DEMOLITION

Demolition is the tearing-down of buildings and other

structures
Types of demolition
 Partial or Complete removal.
 Partial is less dynamic than complete removal, requiring
temporary support to the remaining structure. This may involve
window strutting, floor props and shoring. The execution of work
is likely to be limited to manual handling with minimal use of
powered equipment.

DEMOLITION PROCEDURE
Surveying:
 contractor should have full details of the structure eg structure
layout.
 Know structural members and where they are placed.
 Note defects of the structure to be demolished.
 Note the presence of services i.e. electricity lines, water supply,
drainage system etc.
Give notice
 Neighbor’s, local authority’s occupants of the building and service
providers are given notices.
Fence the structure/hording
 The structure/ site to be demolished is fenced.
Excavation and disconnecting of the existing services
Demolition

METHODS OF DEMOLITION
There are several methods of demolition and the choice is usually
determined by:
 Type of structure - e.g. two storey, framed structure, reinforced
concrete.
 Type of construction -such as masonry wall, prestressed concrete,
structural steel work.
 Location of site – a detached building on an isolated site is defined
as a building on a site were the minimum distance to the
boundary is greater than twice the height of the building to be
demolished. A confined site is where by not all the boundaries are
at a distance exceeding the height of the building to be
 demolished.

By Hand
It involves the progressive demolition of a structure by the operatives
using hand held tools.
This method is used to salvage many materials as possible so they can
be effectively recycled or reused.

Wrecking ball

 It is carried out by swinging a weight or demolition ball

suspended from a lifting appliance such as a crane against a
structure.
 using a wrecking ball is most effective on multi-story structures
with structural damage.
 The surrounding area and community must be considered because
of the noise, dust, flying debris and potential for collapse involved.
Wrecking ball demolition also doesn't allow for nearly the material
recovery that other methods offer.

Pusher arm demolition

 The method of progressive demolition using a machine fitted with
a steel pusher arm exerting a horizontal force on to the building.
 This method is applicable in areas where there is a firm base of at
least 6M where by a machine can operate from.
 When you apply this method on attached buildings, the structure
to be demolished should first be detached by hand demolition
technique.

Deliberate collapse method

 It involves the removal of key structural member causing
complete of the whole or part of the building.
 This method should only be used on detached isolated
buildings on reasonably level sites so that safety to personnel
can be controlled carefully.
 Wire rope pulling demolition
 Steel wire ropes of adequate size should be used for this
type of demolition
 The rope is firmly attached at both ends and the pulling
tension gradually applied.
 A well anchored winch /heart vehicle should be used to
apply the pulling force greater care being taken to ensure
that the winch/ vehicle doesn’t lift off its mounting ,wheels
or tracks.

Explosive demolitions
 Not only in building demolition but with other types of structures
like metal or reinforced concrete structures as well.
 Considered to be a fast, practical and economical alternative to
traditional demolitions, its main focus is the use on large
structures such as sky-scrapers, chimneys, and silos, large solid
reinforced concrete structures.