Challenges in the Design for Disassembly of Light Timber Framing Panelized Components

The construction sector generates more than one-third of global waste. Although there is a consensus on the need to reduce it, empirical research evaluating current systems to develop circular solutions remains limited. Using a full-scale model, this article evaluates the disassemblability of the corner joint between two prefabricated lightweight timber-framed walls, a system widely adopted in residential construction in North America. The analysis deconstructed the disassembly actions, identified their level of difficulty, and classified the recovered materials into three categories: reusable, recyclable, and waste. The results reveal that the lack of design criteria for disassembly significantly limits the system’s circularity, as it prioritizes assembly speed and energy performance. The predominant use of nails as fasteners complicates the separation of layers, damages materials, and restricts their reuse. This highlights the urgent need to redesign construction solutions that enable efficient disassembly, promote component recovery, and extend their time in circulation. This study establishes a foundation for the evolution of lightweight timber-framed panel design toward systems more aligned with circularity principles.

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