Modern Demolition Practices

 Introduction to Demolition Industry

 It’s not Construction

 What is Demolition ?

 Brief History of Demolition

 Modern Demolition Practices

 Analyzing the demolition project

 Machine Demolition

 Hand Demolition

 Selective Demolition

 Estimating-Quantifying and pricing the demolition project

 Preparatory Estimating task

 Demolition Estimate

 Common Errors and Pitfall

 Waste in the construction process of High Rise

 Handling and Sorting

 Waste removal and Disposal

 Recycling, Sustainability and future of Recycling

Demolition Practice, Technology, and Management

Demolition Industry:

In 2008, around 800 companies in the US and Canada were primarily focused on demolition, with
many other contractors also engaging in some demolition activities.

Distinct from Construction:

Demolition is often incorrectly classified under construction but differs significantly in processes and
considerations.

Reverse Order Work: Unlike construction, demolition involves working in reverse, dismantling
structures rather than building them.

Hazardous Materials: Demolition requires careful survey and removal of hazardous materials, a task
not typically associated with construction projects.

Materials Handling: Unlike construction, demolition does not prioritize the delivery and storage of
materials.

Salvage Value: The potential salvage value from demolition can greatly influence the overall project
cost and the method chosen for demolition.

WHAT IS DEMOLITION?

In the modern world, demolition involves a complex combination of tasks, including site clearing,
material salvaging, and hazardous materials removal. Demolition contractors perform a variety of
specialized tasks to safely and efficiently dismantle structures while managing and mitigating
associated risks.

Demolition Type Description

Commercial and Industrial Buildings <8 stories, demolished using heavy equipment
Buildings (Low Rise) (cranes, excavators).

Commercial and Industrial Buildings >8 stories, often demolished using explosives or floor-
Buildings (High Rise) by-floor methods.

Includes chimneys, towers, chemical plants; methods include

High Rise Industrial Structures
cranes, excavators, explosives.

Demolition of below-grade concrete using hydraulic breakers,

Sub-grade Concrete Foundations
cranes, wrecking balls, and explosives.

Utility Demolition Above/below-grade utilities as part of primary demolition tasks.

Parking Lots, Roads, and Demolition of concrete/asphalt as part of larger projects or

Runways standalone.

Includes all types of bridges and materials; significant industry

Bridge Demolition
segment.

Railroad Demolition Removal of tracks, structures, and bridges.

Interior Demolition Initial step in remodeling/upgrading buildings.

Selective Demolition Removal of specific parts of structures, utilities, and equipment.

Controlled use of explosives to fell structures or break concrete

Explosive Demolition
foundations.

Marine Demolition Demolition of pilings, docks, piers, underwater obstructions.

Cleanup from hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods; includes

Disaster Response
emergency rescues.

Historical Salvage Careful removal and preservation of historical items.

Integral phase of demolition; includes asbestos, PCBs; regulated

Hazardous Materials Removal
by laws.

BRIEF HISTORY OF DEMOLITION

Ancient Ingenuity: The practice of reusing building materials dates back millennia.

Troy: Unearthed by Heinrich Schliemann, ancient Troy it as determined that Troy was the seventh
city to have been constructed on that site.

Medieval England: Churches built with stones and timber from Roman ruins, showcasing early
recycling.

Constantine's Conquests: The emperor recycled materials from destroyed cities to cut costs and
rebuild efficiently.

Early 20th Century Demolition:

Gillender Building (1910): The tallest office building of its time, demolished just 12 years after
construction for something grander.

Machine Wrecking Revolution (1930s): Introduction of the wrecking ball; cranes, clamshell buckets,
and jackhammers transformed demolition.

Post-WWII Innovations: Powerful diesel engines and high-strength steel revolutionized earth-
moving equipment.

Modern Techniques:

Hydraulic Powerhouses: Track-mounted excavators with versatile attachments now dominate the
field.

Controlled Chaos: "Implosion" techniques using precise explosive placements ensure safe, inward
collapses.

Modern Demolition Industry and Environmental Impact

Environmental Considerations:
Material Salvage Legacy: From a profitable venture in the 1800s to a cost-heavy task in the 1920s
due to Portland cement and rising labor costs.

Economic Shift: By the late 1920s, demolition contractors charged hefty fees for their services.

Pennsylvania Station (1963): Iconic materials from the station became landfill, a stark contrast to
earlier careful dismantling practices

Recycling Renaissance:

Architectural Salvage: Once again a booming business, turning demolition waste into valuable
resources.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Regulations from OSHA and EPA have turned the industry into a leader in
environmental protection.

Reduced Landfill Use: Modern demolition focuses on recycling and reusing materials.

