Before any sort of construction project can take place, often a certain amount of deconstruction is necessary. In many cases, something old has to be removed to make way for something new. 

There can be more reasons for demolition of a building, old structures are to be replaced by new ones. The structure lost its stability or having any structural damage. Small structures are demolished to build big structures etc. 

Assessment 

A demolition company has to create a customized plan for each project, which is why the first step has to be a thorough assessment. This needs to include a survey of the structure, as well as the surrounding area and anything that could be affected during demolition.  

Estimate 

Once the scope of the work is identified, it’s time to discuss costs. A demo company should offer an estimate for the job, explaining how they arrived at their numbers. Of course, an estimate is just that, and different factors throughout the demo process could change things. 

Planning 

The next stage in the demolition process is the creation of a plan, and one of the most important parts involves obtaining all of the necessary permits. Both city ordinances and those pertaining to local areas have to be adhered to. When the job gets approval, the demo company will then devise a plan for the demolition procedure, which includes the methods that will be used. 

There are two types of demolition methods used for buildings and structures 

1. Non-explosive demolition 

1. Explosive demolition. 

1. Non-Explosive Demolition Method 

It means the demolition of a structure done with some equipment without the use of any   explosive. Different equipment’s used for the demolition activity are 

a) Sledge hammer 

It is a small handheld hammer used for the demolition of small wall or single column. 

b) Excavators and Bulldozers 

These are big machines uses to demolish building of small sizes. They are used for excavation of soil or transferring of debris to trucks etc. 

c) Wrecking Balls 

The building with the greater height up to (6-7 story) cannot be demolished with the help of excavators or bulldozers.  In such cases crane with wrecking balls are used to perform the demolition activity. The wrecking ball crack is crack attached with a huge steel ball hanging from a steel rope. 

The steel ball is pulled and released towards the building. The steel ball with force strikes the building and the part of the building is demolished. This method is not recommended as the trajectory of the steel ball cannot be controlled after it strikes the structure. 

d) High Reach Excavators 

High Reach Excavator machines are used in the demolition of tall building where demolition by explosion is not possible. The building of height up to 300ft can be demolished by this type of machine. 

High reach excavators can be used for different use by doing some attachments such as: 

• Excavators with shear attachments – excavators with shear attachments. 
• Hydraulic hammers – Hydraulic hammers and remove steel reinforcement. 

Preparation 

When the plan is in place, it’s time to prepare the site. This starts by ensuring that the entire building is completely cleaned out. Water, gas, and electricity must also be addressed, if applicable. 

Inventory 

In order for a demo project to go off without a hitch, building owners have to do their part. This includes taking an inventory of everything left and then making the necessary arrangements for it. 

Inspections 

It is vital to conduct a thorough inspection to discover any of the hazardous materials mentioned earlier, along with things like lead paint or asbestos before demolition. Finding something potentially harmful while the work is going on will immediately grind things to a halt, resulting in wasted time and money. 

Safety Measures during Demolition of Building Structures 

All the workers, site supervisors and engineers including plant and equipment operators are briefed with the potential hazards and process of demolitions. 

All goods that are flammable are removed from the site unless it is used in the work involved. All the flammable materials like wood, timber, fuels etc. are stored in proper storage facilities. Firefighting appliances are stationed in the demolition site till the process is completed. 

Due to the demolition of structure, many problems are faced by the workers, such as. exposure to dust, chemical exposure, heat stress and ventilation, noise exposure, medical and first aid facilities, sanitation and occupational diseases. To overcome these problems suitable measures are undertaken. 

Demolition 

With a good plan and the right preparation, this should actually be the easy part. Of course, during the demo stage, safety is the number one priority. All workers should know exactly what to expect and the roles they will play. Fire-fighting materials should always be nearby, along with medical and first-aid facilities. 

Cleanup 

The last step in the demolition process is the cleanup. Even when a small building is torn down, it can create quite a big mess. This is why debris removal should be part of the initial plan. Once everything is hauled away, things like temporary fencing or signs also need to be removed. 

We are ECG, We are safety first. 

This field definitely needs some expert hands and skill. So, have you decided on what type of project you need? Make sure you research on this for a while before coming up with a decision.  

We pride ourselves in providing Demolition, abatement and Environmental Services you can depend on.  

Contact us to get started on your next project, Call us: 562-438-7999.