Building demolition is a complex science with several techniques to achieve the same goal. The location, size, and structural composition of the building to be demolished will determine the most effective method. Here is an overview of four of the most common methods for building demolition and the pros and cons that determine which method is right for your project.

Wrecking Ball

Wrecking ball demolition is one of the oldest and most well-known techniques. Wrecking ball demolition is especially effective for concrete and masonry structures, as these materials will crumble, rather than dent like metal, when struck by the ball. Wrecking balls are a popular choice for buildings with a high asbestos content because they limit the amount of asbestos that is scattered into harmful dust.

While wrecking balls have several advantages, they require a highly trained operator to perform. Careful control of the ball is essential to prevent the crane from tipping if the ball swings past the intended target. Even the most skilled operators cannot provide the same precision as other demolition methods, and the large working room required makes this method difficult in dense areas and near power lines.

High Reach Arm

High reach arm demolition is often the best choice for skyscrapers and other extremely large structures. In this method, a crane with a telescopic boom or three-piece demolition arm is used to demolish a building from the top down. The arm can be fitted with tools such as crushers, shears, or hammers to remove virtually any material with extreme precision.

High reach arm demolition is a low-risk option for the tallest structures made of any material. High reach arms are also minimally invasive to surroundings, making them great for populated areas. Unfortunately, high reach arm demolition is also one of the slowest and most labor-intensive methods. The pieces that are removed from the building must be dismantled by a ground crew before they are hauled away.

Implosion

Implosion demolition is the most visually-impressive demolition technique, and also the fastest method available. The structure of the building is carefully analyzed so that minimal amounts of explosives can be placed on the building's structural supports. Upon detonation, the destruction of the supports allows the building to fall inward onto its own footprint.

Implosion demolition is an advanced technique that requires impeccable timing and sequencing of the explosions by trained specialists. Even with seemingly perfect execution, there is always some risk of projectiles, and air pollution is higher than with other methods. Another concern is that all flammable materials must be stripped out to ensure the explosions are as controlled as possible.

Selective Demolition

Selective demolition is most popularly used when the building's structural integrity is sound, or when complete demolition is not required. Selective demolition is the process of stripping a building from the inside out and sorting the construction materials by type. This is the most environmentally friendly demolition method available, as the sorted materials can be easily recycled.

Selective demolition is virtually the only option for repurposing the structure of a building, but it is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that may expose workers to hazardous materials. On the other hand, the manual nature of selective demolition means that machinery requirements are generally lower. To remain cost-effective, selective demolition may not be viable for the largest structures.

Building demolition is a complex process, and no technique will be the right choice for every job. If you have a structure that is in need of demolition, contact us at W R Beach, Inc. for a professional structure analysis and a team of demolition specialists that can handle any project!