The Process of Demolition of Concrete Frame Structure Article

The Process of Demolition of Concrete Frame Structure - Article Example There are various ways of carrying out a demolition. Hydraulic excavators, wrecking balls, grapplers, shears, sawing and drilling machines, and crushers are some of the machines and equipments normally used in demolitions. The process varies depending on the scope and nature of work involved. For removal of few slabs and walls, hammers, sawing and drilling machines suffice. For smaller two or three floor constructions, the process of reverse construction demolition may also be feasible if there is sufficient time duration and the process for demolition of the foundation is also manageable with the use of small excavators. However, for complete buildings and multi-storey structures, it becomes necessary to used heavy excavators, grapplers, shears and wrecking balls. The size and range of the heavy machines vary according to the size of the structure. The actual process begins with removal of recyclable material like electrical wires and fittings, asbestos, etc. The pre-demolition activities may not be all that easy as they appear. Hence, there must be proper assessment done to ascertain the nature of dismantling involved in the preliminary activities besides electrical fittings and water connections. (Tower Building for Demolition) The pavements around the building structure may need to be broken up. It is necessary to remove the pavement before the actual demolition of the structure so that the ground is smoothened and ready for foundation of the new structure to be laid. Demolition of the concrete framework The job of breaking and crushing the framework follows as the final blow. However, the demolition of walls and columns is not the final task in the demolition process although it is the main job. After the demolition the broken structure has to be crushed by a special crushing machine. The debris is separated from steel and other recyclable material and shipped out for use in road construction or landfills. The demolition is normally done in three ways; by hydraulic excavators, wrecking balls, or implosion. Hydraulic excavators These are mobile wreckers with long and broad steel 'arms' with which the structure is hit from several directions and angles. The structure crashes under the impact of constant and persistent blows of the excavator. Hydraulic excavators function like the human arm. The end point of the excavator is versatile and could be fixed with a bucket, scissor, drill or a crusher. (What are Hydraulic Excavators) Wrecking balls The wrecking balls are huge steel balls weighing 1000 lbs. and above. With the use of a crane the huge steel balls are swung at the structures resulting in the demolition by the blows of the ball. However, wrecking balls are