Some of the coolest videos online are of demolition sites. Watching a building come down is a unique experience. But few people understand what goes into the demolition of a structure.
Have you seen a structure that took months to build come down in a few days?
This article will help you understand the demolition process. It’ll also cover the demolition site and the concerns contractors have for the environment.
Demolition Definition
Demolition is defined as the action or process of demolishing or being demolished. In context to buildings, demolition is also known as razing. Demolition contrasts with deconstruction, which involves taking a building apart while carefully preserving valuable elements for reuse.
There are two types of demolitions: hard and soft. It is like how hard-boiled eggs are harder to peel than soft-boiled eggs. Hard demolitions often involve breaking everything into tiny bits.
Soft demolitions rarely do this. Instead, they might not break up the bigger pieces. But they will still get everything off the site in a timely manner.
Building Demolition
Buildings are being demolished all over the world. A lot of the time there is a need for repairs, but in some cases, there are just too many issues. If the building isn’t worth fixing, then it’s better to tear it down and build something new.
Demolishing buildings can be done in different ways, but most often it is done with heavy machinery or high explosives. There are significant safety regulations associated with the use of explosives.
There are also environmental concerns with demolishing buildings. The goal is to protect the air and groundwater from the following:
- Dust
- Noise pollution
- Hazardous chemicals
There are regulatory procedures to protect the environment that must be followed.
Demolition Contractors
A Demolition Contractor is a person who provides demolition services. The demolition contractor will look at the project and see how it should be demolished and the steps needed to do so. This includes:
- Planning and managing the demolition process
- Selecting equipment and personnel for the job
- Securing permits
- Consulting with stakeholders, including historic preservation authorities
- Preparing environmental assessments
- Preparing detailed project specifications
- Hiring subcontractors to do the actual work
A demolition company uses various types of equipment depending on factors like size, location, method, etc. This equipment can include:
- Bulldozers
- Draglines
- Excavators
- Cranes
- Shovels
- Dump trucks
- Demolition Hammer/Breaker
Demolition contractors may demolish buildings by hand or use a wrecking ball.
Construction Site
A construction site is a temporary workspace where a structure is being built. Construction sites have various negative impacts on public health and the environment. These factors include:
- Dust
- Noise pollution
- Visual impact
- Hazardous material exposure
- Vibration
- Blocked access to roads and public spaces
These effects do not only affect those working or living nearby and also the construction workers.
Construction Site Ecosystem
A construction site is an ecosystem where buildings are in the process of being built. The sites consist of various elements that make up the natural environment. A waterway in the construction site can be a wetland, pond, river, or stream.
The soil under the site is part of the groundwater system and must remain undisturbed when building. The natural vegetation such as trees and grasses must also remain intact.
Demolition Site
A demolition site is a location where a structure is being demolished. Environmental concerns match that of a construction site. But construction sites make a minor impact compared to the demolition of an entire building.
The Demolition Process
Now you have a better understanding of the demolition process. You are also aware of the factors that impact the demolition site and protect the environment. The project details needing to be managed require a demolition contractor to head up your project.
To learn more about demolition, check out similar articles on our blog. You’ll also find articles on concrete, foundations, parking garages, and much more.
