Post-earthquake Demolition in Christchurch, New Zealand: A Case-Study Towards Incorporating Environmental Impacts in Demolition Decisions

Gonzalez, R. E. (2021) Post-earthquake Demolition in Christchurch, New Zealand: A Case-Study Towards Incorporating Environmental Impacts in Demolition Decisions. In: Advances in Assessment and Modeling of Earthquake Loss.

Text (Proceeding) 3. Post-earthquake Demolition.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB)

Abstract

The 2010/2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence resulted in severe loss and disruption in Christchurch, New Zealand due to liquefaction and damage from strong shaking. Following the earthquake, over 60% of concrete buildings with 3 + stories in the Christchurch CBD were demolished, resulting in a widespread displacement of people and business, an excess of $NZD 40 billion in losses, and significant environmental impacts from the demolition. Following the event, it was revealed that environmental impacts were not a direct consideration in demolition decision making. This paper provides a quantitative evaluation of the environmental impacts of the demolitions in Christchurch to highlight the importance of including environmental considerations when deciding between repair or demolition of a damaged building. First, the quantitative and qualitative factors that led to the demolitions following the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence are discussed to provide context for the argument that environmental impacts should be included in such considerations. Next, the environmental impacts of building demolitions in Christchurch are presented in terms of the embodied CO2 and energy in the building materials; the demolition process and waste disposal are not considered in this initial evaluation. Finally, a brief discussion on incorporating environmental impacts into the demolition decision making paradigm is presented. Moreover, consideration of environmental impacts of demolitions supports the need to move toward low-damage design in the future evolution of building codes.

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