Industry Expansion:

1990s Boom: The demolition industry saw a 60% increase in contractors and a doubling of economic
value.

Safety First: Collaborative efforts with OSHA and EPA ensure worker and public safety amidst the
rubble.

Factors Influencing Demolition Methods

Type of Construction: The nature of the structure being demolished (e.g., residential, commercial,
industrial)

Size of Structure: Larger structures may require more complex demolition methods.

Available Equipment: Ownership or rental options for demolition machinery.

Schedule Requirements: Time constraints impacting the demolition process.

Specifications Limitations: Project-specific limitations and requirements.

Key Personnel Availability: Access to skilled labor and experts.

Contractor Workload: Current commitments and capacity of the demolition contractor.

Analyzing the demolition project

Before determining the approach to a demolition project, consider these critical factors:

 Project Complexity: Assess the intricacy of the project scope and requirements.

 Suitability for Operations: Determine if the project aligns with the company's capabilities.

 Required Submittals: Identify all necessary documentation and approvals.

 Safety and Risk Management: Plan for effective safety protocols and risk mitigation
strategies.

 Schedule Development and Control: Establish a clear timeline and identify who will manage
it.

 Ideal Equipment: Choose the best-suited machinery for the project tasks.

 Materials Management: Plan for the handling of materials, such as imported backfill.

 Equipment Availability: Evaluate which equipment is available in-house and what needs to
be rented.

 Key Personnel: Ensure the availability of essential staff and experts.

 Utility Work Management: Develop a plan for handling utilities on-site.

 Subcontractor Interfaces: Coordinate effectively with subcontractors involved in the project.

 Coordination with Other Contractors: Manage interactions with other contractors working
on the site.

 Hazardous Materials Removal: Assign responsibility for the safe removal of hazardous
substances.

 Waste Management and Recycling: Prepare for efficient waste disposal and recycling
operations.

Preparatory tasks

Administrative Tasks:

 Submittals: Ensure all required submittals are submitted and approved. __Y __N

 OSHA Engineering Survey: Submit the required survey as per 29 CFR 1926 Part T, 850(a). __Y
__N

 Subcontracts: Negotiate and sign all necessary subcontracts.__Y

 Labor Unions: Contact labor unions if appropriate. __Y __N

 Permits: Ensure all necessary permits are in order. __Y __N

 Reports and Billing: Assign report and billing responsibilities to appropriate personnel.__Y
__N

Operational Tasks:
  Reports and Billing: Assign report and billing responsibilities to appropriate personnel.__Y
__

 Operational Tasks: Hazardous Materials: Arrange for the removal of asbestos and other
hazardous materials.__Y __

 Utilities: Locate and make arrangements for capping or re-routing utilities.__Y __N

 Heavy Equipment: Arrange for the transportation of heavy equipment to the job site.__Y __

 OSHA Survey Compliance: Address items in the OSHA Engineering Survey and develop plans
for any issues.__Y -N

 Fuel Supply: Ensure provisions for supplying fuel are made.__Y _N

 Jobsite Office: Arrange for a jobsite office if needed.__Y N

 Scrap Metal Buyers: Contact potential buyers for scrap metals and other salvage.__Y __N

MACHINE DEMOLITION

Reliance on Heavy Equipment:

 Advances in Machinery: Development of specialized demolition equipment due to

construction machinery engineering advancements.

 High Pressure Hydraulics: Key development allowing transfer of machine power to

attachment tools like shears, breakers, and concrete pulverizers.

Progressive Wrecking Techniques:

Low-Rise Buildings: Demolition of structures three stories or less using excavators or front-end
loaders.

 Safe Operation: Operators work at a safe distance, using machinery to pull, push, or
chew the building apart.

 Material Processing: Segregation and loading of materials post-demolition.

Repetitive Wrecking Methods:

 Non-Explosive Demolition: Most demolition methods involve repetitive techniques without

explosives.

 Example Methods: Progressive wrecking using excavators equipped with buckets and
thumbs.
Pulling over wall in progressive demolition

Wheel loader with grapple bucket

 High-reach demolition tool with grapple

Principal Methods of High-Rise Demolition:

High-Reach Boom Machines:

  Effective Height: Up to over 100 feet (approx. 30 meters).

 Standard Use: Common for buildings up to 12 stories.

 Safety and Accessibility: Proven safety record, suitable for restricted access areas.

Modern Features:

 Attachments: Shears, grapples, concrete crackers.

 Tilting Cabs: Operators have a clear view of the work area.

 Video Cameras: Mounted on boom tips for enhanced visibility.

 Dust Control: Water spray nozzles reduce dust.

