Abstract

Building demolition is defined as the dismantling, razing, destroying or wrecking any building or structure or any part thereof by preplanned and controlled methods. In recent years, building demolition has been challenging urban developers due to the increased incidence of demolition projects and the elevation of demolition requirements. Researchers also recognize the importance of building demolition and given its environmental impacts, it is anticipated to achieve the same attention as conventional planning, design, construction and maintenance in the near future.

Contents

1. Abstract 2. Contents 3. Introduction 4. Need for demolition 5. Methods of demolition 5.1. Top down demolition 5.2. Mechanical demolition 5.3. Wrecking ball 5.4. Implosion 5.5 Non-explosive demolition agent 6. Demolition plans 7. Precautionary measures 8. Conclusion 9. Reference

01 02 03 04 04 04 05 05 06 06 07 08 09 09

1. Introduction
Building demolition represents the process in which an erected structure is purposely destroyed to form a diversity of components and fragments of mixed materials. From a lifecycle viewpoint, the demolition stage for buildings is achieved after the sequential stages of planning, design, construction and maintenance. The demolition process of a building is normally regarded as an unavoidable annoyance in its lifecycle and demolition contractors frequently undertake demolition practice with tight time constraints with little up front demolition planning. Only in the last few years has the emphasis on Demolition arisen, mainly due to increasing environmental pressure, particularly the disposal of demolition waste. The importance of demolition is also learned from previous demolition failures and disasters brought about by the lack of sufficient awareness and knowledge on demolition. For example, demolition waste containing chemicals hazardous to human health and the environment may be sent to landfills, and the leach ate from landfills poses a potential risk to groundwater quality. Landfill creation is, therefore, an outcome that communities should seek to avoid due to the significant environmental issues involved. One disastrous example in Australia concerns the demolition of the Royal Canberra Hospital building in 1997. A girl was killed and at least nine others were sent to the hospital with serious injuries by flying.

2. Need for Demolition

Destruction is not regarded as a feat of intelligence, but actually it requires much intelligence and planning. Generally destruction works are carried out for the buildings built illegally, the ones that are prone to fall soon or are structurally unsafe, buildings blocking development of the town, buildings that are no longer under use or serve no function.

3. Methods Of Demolition.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Top down Manual method Mechanical method Wrecking ball method Implosion Method Non-explosive demolition agent

3.1. Top down Manual Method

General Top down method discussed below is the method that proceeds from the roof to ground in a general trend; there are particular sequences of demolition, which may vary, depending on site conditions and structural elements to be demolished. For reinforced concrete buildings, jackhammers are commonly used to break down the concrete. Oxy-acetylene torch could be used to cut the reinforcements. The reinforcements shall remain until all the concrete connecting to or supported by the reinforcement is broken away or when its support is no longer required.

3.2. Mechanical Demolition

General Mechanical demolition generally involves the use of large machinery with attachment to dismantle the building from outside. The common mechanical methods include the use of a pusher arm, wire rope and clamshell. These methods shall only be applied to isolated buildings on relatively flat ground. The concerns and good practices of the mechanical demolition generally included the following: (1) The machine shall be operated on smooth and firm ground.(It shall also have adequate counter-weight to prevent overturning during the operation) (2) The equipment and accessories such as attachments and rope shall be inspected frequently and shall be repaired or replaced whenever necessary; (3) The impact of the collapsed structural sections on the floor or ground shall be checked to prevent the potential overloading of the suspended floor, vibration and disturbance to adjacent properties and damage to underground utilities; (4) The site shall have full time security to prevent unauthorized personnel entering the site. No person shall stay within the working area of the machine and the building while the machine is operating;

3.3. Wrecking Ball

General The wrecking ball application consists of a crane equipped with a steel ball. The destruction of the building is by the impact energy of the steel ball suspended from the crawler crane. The wrecking ball operates outside the building. This method is suitable for dilapidated buildings, silos and other industrial facilities. However, the operation requires substantial clear space. The application also demands high level skill operators and well-maintained equipment.

