How should it be determined the necessity of using high reach demolition methods and equipment?

Even if the building or structure to demolish is very high, it does not automatically mean that the high reach demolition is the right procedure to level it. Other demolition methods might be just as or even more effective.

Other demolition methods are:

  • Manual demolition
  • Mechanical demolition
  • Deconstruction
  • Use of explosives

To determine the suitability of high reach demolition to perform a particular job the following steps should be followed:

  1. Conduct an ocular inspection of the work site
  2. Compare other methods of demolition before deciding on the high reach
  3. Determine if the high reach equipment – in particular, the rig – to be used by the company to execute the works can reach the rise of the structure
  4. Evaluate if the ground is stable enough to support the weight of the carrier with its equipment
  5. Consider with which demolition method the timeline to excute the works can be realistic

During the process described in the table above a pheasability study must be carried out. That will lead to the necessity of answering some of the following questions that may arise during the process. The information compiled with it should be taken into consideration to decide the adequacy of a high reach rather than other demolition methods:

  • How stable are the ground conditions?
  • Are there other adjacent buildings or structures near the work site?
  • Can the heavy equipment be transported to the site without any problems?
  • It is necessary to brace and buttress it to prevent a premature collapse?
  • Is there a safe area for the plant towork and for the debris to fall?
  • Should the previous uses of the ground be considered for the planning of the job? (e.g. grounds with unexploded boms)
  • Is the location densely populated? (consider arisings/ejecta)
  • How stable is the building?
  • Is there enough safe distance between the rig and the structure?

In any case, the criteria that should always prevail is guarantying the safety of the workers performing the job and the people in the surroundings of the jobsite.

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