The 3 Most Common Building Demolition Approaches

Construction & Contractors Blog

Demolition is a complicated job. It involves the procedural dismantling of the structure, followed by site clearing, and then remediation of the environment. Some good options exist for the demolition of a structure. In the end, the final decision on choice is made after considering multiple factors that include location, size of the building, building material, and purpose of the demolition.

After all relevant considerations are taken into account, a course of action is determined. Often, one of the three demolition methods will be preferred.

Implosions

Residential demolitions use implosion techniques to target the sequential elimination of the support system of a structure. What follows is a violent burst inwards allowing for the complete fall of a building. The method makes use of enough explosives that help eliminate vertical supports holding the entire building. Timing and placement of explosion charges are central to the success of the whole job. Collapse is induced by the weight of the building when its previous support gets blown away.

The implosion method is preferred in residential demolition in areas of high urban settlement. Successful destruction will need a careful analysis of the blueprints of the building. Only after will you be sure that the demolition will be a success.

Crane and Ball Method

It's one of the oldest demolition methods still in use today. It makes use of a wrecking ball, sometimes over 13,000 pounds heavy, to demolish masonry and concrete structure. The ball is either swung into the building or dropped from above repeatedly until the structure is no more. The method remains a crude option for residential demolition but is no longer viable for bigger structures. The reasons for this is because;

  1. The size of the building to be demolished with this method is dependent on how big the crane is.
  2. There is need for extra working room for the crane and ball to swing.
  3. It needs highly experienced crane workers.

Selective/Strip-out Demolition

This demolition method is proving popular amongst many Australians right now. It advocates for the salvaging and recycling of as much material as possible during a demolition. Accordingly, selective demolition carefully "strips" down the structure getting as much metal, concrete, wood and brick for future use in new construction projects.

The main objective of this method is to save as much as possible by salvaging as much material, both in the interior and exterior of the building, as possible. Though the method is safer and more cost-effective than the two other methods above, it is also, more labour intensive.

As you proceed with your residential demolition plans, be advised to get all the permit requirements from local authorities sorted out. In some jurisdictions too, you will be required to have studies done on the sound and environmental impact your demolition will have on the surroundings. A demolition crew can help you transverse this complex web of legal requirements. Get in touch with one now for a fast-tracked process with minimal hassles.

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5 March 2018

Extending the patio

When we moved into the house we had a really cute patio, but it was so small that if more than two people wanted to share a meal or sit together there wasn't room. That's why I have been extending the patio and working on ways to make it more hospitable for the whole family to spend time out there, such as getting the music system to connect to some speakers in the structure. This blog has some tips for homeowners who are looking to attempt a patio renovation or extension and has some tips on which jobs to DIY and when to call in the professionals.