3.4. Implosion
The word implosion is used to describe the planned demolition of buildings, by which an object is destroyed into itself. Strictly speaking implosion is an event where something collapses inwards, because the external atmospheric pressure is greater than internal pressure. Examples for implosion is a submarine crushed from outside by the high pressure of the surrounding water or a test tube collapsing into itself when air is pumped out. While the word explosion means the debris flying outward. Implosion is caused by planting explosives in strategic spots, so that gravity takes over to collapse the building within its own walls. A building implosion isn't truly an implosion atmospheric pressure doesn't pull or push the structure inward, gravity makes it collapse. But the term implosion is in common use for this sort of demolition.

3.5. Non Explosive Demolition Agent

Non Explosive Demolition Agent (NEDA) is a static demolition agent. When the reaction takes place in a confined drill hole, the NEDA generates an expansive pressure to crack and break concrete and stone. The NEDA is a suitable application in a restrictive environment where noise, flying debris and vibration are less tolerated. A drilling pattern shall first be designed. For large projects, test breaking shall be performed. The NEDA shall be mixed with water to form slurry and immediately placed into the pre-drilled holes. The loading intensity and water content shall be controlled to optimize the expansive pressure and prevent blow-out of the NEDA. The breaking effect of NEDA is relatively small comparing to explosives. Secondary efforts are required to further break down and remove the debris by mechanical means. NEDA may be used on foundation works, pile caps or structures that are fully supported. When used in rock, NEDA should be contained within strong, flexible, impermeable bags to prevent uncontrolled entry into rock joints.

4. Demolition Plans
Prior to carrying out any building demolition, detailed building appraisal by means of surveys and appropriate assessments shall be required. In general, the surveys shall include a Building Survey and a Structural Survey with photographs or videos taken for future reference. Based on the findings of these surveys, a demolition plan shall then be prepared and submitted to the Buildings Department for approval. The demolition plan must also be accompanied by a report together with structural calculations assessing the stability of the building to be demolished and all affected buildings, structures, streets, land and services.

A Demolition Plan shall include the following: A plan showing the location of the building to be demolished. Survey on the distances from the building to be demolished to its adjacent buildings, streets, and structures and significant. A plan showing the procedure for the demolition of the building and the method of demolition to be adopted including the restrictions on the use of any particular type of equipment. A plan showing all precautionary measures. A plan or descriptive notes on the proposed methods for handling and disposal of debris including.

5. Precautionary Measures
For the demolition works to be carried out effectively certain precautionary measures need to be followed. The type of precautionary features shall be selected to best meet the requirements of the demolition method and the site conditions. The following features shall be included wherever it is necessary: Covered walkways catch platforms and hoardings. Scaffolding and catch fans. Temporary supporting systems to support machines working on the building floors. Temporary supports for cantilevered structures and for bracing weakened structural elements. Support for adjacent retaining walls or slopes that may be affected by the demolition.

Debris Handling A proposed plan for conveyance of debris, on site sorting and management, estimated amount of debris required for off site transportation.

Special Safety Considerations

(1) Means of emergency escape, and access route. (2) Means to reduce the dust, noise and vibration impacts. (3) Storage and handling of any flammable material that may be used in the demolition process. (4) Proper packaging, labeling and storage of asbestos/chemical waste generated in the demolition process.

Conclusion

The importance of building demolition in India is growing. India being a rapidly developing nation has got its road and rail networks developing in all directions, so demolition works are imminent. These works should only be carried out with suitable technical expertise and planning. Since the technology is known, India should be welcoming these methods for the demolition projects. These prove to be economically viable, environment friendly, fast and effective.

References 1. Demolition of Trojan Cooling Tower from Andrew G.Wright-Engineering News Record(5-3-2006) 2. Preliminary study on building demolition by Chunlu Liu,Sung-kin Pun &Craig Langton Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. 3. Code of Practice for demolition of buildings year 2004 4. Demolition and Demolition Plan 5. Department of Real Estate and Construction. January 2007 6. www.implosionworld.com 7. www.science.howstuffworks.com/building-implosion.htm