DEMOLITION OF BUILDING

C o m p i l e d b y : A r. K a v i t a P a t i l , S C O A .
Demolition is the process of destroying down or dismantling or collapsing
down of large buildings after its useful life period.

The process of demolition is carried out with the help of some equipment
or other methods with legal procedure followed by the consent of the
local authority.

As we build more structures, there comes a point where we need to

demolish old ones, either for safety reasons or to make room for newer
buildings.

The purpose of demolition is to prevent the accidental collapse of any part of

the building and to ensure safety of workers, public and neighboring
properties. Prior to carrying out any building demolition, detailed building
appraisal by means of surveys and appropriate assessments shall be required
which shall include a building survey and a structure survey.
The various causes of consequences of demolition of buildings are as follows –
i. Injury to human workers due to the difficulty of accessing into or working inside
a building which is under demolition.
ii. Falling of smaller objects or debris from the demolishing building.

iii. Falling of partially demolished structure.

iv. Collapse of unstable structure due to original structure being disturbed.
v. Employing inappropriate methods to demolish.
vi. Collapse of heavy demolition equipment due to inadequate support of
the partially demolished structure.
vii. Collapse of the partially demolished structure due to the
accommodation of large amount of unclear debris.
viii. Congested site environment that easily cause damages to human
workers or to the third parties that are situated nearby the demo1ition
site.
ix. Difficult access for workers entering into a building under demolition
x. Heavy machinery used in demolition may have risk of collapse due to
insufficient support.
Demolition is the tearing-down of buildings and other structures. Demolition contrasts
with deconstruction, which involves taking a building apart while carefully preserving
valuable elements for re-use

Pre-demolition Process
Before a demolition is executed, the experts must consider several different
factors. A demolition process is customized for each project and typically involves
the following steps.
1.Building survey:
Study of different parameters with different views of the structure and its surroundings
with structural point of view is carried in surveying. The two types of surveying which are
mainly conducted are building surveying and structural surveying.
Experts examine the different characteristics of a building, such as the materials,
building usage, method of construction, condition, draining conditions, traffic conditions,
building codes, and neighboring communities. A study of these parameters will help to
dictate the best demolition method.
1.Removal of hazardous materials: Specialized personnel is called upon to remove
dangerous materials from the building prior to demolition, such as asbestos minerals,
radioactive substances, flammable materials, and petroleum contamination.
2.Demolition plan: Experts craft a detailed plan illustrating what will be involved in the
demolition, how it will be carried out, the equipment that will be used, and how much
debris they will need to clean up.
Demolition Plan and strategy is prepared which includes the following - a. The building
location to be demolished. b. Topography of the site with its ground level contours and
sections of the slopes and ground supported by the building where appropriate in
detailed. c. Details of ground removal and/or backfilling.
1.Safety measures: Site workers, supervisors, operators, and engineers are advised of
potential hazards such as flammable materials and exposure to noise and dust. The
demolition company must also secure the proper permits.
PROTECTIVE PRECAUTIONS FOR DEMOLITION
Safety precautions must be taken to safeguard persons working on the site and
members of the public who are in the vicinity, as well as to protect property likely
to be affected by the demolition.
Precautions regarding Machinery / Equipment The following precautions should
be taken regarding machinery/ equipment –
i. All dismantling equipment should be operated by competent persons with
appropriate training.
ii. These equipment should be used and maintained as recommended by the
equipment's manufacturer or supplier.
iii. Lifting equipment should be thoroughly examined by an authorized examiner
at least once every 12 months for those lifting goods or materials or once
every 6 months for those lifting personnel.
Precautions regarding Scaffolding The following precautions should be taken
regarding scaffolding – I
i. Scaffolds above 4m in height (excluding tower and trestle scaffolds) should be
erected, installed, added, altered or dismantled by an approved scaffold
contractor.
ii. Working platforms should be free from debris.
iii. Every scaffold should have at least one designated access point.
iv. Care should be taken to prevent damage to scaffolding components from
falling debris.
Precautions regarding Public Safety The following precautions should be taken
regarding public safety –
i. The demolition site should be properly barricaded with appropriate warning signs
posted.
ii. No unauthorized entry should be permitted in the demolition site.
iii. Catch platforms should be provided where exterior walls or roofs are being
demolished.
iv. Movement of machinery from floor to floor should be considered in the demolition
procedures.
v. The use of dismantled debris to form access ramps for machinery may lead to
overloading of floors.
Precautions regarding Worker Safety The following precautions should be
taken regarding worker safety –
i. Workers involved in demolition works must be provided with appropriate
training and instructions to carry out demolition works safely.
ii. Supervision is needed to ensure that only those workers who have
received training and instructions are authorized to carry out the work.
iii. All personnel assessing the demolition site must be provided with safety
boots and helmets.
iv. Workers should, when necessary, be provided with appropriate personal
protective equipment such as goggles, hearing protection devices, safety harness,
gloves, protective clothing, etc.
v. Appropriate respirators for dust or chemicals should also be provided.
PROBLEMS IN DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS :

