DEMOLITION OF BUILDING

THE TECHNIQUES USED IN DEMOLITION OF A BUILDING

▪ The techniques used in demolition of a building can vary depending on the size and location of the building,
as well as the materials used in its construction. Here are some of the most common techniques used in
building demolition:
▪ Regardless of the technique used, safety is of the utmost importance during a demolition project. Demolition
experts carefully plan and execute each step to minimize the risk of injury to workers and damage to
surrounding structures.
▪ Implosion: In this technique, explosives are strategically placed in the building to create a controlled collapse.
This technique is often used in densely populated areas where a traditional demolition might cause damage
to surrounding buildings.
▪ Wrecking ball: A large metal ball is attached to a crane and swung into the building, causing it to collapse.
This technique is best suited for small to medium-sized buildings and is less commonly used today.
▪ High-reach excavator: A high-reach excavator is a large piece of equipment with a long arm and a hydraulic
claw. The claw is used to grab and pull apart the building from the top down.
▪ Selective demolition: This technique involves the careful removal of specific parts of the building, such as
walls, floors, and roofs, while leaving other parts intact. This technique is often used when only a portion of
the building needs to be demolished, or when salvaging materials is a priority.
▪ Manual demolition: Manual demolition involves using hand-held tools such as sledgehammers,
jackhammers, and bulldozers to demolish a building. This technique is often used in areas where heavy
equipment cannot be used or where noise and dust must be kept to a minimum.
 IMPLOSION:
▪ Planning and preparation: Before any explosives are used, careful planning and preparation are essential to ensure that
the implosion is safe and effective. This may involve conducting structural assessments of the object to be imploded,
identifying key load-bearing components that need to be targeted, and creating a detailed implosion plan that outlines
the timing and placement of explosives.

▪ Installation of explosives: Once the implosion plan has been developed, explosives are installed in strategic locations
throughout the object. This may involve drilling holes or cutting channels in the object to allow for the placement of
charges in key locations.

▪ Wiring and initiation: Once the explosives are in place, they are wired together and connected to a central detonation
device. This device is typically set to trigger the explosives in a specific sequence that will cause the object to collapse
inwards towards its center.

▪ Safety checks: Before the implosion can proceed, a series of safety checks are typically conducted to ensure that all
personnel and bystanders are at a safe distance and that there are no unforeseen risks or hazards that could affect the
implosion.

▪ Implosion: Once all safety checks have been completed, the detonation device is activated, triggering the explosives in
the correct sequence. The force of the explosives creates a powerful inward force that pulls the object inwards, causing it
to collapse upon itself.

▪ Clean-up and removal: After the implosion, there is typically a significant amount of debris and rubble left behind. This
debris must be carefully removed and disposed of in accordance with relevant safety and environmental regulations.

▪ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfQOfNyn6Zc
 WRECKING BALL
▪ The use of a wrecking ball in a demolition process is a common practice, especially
for large-scale demolition projects. The process of using a wrecking ball in demolition
typically involves the following steps:
▪ Site Preparation: The demolition site is carefully prepared, with all utilities
disconnected and any hazardous materials removed. The surrounding area is also
secured to ensure the safety of workers and bystanders.
▪ Positioning the Wrecking Ball: The wrecking ball is attached to a crane and positioned
above the structure to be demolished. The operator must carefully position the ball
to ensure that it strikes the building at the right angle and location to cause it to
collapse in a controlled manner.
▪ Swinging the Wrecking Ball: The operator swings the wrecking ball back and forth,
building up momentum until it strikes the structure with enough force to cause it to
collapse.
▪ Repeating the Process: The process is repeated until the entire structure has been
demolished. In some cases, other demolition techniques may be used in conjunction
with the wrecking ball to ensure that the structure collapses evenly and safely.
▪ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP8KjbXuP8Y
HIGH-REACH EXCAVATOR
▪ A high-reach excavator is a type of excavator that is specifically designed to work on tall structures, such
as buildings and bridges.
▪ It has a long arm that extends to great heights, allowing it to reach areas that other excavators cannot.

▪ When it comes to demolition work, a high-reach excavator can be very effective.