Crane and Wrecking Ball:

 Standard Use: Common for buildings up to 12 stories since the 1950s.

 Operation: The wrecking ball can be dropped or swung to strike the structure.

 Safety: Operator remains at a safe distance from falling debris.

 Controlled Demolition: Use of a third cable drum for precise control.

 Wrecking Balls: Made of cast steel, weighing 1,500 to 10,000 pounds.

 Regulations: Swinging the ball over non-designated areas is prohibited in some states.

Demolition Methods for Buildings Over Twelve Stories:

Floor-by-Floor Demolition:

• Method: Demolishing one floor at a time using small skid steer loaders and mini-
excavators.

• Procedure:

• Equipment is lifted to the top floor using cranes or hoists.

• Concrete and masonry are broken up; steel is cut with torches.

• Debris is dropped through elevator shafts or lowered using cranes.

• Safety: Ensures controlled deconstruction without the need for explosives.

Large structures can be either “tripped” or “pulled” under the following conditions:

(1) Sufficient space is available to avoid damage to other structures;

(2) the fall zone will be of sufficient distance from any underground constructions, such as
sewers, to avoid impact damage;

(3) the building to be felled is structurally sound enough to eliminate the possibility

of an unplanned collapse during preparation.

Tripping a structure

Method: Weakening columns and shear walls systematically.

Procedure:

 Pre-cuts are made using handheld torches or shears.

 A crane with a wrecking ball knocks out the weakened columns.

 The building falls in a predetermined direction.

Conditions: Sufficient space to avoid damage to other structures and underground constructions.

Pulling Structures:

Method: Attaching heavy cables to high points on the structure and pulling it down.

Procedure:

• Cables are attached to columns and heavy machinery.

• Shear walls and bracing at ground level are removed.

• Heavy machinery pulls the cables, causing the building to fall.

Safety: Equipment is positioned beyond the fall zone for safety

Foundation and Below-Grade Demolition:

Principal Machine: Excavators with hydraulic hammer attachments.

Procedure:

 Excavators break concrete and lift pieces using a bucket and thumb or grapple.

 Cranes with wrecking balls may also be used.

Explosives: Used under suitable conditions to break heavy foundations, which are then removed
with excavators.

Concrete Pulverizers: Mounted on excavators for breaking up foundations.

Selecting the Method: The choice depends on the building height, site conditions, and safety
requirements.
 Pulling an industrial building.

Climbing scaffolding used for floor-by-floor demolition.

Selective Demolition Methods

Definition: A careful demolition procedure where parts of a structure are removed while the
primary structure remains intact and protected.

Methods: Combines hand labor with small, specialized equipment.

Common Procedures in Selective Demolition:

Examples of Selective Demolition:

 Interior Feature Removal: Walls, ceilings, utilities during remodeling work.

 Cutting Openings: For new utility services, stairwells, elevators, windows, and doors.

 Removing Entire Floors: For major remodeling projects.

 Deteriorated Structure Removal: Portions that are unusable or damaged by events like fire
and earthquakes.

 Structural Slots: Cutting slots between building parts when one part is to be demolished
and the other remains intact.

Procedure:

Communication:

• Contractors must clearly explain the demolition plan to the crew.

• Workers need to know precisely what to demolish and what to protect.

Marking System:

Spray Paint Markings:

• Green Marks: Some contractors use green to indicate what is to be demolished;

others use it to mark features that are to remain.

• Red Marks: Used to indicate the construction features or equipment that are to be
removed.

Consistency: Ensure all workers understand the marking system used.

Equipment Used for Selective Demolition:

 Skid-Steer Loaders: Versatile machines for various demolition tasks.

 Small Excavators: Compact and efficient for precise demolition work.

 Robotic Excavators: Equipped with breakers and shears for detailed demolition.

Various attachments for skid-steer loaders and mini excavators to handle different materials.

 Aerial Lifts and Scissor Lifts: For accessing high areas safely.

 Scaffolding: Provides stable platforms for workers during demolition.

Hand Tools Used in Selective Demolition:

  Abrasive and Reciprocating Saws: For cutting through various materials.

 Pneumatic Tools:

 Pavement breakers and chipping guns for breaking concrete and other hard
materials.

 Concrete Saws: Specifically designed for cutting concrete.

 Chain Saws: For cutting through wood and other softer materials

HAND DEMOLITION

 Since the beginning of recorded history, man has used his hands and small tools to demolish
structures and salvage useable materials.