The problems which may arise while carrying out the building demolition are as
follows –

i. Accidents due to persons falling from high, unprotected workplaces and through
openings.
ii. Accidents due to persons being struck by falling objects.
iii. The building collapsing suddenly and unexpectedly may cause death of the
workers.
iv. Insecure materials in or on the structure.
v. Exposure to dust, chemicals, and noise influence the occupational health.
Demolition of buildings involves various demolition activities which cause
influence on the environment which ultimately give rise to pollution.
Demolition
Methods of demolition:

I. Top Down- Manual Method

II. Top Down – Mechanical Method
III. Wrecking Ball : Crane & ball
IV. Implosion
V. Pneumatic & hydraulic breaker
VI. Dismantling
VII.Saw cutting
VIII.Thermal Lance
IX. Water Jet
X. Cutting and Lifting
Top Down — Manual Method
Top down method is the method that proceeds from the roof to ground in a
general trend.

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.
Cantilevered canopies, balconies and exterior walls are critical elements in
building demolition. In congested areas, these features could critically
impact on the safety of the public. Demolition of these features shall be
performed with extreme caution. If rope or tie wires are used to pull down
the structural elements, the pulling wire must be at least 4 time stronger
than the anticipated pulling force. In addition, workers shall be shielded
from the rope or tie wires. The rope or tie wire shall be checked at least
twice per day.
Demolition Sequence Demolition sequence shall be determined according to actual site
conditions, restraints, the building layout, the structural layout and its construction. In
general, the following sequence shall apply:
(A) All cantilevered structures, canopies, verandahs and features attached to the
external walls shall first be demolished prior to demolition of main building and its
internal structures on each floor;
(B) When demolishing the roof structure, all lift machine rooms and water tanks at high
level shall be demolished in “top down” sequence to the main roof level. In
demolishing the external wall or parapet wall.
(C) Demolition of the floor slabs shall begin at mid span and work towards the
supporting beams;
(D) Floor beams shall be demolished in the order as follows: (1) cantilevered beams; (2)
secondary beams; then (3) main beams. In the case when structural stability of beams
are affected, e.g., due to loss of restraints, the affected beams shall be propped prior to
loss of support or restraint;
(E) Non-load bearing walls shall be removed prior to demolition of load bearing walls;
(F) Columns and load bearing walls shall be demolished after removal of beams on top;
and
(G) If site conditions permit, the first floor slab directly above the ground floor may be
demolished by machine sitting on ground level and mounted with demolition
accessories.
Top Down — By Machines

The sequence of demolition by machine is typically the same as the top

down manual method, except that most of the demolition is done by
mechanical plant. The demolition begins with the lifting of the
mechanical plant on to the building top floor. When rope or tie wire is
used for pulling, the workers shall be protected or stay away from the
area within reach of the rope or tie wire. The wire strength shall be at
least 4 times the anticipated load. The rope or tie wire shall be checked
at least twice per day to ensure that they are in good working
conditions.
(A) Supports for Machines The loading to be imposed on the floors by the mechanical
plant shall be checked. If needed, propping shall be installed at floor levels below
the working floor to safely support the operation of the mechanical plant. The
movement of the mechanical plant shall only be within the propped area.

The movement of the mechanical plant shall be prohibited in the following areas:
(1) within 2 m of the building edge;
(2) within 1 m of any floor openings; or
(3) any cantilevered structures.

Markings such as ribbons, paints or other appropriate means shall be used to identify
the propped area and limits of the mechanical plant movement. The extent of the
propping shall be determined based on the anticipated operation, the allowable
loading on the floor slabs and the site conditions.
(B) Lifting of Machinery:- The mechanical plant shall be lifted onto the roof
of the building by the use of mobile crane or other appropriate means as
approved by the Registered Structural Engineer. Prior to the lifting operation,
propping shall be installed on the floors beneath the roof in accordance with
the approved design. The crane shall be properly tested, examined and
operated in accordance with the Factories and Industrial Undertakings
(Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations. The operating area shall be
blocked off during the lifting operation. Approval from the Police Force and
the Transport Department shall be obtained prior to the operation if
temporary road closure is required.
(C) Temporary Ramp Construction : The machine shall descend down to the
next floor by means of a ramp. The ramp may be a temporary structure or
other appropriate design. The slope of the ramp shall be no steeper that 1.75
to 1 or as recommended by the machine manufacturer. Temporary structure
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with 3.5.

