the 4 ways of demolishing a building. However, if the author includes information with regards to demolishing process, it will make the article more informative.

Pre-demolishing requires planning and providing the right protection and equipment is essential to ensure smoothness during operation.  In the article “No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go down in Singapore” (2017), the author states that once a contract for demolition is awarded, site visits and meetings are arranged. Areas such as entering and exiting of demolition site, disposal of debris, estimating project period will be discussed. Accidents often occurs when demolishing is involved thus it is necessary to have awareness for the safety of workers, public and environment. In the article “Demolition: Construction in Reverse, with Additional Hazards” by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it states that everyone present at a demolishing site must be fully aware of the risk they may face and the necessary safety measures they require to protect themselves.

During the demolition process, it is important to have minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment. Based on “Environmental Guideline on Demolition of Buildings” (2017) by Department of Environment in Mauritius, mitigation of environmental impact such as dust and noise managements are necessary. Dust generated is affected by the building’s size and demolishing method. The guideline suggests measures such as water spraying of site, consideration of wind strength and direction and covering of demolition materials to reduce the amount of dust generated. Noises emitted during demolition process may cause nuisance therefore preventive measures needs to be implemented.  In the article “No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go down in Singapore” (2017), the author mentioned that external scaffolding such as canvas deduces noise.

Post-demolishing is mostly left with debris disposal. Based on the article “Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling” (2008), approximately 1.69 millions tonnes of construction debris was produced yet recycling rate is 99%. Appropriate waste management measures such as reusing, and recycling of concrete, wood and glass can be implemented to reduce environmental impact. In the article “No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go down in Singapore” (2017), the author mentioned clean concrete can be recycled for roadside drains, kerbs and footpaths.



Reference: 

Juan Rodriguez. (2018). 4 Ways to Demolish a Building. Retrieved 14 September 2018 from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/ways-to-demolish-buildings-844420


Aqil Haziq Mahmud. (2017). No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go down in Singapore. Retrieved 26 September 2018 from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/no-explosives-or-swinging-balls-how-high-rise-demolitions-go-9425362


United States of Department of Labor. Demolition: construction in Reverse, with Additional Hazard. Retrieved 1 September 2018 from https://www.osha.gov/doc/topics/demolition/index.html

Zero Waste Singapore. (2008). Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling. Retrieve 1 September 2018 from http://www.zerowastesg.com/2008/12/08/construction-and-demolition-waste-recycling/



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