Music city showdown: Nashville project compares benefits of re-using segregated and salvaged materials - Demolition Case Study

C&D Recycler, Jan-Feb, 2003 by Bob Brickner

As part of carrying out the plan, the Metro government recognized the feasibility of construction and demolition debris reuse and recycling, not only as a cost-effective measure, but also as an action that was in the best interest of the community. Metro acknowledged that cooperative projects, especially those contiguous and with similar materials of original construction, could provide economy of scale benefits over each demolition activity being handled separately. Additionally, since GBB was active with the new CES project and also knew the construction fill needs of the adjacent TDOT Project, the demolition as well as new construction materials needs could be reviewed and integrated in the planning/procurement process.

For these reasons, the Metro government encouraged this multi-building demolition project to be completed on a cooperative venue and the potential contracting with one demolition contractor to plan, coordinate and conduct all aspects of the demolition, including dismantling; material segregation for highest and best use; onsite reuse and recycling as economically practical within the constraints of the project schedules; and the loadout/disposal of all other project waste materials in an environmentally safe manner.

TIMETABLE AND CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The RFP was issued by GBB and proposals accepted on June 17, 2002. A table with the specific key target dates for demolition of the six buildings was included in the RFP. Bidders were required to consider and pay careful attention to this timetable in the preparation of the proposal, because the schedule and interface of Work Zone activities were critical to the schedules of the new construction to be undertaken by both CES and Ray Bell, the bridge building contractor. Therefore, site activities and coordination with each of the prime contractors were important to the success of the demolition project.

The demolition contractor was required, at a minimum, to achieve and maintain the performance outcomes listed in the RFP, consistent with performance standards agreed to through the two contracts resulting from the RFP process. Additionally, all salvaged materials, including an estimate of materials stockpiled or used as "fill materials" were also required to be inventoried by the demolition contractor for use by CES and Ray Bell on their respective new construction projects.

The demolition contractor was required to follow contract requirements, obtain all permits from appropriate agencies; establish site security; interface with all utility companies with service lines within the Work Zone; provide/coordinate appropriate road closures as required; provide a responsible on-site manager(s); assign qualified persons to the contracts; provide the equipment required to do the assigned task or accomplish the requirements and outcomes; maintain records of expenditures, deliverables and progress; submit required reports in a timely fashion; and maintain a clear line of communication for prompt resolution of problems. The use of explosives by the demolition contractor was not permitted for the project, and during the term of Work Zone activity by the demolition contractor, the "onsite" selling of salvaged materials was not permitted.