As an alternative, the machine may also be lowered to the next floor by the
use of mobile crane or other appropriate means as proposed by the
Registered Structural Engineer.
Demolition Sequence:

Demolition sequence shall be determined according to the actual site conditions,

restraints, original building layout and its construction. In general, the following
sequence shall apply:
(A) prior to demolition of internal floors, all cantilevered slabs and beams, canopies,
and verandahs shall first be demolished;
(B) the structural elements, in general, shall be demolished in the following
sequence: - slab; - secondary beams; then - main beams.
(C) mechanical plant shall descend from the floors with temporary access ramp, or
be lowered to the next floor by lifting machinery or by other appropriate means;

D) when a mechanical plant has just descended from the floor above, the slabs and
beams, in two consecutive floors may be demolished by the mechanical plant
simultaneously. The mechanical plant may work on structural elements on the same
floor and breaking up the slabs on the floor above;
(E) the wall panel, including beams and columns shall be demolished by gradually
breaking down the concrete or by pulling them down in a controlled manner;
Top Down Method with Mechanical equipment
Wrecking Ball method:
Ball & crane

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.
(1) Vertical Drop - free falling of the wrecking ball onto the structure
(2) Swing in line - swinging of the ball in-line with the jib. A
second dragline will normally connect to the ball
horizontally to control the ball motion. The ball shall be
swung into the building. The ball shall strike at the top of
the member so as to avoid the member from falling outside
the building.
 Implosion

Pre-blast Considerations-
If it is intended to blast a building structure, the Registered Specialist Contractor
(Demolition) shall carry out a comprehensive Risk Assessment Report and an
Environmental Assessment Report on the effect of implosion on the affected
neighborhood. With positive results on both the risk assessment and environmental
impact assessment and agreed by the relevant approval Authority, through the central
processing of the Buildings Department, the Registered Specialist Contractor
(Demolition) may begin studying the structure of the building and develop a blasting
design.
The design may include pre-weakening of the structure, the strategy in placement of
the explosives and time delay so that the building will collapse in a safe manner. Pre-
weakening of the structure may include cutting out a portion of the shear walls and
other structural elements.
A test blast may be conducted to verify the strength of the structural member and to
fine tune the explosive design. Protection of the adjacent properties and habitats is also
an important consideration.
(A) Pre-weakening of the structure shall be designed to ensure the structural stability before the
implosion;
(B) To minimise the dispersion of building debris into adjoining land after blasting, a trench or bund
wall shall be installed outside the building to contain the debris, unless a basement exists;
(C) A good design will cause the structure to fall towards the centre of the building and/or within
the protected area;
(D) A good design will provide adequate and sufficient time delay to allow only one or two floors of
the building debris to fall on ground level at a time in order to limit the magnitude of the impact on
the ground;
(E) The design must also identify an exclusion zone to evacuate all residents or inhabitants during
the blasting. The impacts of noise and dust generated during the blasting shall be considered.
Radius of the typical exclusion zone shall not be less than 2.5 times the building height;
(F) If there are slopes and earth retaining walls or features, a geotechnical assessment shall be
conducted to ensure that the blasting will not affect the stability of these features;
(G) The entire site shall be under 24-hour security from the installation of explosive until final
blasting. Handling and storage of explosives shall be in conformance with the Dangerous Goods
Ordinance, any requirements of the Commissioner of Mines and other relevant regulations. The
implosion expert shall have proven experience and track records in design and supervision of
blasting similar building structures to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Mines. The blasting
expert shall have acquired the relevant training and practical experience in using the proposed
explosives. The blasting expert shall obtain from the Commissioner of Mines an authorization to
carry out blasting. All personnel must be evacuated from the site before and during blasting;
(H) The Registered Specialist Contractor (Demolition) must co-ordinate with the government and
local community to determine the best procedures in notification, schedules for the events, traffic
routing, design for the sequence of events, evacuating residents, clear out personnel from the
building and assigning responsibilities during blasting. For the purpose of crowd control, blasting
should be carried out in the early morning of a Sunday or public holiday;
(I) An emergency plan shall be prepared to handle emergency situations such as premature
explosion, misfire or interruption due to bad weather including thunder and lightning;
(J) After the explosion, the blasting expert must check to make sure that there is no unfired
explosive left on site. The entire area must remain clear and under security control until the
unfired explosives have been detonated or safely dealt with by the blasting expert;
(K) As far as practicable, non-electrical initiation systems should be used to avoid the risk of pre-
mature detonation by stray currents, external electro-magnetic waves or radio frequencies. The
installation shall include a redundant system to ensure successful detonation. Nitroglycerine based
explosives are not permitted to be used.
(L) The Registered Specialist Contractor (Demolition) must provide evidence of his capability to
safely perform the demolition and shall illustrate to the approving authorities that the procedures
are safe;
(M) The mode of collapse shall be demonstrated to ascertain that: (1) no part of the building will
fall beyond the protected area; (2) the impact of the structural collapse will not cause significant
vibration affecting (a) any underground tunnels; (b) any underground utilities; and (c) any adjoining
properties.
(N) The structural safety of the building to be imploded shall be checked and certified to be sound
and safe at all stages prior to implosion.
Saw Cutting:

