The Fédération Internationale de la Précontrainte aims at the development of concrete and prestressing, as well as related materials and techniques. One important topic in this field is the demolition of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. The rapid growth of construction for industry, housing and communications necessitates the possibility of modifying and replacing existing structures, and the cost of demolition therefore has to be included in the financial forecast for the use of a building. As the Practical Construction Commission of the FIP has already published reports and guides to good practice on concrete construction, it was natural that it should undertake the drafting of a Guide to Good Practice on demolition.

This document is intended for all those involved in the process of demolition or recycling of concrete. The presentation of the methods available includes not only descriptions, but also an assessment of advantages and disadvantages from both technical and economic points of view. The section dealing with special precautions for prestressed concrete provides necessary information for engineers not specialised in this technique. Recent data is provided on the recycling of concrete as a material or in structural elements. Contract specifications are considered, with due regard to responsibility issues, and it is emphasised that the cost of demolition can be reduced at the completion stage of a building by providing a complete set of as-built drawings. Specific problems of health and safety are also considered, in order to present a complete description of safe and economical methods for the demolition of concrete structures.

The Working Group, under the leadership of Mr B. H. Spratt of the Cement and Concrete Association (UK), should be thanked for having drafted such a useful document in a field where science must strengthen experience.