Different Demolition Methods

Developers and demolition experts see several factors when deciding how to destroy a building. Among other issues, they consider the area where the building is situated, the main building material, the reason for dismantling, and how to get rid of the debris. The methods for demolition can vary from an explosion to destroy to a delicate, part by part dismantling, however, in crowded urban areas, any technique should be secure for the demolition crew and surrounding buildings and public places.

Explosion

The explosion is by far the most dramatic way to destroy a building. It happens through the use of explosives to cripple the main vertical support of the building, making the building collapse down into itself from the inside. The placement of explosives and blasting sequence is very important for a successful and safe demolition. Explosions are often used to destroy large structures in urban areas.

For successful demolition, a crew will analyse a complete set of structural blueprints to identify the major components of the building and determine whether other areas need to be condemned as well as those identified in the blueprint. They then determine the type of explosives to be used, in which position they are in the building, and the ways to time the detonation.

High Reach Arms

Demolition using a high reach arm is different option to explosion and is commonly used if a building reaches a height of more than about 66 feet. This method involves a basic machine, such as an excavator, equipped with a demolition arm length consisting of three sections or a telescopic boom. Demolition tools, such as crushers, scissors and hammers are attached to the end of the arm and used to break down the building from top to bottom. Machinery removes large pieces of the structure, and then the ground crew breaks down the pieces and sorts them for disposal. For more information on Demolition Bristol, visit a site like https://www.davidhortoncontractors.co.uk/demolition/

Wrecking ball

This is one of the oldest and most common methods of building demolition and is typically used for concrete and other stone structures. The wrecking ball can weigh up to 13,500 pounds on a cable-suspended from a crane or other heavy equipment. The ball is dropped or swung into structures, destroying buildings with repeated blows.

Highly skilled and experienced crane operators should carry out work with a demolition ball. Fluency in controlling the swing of the ball is very important, because if it misses the target it may overload the crane. The size of the building that can be dismantled by this method is limited by the size of the crane and workspaces, including proximity to the power grid. This method of demolition does create a lot of dust, debris and noise.

Selective demolition

Also called stripping out, selective demolition is growing in popularity because it lets builders reuse and recycle building materials. Selective demolition of interior and exterior wood, brick, metal, and concrete allows for recycling and use in the future in the new structure, blending the old with the new. The main objective of this method is to recover the maximum amount of primary (reusable) and secondary materials (recycled) in a procedure that is safe and cost-effective. However, this process is labour intensive.