 At some point during a mechanical or explosive demolition project, it is highly likely that
small amounts of hand demolition work will be required

Typical demolition activities that are performed primarily by hand include, but certainly are not
limited to, the following:

 Cutting large steel sections that cannot be sheared or are located in areas that are
inaccessible to heavy equipment

 Salvaging piping and valves

 Salvaging small equipment

 Salvaging electrical wiring, switch gear, and instrumentation

 Cutting access holes in walls and tanks

 Erecting and dismantling scaffolding and protective structures

 Removing many types of construction components and equipment for interior and selective
demolition
 Using hand tools on floor with inadequate strength to support equipment

SALVAGE

Salvage sales can represent a substantial portion of a demolition contractor's revenue.

Usable Materials Salvage:

• Timbers and Dimensional Lumber: Valuable for reuse in construction projects.

• Piling and Structural Steel Members: Often salvaged for structural use in new projects.

• Piping and Brick: Reused in various construction and landscaping projects.

Scrap Metals Salvage:

• Steel Scrap: Largest share of salvage income.

• Other Metals: Cast iron, copper, brass, aluminum, and lead are also valuable.

• Recycling: Metals are removed from the waste stream and sold to scrap recyclers.

Architectural Features:

• Historic Fabric: Includes valuable parts of buildings with historical significance.

• Reused in New Construction: Salvaged items may be used in facades or interiors of new
buildings.

• Antique Equipment: Sometimes salvaged for museum displays or as decorative features.

Hazardous Waste During Demolition

Regulatory Framework:

Federal Agencies Involved:

 OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

 EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

 DOT: Department of Transportation

 NRC: Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Additional Regulations: State regulations may add further requirements.

Identifying Hazardous Materials:

Definition by IHMM: Any item or agent (biological, chemical, physical) with potential to cause harm
to humans, animals, or the environment.

Contractor Responsibility: Protect employees and the public from hazards, even if not regulated.

Characteristics of Hazardous Waste

Criteria

 Ignitability

 Corrosivity

 Reactivity

 Toxicity

Managing Asbestos in Demolition Projects

 Asbestos in Pre-1970s Projects: Commonly found in construction materials due to its heat
resistance and strength.

 Asbestos Containing Material (ACM): Refers to materials with fibrous minerals used in
construction.

Categories of ACM:

Friable ACM:

• Definition: Can be crumbled or pulverized by hand pressure, releasing fibers.

• Common Locations: Insulating materials, surface coatings.

• Hazards: Higher risk of fiber release, leading to serious illnesses.

Non-Friable ACM:

 Definition: Does not easily release fibers when handled.

 Common Locations: Floor and ceiling tiles, roofing materials, firm building products.
  Risks: Can become friable through aggressive removal practices like chipping, grinding, or
demolition forces.

Best Practices for ACM Removal and Disposal:

 Preparation: Thoroughly identify all ACM on the project.

 Safety Measures: Use appropriate protective gear and follow safety protocols.

 Proper Techniques: Avoid aggressive removal practices to minimize fiber release.

 Compliance: Ensure all notifications and permits are filed in accordance with regulation

Health and Safety: Protects workers and the public from asbestos exposure.

Regulatory Compliance: Avoids legal penalties and ensures safe demolition practices.

Common Hazardous Materials in Demolition

Material Description Handling Requirements

Asbestos-Containing Special removal techniques, regulated

Materials (ACM) Friable and non-friable types disposal

Polychlorinated Special removal, transportation, and

Biphenyls (PCBs) Found in electrical equipment disposal

Found in some instruments and

Radiological Hazards emergency lighting Specialized handling and disposal

Testing before landfill disposal,

Lead-Based Paints (LBP) Common in older buildings regulated removal

Specialized handling, must be carefully

Mercury Found in instruments, highly toxic managed

Special removal techniques, some

Fluorocarbons Found in refrigerants types may be recycled

Proper protective equipment and safe

Biological Hazards Bird and animal droppings, mold disposal
Petroleum Oils and
Lubricants (POLs) Found in machinery Regulated removal and disposal

Can contain silica, may cause Dust control measures, respiratory

Dust respiratory issues protection

Creosote Found in railroad ties and pilings Regulated disposal

Range from industrial to Identify specific hazards, proper

Chemicals household chemicals disposal

Study Question

Describe the method you would use to demolish the following structures; include the type of
equipment and any special considerations you think would be necessary:

a) Two story apartment building with good access

b) An eighteen story office building within fifty feet of four story buildings on two sides

c) A 200-foot antenna located on a ten-acre field with no other structures on the property

d) A six story brick and timber warehouse that has suffered partial collapse

e) Salvage of a ten-ton vessel from a 120-foot high industrial building

f) Salvage of an historic stained glass window from a church

g) Removing the brick liner from an industrial kiln that is contaminated with caustic residues