This book contains general recommendations for site clearing after man-made and natural disasters. It provides guidelines on the demolition of damaged structures and the reuse of demolition and construction materials. It has been prepared by an international task force originating from cooperation between RILEM and UNESCO. The book provides guidance for professionals and organizations on this increasingly important subject of disaster planning.

The need for demolition, repair and renewal of concrete and masonry structures is growing all over the world. In recent years natural disasters, such as earthquakes, and war activities in many countries have caused very extensive damage to urban areas. This has led to the need for effective methods of assessing structural damage, site clearance and reconstruction. This book presents and discusses worldwide technical developments in the fields of demolition and recycling. The necessary theoretical technical background has accumulated, but knowledge is not being translated into practice. In particular, information is needed on standards and guidelines to promote quick and safe demolition and reuse of concrete and masonry. RILEM has been actively involved in this field for over ten years, through the work of its Technical Committees and the organization of International Symposia. This book forms the Proceedings of the Third Symposium, held in Odense, Denmark in October 1993, and follows the earlier events in Rotterdam in 1985 and Tokyo in 1988. The book will be invaluable for civil engineers, planners, contractors and researchers, and for government authorities and specialists in urban development and disaster mitigation.