Saw cutting is suitable for alteration and additional works where accuracy in the
cutting is important and the tolerance to noise and vibration is very limited. It can be
used to cut concrete slabs and wall elements into segments. An entire building may be
dismantled by saw 85 cutting. Saw cutting generally includes conventional disc saw
and chain saw, diamond core stitch drilling and wire saw.

(A) Wire Saw Cutting Wire saw cutting comprises a special steel wire often
impregnated with diamond beads to increase its cutting ability. The wire saw
method is a suitable application for projects that require precision and total
control of demolition work. A hole shall first be pre-drilled for the passage of the
diamond wire, the wire cutting operation follows. Because of its flexibility, it may
be used for “hard to reach” areas. A diamond wire saw may also be applied in
cutting off piling of marine structures and bridges.
(B) Diamond Core Stitch Drilling Diamond core stitch drilling may be adopted to cut
concrete elements by continuously coring a set of holes to carve up the concrete
structure. The thickness of the concrete to be cut depends on the depth of the
drilling or coring equipment. Diamond core stitch drilling is particularly suitable in
the removal of existing pile cap for construction of large diameter bored pile
foundation.
(C) Management of Process Water The sawing and drilling operations require large
amounts of water to cool down the blade which cuts through the concrete at high
speed. Provision shall be made to provide a water source for the operation and for the
disposal of the cooling water.
Thermal Lance
Cutting of reinforced concrete by thermal
lance involves very high
temperature up to 2,000 - 4,000°C. The
extremely high heat requires
special precautionary measures and care. The
use of a thermal lance in
cutting reinforced concrete shall not be used
unless:
(A) the project demonstrated that there is no
other viable alternative;
(B) adequate protective measures are provided
to isolate the operation
and to prevent any potential fire spreading
out; and
(C) adequate protective measures are provided
to prevent the injury of
the workers, and any third party by flame and
the molten concrete.
Water Jet
Water jetting involves the use of a water jet stream pumped at
high
pressure to erode the cement matrix and wash out the
aggregates.
Abrasive compounds may be added for cutting reinforcing steel.
The
application of the water jetting shall be subject to the following
criteria:
(A) City water supply shall be used in water jet cutting.
Provision
shall be included to dispose the water used in the operation,
and
to recycle the water for continuous operation through local
filtration and sedimentation;
(B) The area behind the structural member to be cut shall be
shielded
to avoid damage to persons and properties during the cutting;
and A diagram of a water jet cutter. #1:
(C) In the case when abrasive water jets are used, further high-pressure water inlet. #2: jewel
(ruby or diamond). #3: abrasive
precautionary measures shall be provided in accordance with (garnet). #4: mixing tube. #5: guard.
manufacturer recommendations to confine the rebound of the #6: cutting water jet. #7: cut material
abrasive compounds. All site personnel shall wear adequate
safety cover and clothing.
Cutting and Lifting
Cutting and lifting involve the initial cutting of
the structure into
individual pieces or segments, and then lifting
the pieces or assembly
by crane onto the ground for further
demolition or hauling away. Slabs
can be cut into segments and then lifted off
for further cutting into
smaller pieces before disposal. Precast
concrete structures can be cut
into pieces and then lifted off as a reversal of
the construction sequence
when the precast elements are fabricated
from pieces into an assembly
of structure. Cutting and lifting may be applied
to safely remove
projections such as canopies, architectural
features, balconies and bay
windows. The typical procedures for cutting
and lifting are
summarized in the following:
(A) Prior to cutting, the structural stability of the remaining structure
shall be checked;

(B) The structural element to be removed shall be secured, either by

temporary supports or by tie wires connected to lifting
appliances. The lifting appliances must have adequate capacity
to support the weight of the structural section. The wire strength
shall not be less than 4 times the anticipated loads;

(C) The lifting appliance, cutting by disc saw, chain saw and
diamond wire saw shall comply with the Factories and Industrial
Undertakings Ordinance; and

(D) After cutting, the structural element shall be lowered to the

designated area in a controlled manner. Free falling shall be
avoided.

References:
1.Demolition of Buildings – An Overview, International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development (IJAERD) Volume 1,Issue 6,June 2014, e-ISSN: 2348 -
4470 , print-ISSN:2348-6406
2. https://www.archsd.gov.hk/media/11640/demolition_e2004.pdf
3. https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/demolishing-a-building