Navigating through the complex world of demolition? Here is some information that will help you to understand how the different types of demolition work.
Selective Demolition
Selective demolition is defined as a careful demolition procedure whereby parts of a structure are removed while the primary structure is protected and remains intact. Selective demolition procedures use a combination of hand labor and small, specialized equipment. Examples of selective demolition are listed below:
Modern Demolition Practices
Typical equipment used for selective demolition work include the following:
Hand Tools used in selective demolition include the following:
Salvage
In the past, the salvage of building materials was the primary purpose for most early demolition efforts. The term “salvage” takes several forms, and the more important types and methods of salvaging are shown below. The values of salvage sales to the demolition contractor can represent a significant portion of his or her income stream, and allow for increased competitiveness if he or she is reasonably accurate in the assessment of the salvage values for a particular job.
Hazardous Material Management
The proper management of hazardous materials is important to the successful operation of a demolition project. Although the demolition contractor may not have the contractual requirement to remove and dispose of hazardous materials, it is important that they are familiar with the hazardous waste management plan in force for each project. Many of the larger demolition companies are qualified to perform hazardous materials work with their own forces, whereas other demolition firms will typically use companies that specialize in handling hazardous materials. The hazardous waste contractor may work directly for the project owner, as a sub contractor to the demolition contractor, or as a subcontractor to a general contractor.
Building Implosion
Large buildings, industrial, smokestacks and some smaller structures can be demolished by a building implosion using explosives. The implosion of a building is completed very fast, and the collapse takes only a few seconds. Experts in this highly regulated field ensure that the building will essentially fall into its own footprint. This is very important, so as not to damage the neighboring structures. Obviously, any error can be disastrous, and some tear downs have failed and damaged neighboring structures. In addition, when a building fails to fall down completely the structure may be unstable and tilted at a severely dangerous angle–not to mention filled with explosives that have not yet detonated, making it very difficult to bring in workers to access the project safely.
Deconstruction
Deconstruction is a newer approach to demolition with a goal to minimize material that goes into landfills. This “green” approach is accomplished by separating by material type for reuse or recycling. This type of approach and planning can result in landfill diversion rates that exceed 90% of the entire building; this process also reduces CO2 emissions compared to demolition. On very large sites, equipment is used for the segregation of waste types that can be used over in the construction of the new building. Onsite crushers take the concrete and smash it down to be reused as a Type 1 crushed aggregate, to be used either as a piling mat or for a base that is compacted into the earth below the new building, or to be used as an aggregate in concrete mix. Timber waste is shredded using equipment and then composted, or used to make timber boards like MDF or OSB. Safety is crucial on a project of this magnitude, and a safety officer is assigned to enforce all safety regulations.
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