Old reinforced concrete buildings are often beyond repair but occupy valuable land that could be used for modern, earthquake-resistant structures. The Applied Element Method (AEM) is a numerical analysis method used in building demolition analysis by dividing buildings into small elements connected by springs, allowing for comprehensive structural analysis under extreme loads. This study uses AEM to simulate the progressive collapse of low-rise 2D framed buildings by removing load-bearing elements sequentially from the first floor, observing collapse patterns, and analyzing debris field lengths (DF). The results show a consistent relationship between the debris field length (DF) and the building dimensions, particularly that DF could be calculated as the sum of the total length and height of the building, ensuring a reliable minimum safety margin for demolition design. Additionally, a multi-linear regression analysis is conducted to develop a accounting for the combined effects of various building characteristics, resulting in an equation for the minimum debris field length. Alternative demolition methods using tension cables to direct the collapse debris to one side were also explored, demonstrating significant DF reductions compared to standard approaches. These results highlight the importance of examining controlled demolition strategies, that enhance safety margins and ensure predictable demolition outcomes.