▪ It can be used to demolish tall buildings by breaking them down from the top, working its way
downwards.
▪ The long arm of the excavator allows it to reach and demolish structures that are too tall for traditional
excavators.
▪ When using a high-reach excavator for demolition work, it is important to take safety precautions.
▪ The operator should be properly trained in the use of the excavator and should follow all safety
guidelines.
▪ The area surrounding the structure being demolished should be cleared of all people and debris, and
proper protective equipment should be worn.
▪ Overall, a high-reach excavator can be a very useful tool for demolition work, especially when working on
tall structures.
▪ It allows for precise demolition work and can reach areas that other equipment cannot.
▪ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u18Rrg3Xpiw
HIGH-REACH EXCAVATOR STEPS TO USE

▪ Conduct a safety check: Before using a high-reach excavator, conduct a safety check of the equipment. Check for
any damages, leaks, or malfunctions, and ensure that all safety features are in place.

▪ Choose the right attachments: Select the appropriate attachments for the job at hand. For demolition work, you
may need a hydraulic breaker, demolition shears, or a pulveriser.

▪ Secure the site: Clear the site of any obstacles or debris that could interfere with the operation of the excavator.

▪ Make sure that the area is properly barricaded and that all personnel are kept at a safe distance.

▪ Position the excavator: Position the excavator in the right location for the job. Make sure that it is on a stable
surface and that the outriggers are properly extended.

▪ Begin the demolition work: Use the excavator to begin the demolition work.

▪ Start at the top of the structure and work your way down, taking care to remove debris and keep the site safe
and tidy.

▪ Monitor the equipment: Monitor the equipment carefully throughout the demolition process. If you notice any
problems, stop work immediately and address the issue before proceeding.

▪ Clean up the site: Once the demolition work is complete, clean up the site and dispose of any debris in a safe and
environmentally responsible manner.
 STEPS INVOLVED IN SELECTIVE DEMOLITION
▪ Inspection: The first step is to inspect the building and identify the materials that can be salvaged or
recycled.
▪ Planning: A detailed plan is then developed to determine the sequence of demolition and the methods to be
used. This includes identifying hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint and ensuring their safe
removal.
▪ Protection: Before any work begins, the site is secured and protected to prevent damage to adjacent
structures and to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
▪ Soft Strip: The process typically begins with a soft strip where non-structural elements such as fixtures,
fittings, and finishes are carefully removed.
▪ Structural Demolition: The structural demolition phase involves the removal of the building's structural
elements, including walls, floors, and roofs, in a careful and controlled manner. This is typically done in
reverse order of construction.
▪ Sorting: As the demolition progresses, the salvaged materials are sorted and segregated for recycling or
reuse.
▪ Waste Management: The waste that cannot be recycled is disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
▪ Site Clearance: Once the demolition is complete, the site is cleared, and any remaining debris is removed.
▪ Overall, the goal of selective demolition is to maximize the amount of material that can be reused or
recycled while minimizing waste and environmental impact .
MANUAL DEMOLITION
▪ Inspection and assessment: Before starting the demolition process, a thorough inspection of the building
or structure must be conducted to identify any potential hazards, such as weak walls or unstable floors.
An assessment of the materials that make up the structure should also be done to determine the best
tools and techniques to use for the demolition.
▪ Planning and preparation: Once the assessment is complete, a demolition plan should be developed. This
plan should outline the steps to be taken during the demolition process, including the equipment and
tools required, and the sequence of work. The area around the building or structure should be cleared of
any obstacles and debris that may interfere with the demolition process.
▪ Removal of hazardous materials: If the building or structure contains hazardous materials such as
asbestos or lead, these materials must be removed by trained professionals before the demolition
process begins.
▪ Demolition: The demolition process begins by removing any fixtures or fittings, such as doors, windows,
and plumbing fixtures. Then, the demolition team can begin to tear down the structure using manual
tools such as sledgehammers, pry bars, and demolition hammers. The demolition process should be
carried out systematically to avoid any accidents and ensure the safety of workers.
▪ Debris removal and cleanup: Once the demolition is complete, the debris must be removed from the site
and properly disposed of. The site should also be cleaned up, and any hazardous materials should be
disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
▪ Overall, manual demolition can be a dangerous process that requires careful planning and execution. It is
important to follow all safety guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of workers and the
surrounding community.