Experimental investigation of a DfD moment-resisting beam–column connection

DfD (Design for Disassembly) has been reported to be the most direct approach to increase material reusability in the construction industry. The aim of DfD is to reuse the structural components instead of demolition followed by recycling of the demolition debris. In this study, a DfD moment-resisting beam–column connection is proposed for application in typical multi-storey RC apartment blocks, and it was investigated through a two-series test programme. In Series-1 testing, four full-scale prototype joint specimens were tested up to failure. Subsequently, a two-stage test was conducted for the other seven specimens including service load test, deconstruction, strengthening, reconstruction and re-test in Series-2 testing. Based on the test results, the proposed DfD M-R beam–column connection was shown to be capable of providing an adequate amount of moment resistance and proved to be feasible for deconstruction and subsequent reconstruction.