DEMEX proves ambitious recycling targets can be achieved

Carried out for BMD Group, the project was part of the Northshore Hamilton Street renewal programme for Economic Development Queensland. It saw the complete demolition of the 302-metre-long M4 Wharf on the Brisbane River which comprised aged timber piles and girders supporting a reinforced concrete deck.

The team worked over water in a tidal environment, dealing with deteriorated structures, asbestos contamination, live site conditions and unstable ground.

Recovery and reuse shaped the methodology from the outset, said DEMEX, noting that the result was 99.5% diversion from landfill.

(L-R) Host Matt Dawson with Ben Shum, Lauren Todd and Richard Todd from DEMEX and Adrian Corrigan, president of the NFDC (Image: KHL)

DEMEX planned the entire dismantling sequence to preserve old-growth hardwood and enable concrete and brick to be processed and reused within the redevelopment.

Demolishing from the wharf rather than using a land-based crane allowed joists, girders and piles to be removed in full lengths. This meant more than 34,000 linear metres of Ironbark and Tallowood timber were recovered.

In contrast, the alternative land-based methodology was estimated to limit timber recovery to around 60%.

All 16,266 tonnes of concrete and brick were crushed and reused on site as subgrade, avoiding the export of waste and import of virgin fill, as well as an estimated 1,200 heavy vehicle movements.

Reinforcing steel was also fully recovered, with effectively no demolition material sent to landfill.

Discussing the win during the event, director Richard Todd, said, “We set ourselves a big goal at the start to follow a full recycling procedure, and we pulled it off.

“We hit some massive recycling targets, and we’re very proud of that. To represent Australia on the world stage is massive, and I can’t thank the team enough.”

The judges in their comment praised the choice of demolition method, which allowed the team to salvage a vast amount of rare hardwood despite the tidal conditions and deteriorating wharf, as well as the reuse of all concrete and brick on site.