DEMOLITION AND ALTERATIONS

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IV
CONTENT
• INTRODUCTION
• DEMOLITION PLANNING
• DEMOLITION
TECHNIQUES
• DEMOLITION
PROCEDURES FOR
VARIOUS TYPES OF
STRUCTURES
• PREVIOUS EXAM
QUESTIONS
Definition
• The complete or partial dismantling of a building
or structure, by pre – planned and controlled
methods or procedures

• Dismantling, razing, destroying or wrecking any

building or structure or any part thereof by pre –
planned or controlled methods
Categories
• Progressive Demolition
▫ Controlled removal of sections in a structure whilst
retaining its stability in order to avoid collapse during
the works
▫ Most practical for confined and restricted areas
▫ Commonly known as top – down demolition (initiated
from the top of the structure)

• Deliberate Collapse Mechanisms

▫ Removal the key structural members to cause complete
collapse of the whole structure
▫ Usually employed for detached, isolated and
reasonably leveled sites where the whole structure
intended to be demolished
▫ Sufficient spaces for equipment and personnel needed
Categories
• Deliberate removals of elements
▫ considered to be the removal of selected parts of
the structure by dismantling or deconstruction.
▫ It can be used in the lead up to deliberate collapse
or as part of renovation or modification works
PLANNING AND PROCESS
Process
• 3 main process
▫ Pre – demolitions phases
▫ Demolition phases
▫ Post demolition phases
Pre – Demolition Phase
• Site Survey
▫ Desk studies and on site – investigations
▫ Purpose: to obtain information & to build familiarization with actual site condition
▫ Aspects to survey: access routes, topographical features, ground conditions,
location and types of existing services (adjacent property), core samples from
structural elements taken for testing to ascertain the structure’s strength and
integrity
▫ Photographs should be taken of the works to be demolished; together with the
adjoining property; this will serve as evidence in the event of claims being made
against the contractor.

• Site preparation and mobilization

▫ To prepared and conditioned to receive demolition works
▫ Activity involves: erection of safety fencing & hoarding, site offices & other
facilities.
▫ Mobilization: temporary works, erecting scaffolding and safety signage, diversion
and protection of existing services, etc.
Pre – Demolition phase
• Decommissioning
▫ Is done to bring the structure from its fully operational
state to one where all charged systems are terminated or
reduced to the lowest hazardous level.
▫ This includes the disconnection of electrical, water, gas,
plumbing and telecommunication cables as well as
removal of bulk processes or chemicals.

• Soft Stripping
 Done to remove all non – structural items such as
fixtures, fittings, windows, doors, roof tiles and
ceiling, loose objects Projecting parts, Explosive,
inflammable, toxic and harmful substances
Demolition Phase
• Demolition
▫ is executed with the use of heavy equipment and
machinery depending on the technique selected, to
break and demolish the structure into smaller
fragments for disposal and recycling.
• Waste Management and Recycling
▫ To manage all wastes and debris generated from the
demolition
▫ The management covers storage of ordinary debris
and hazardous wastes, handling, transportation,
dumping and burning
Post Demolition Phase
• Site Clearance
▫ The project site is cleared and reinstated to
eliminate any potential hazards.
▫ All pits and trenches are covered and filled to
prevent water infiltration.
▫ Existing temporary drainage systems are
inspected and cleaned to ensure proper flow and
function
DEMOLITION PLANNING PROCESS
• Each demolition project’s planning should
address the following key areas:
▫ Investigation of the structure and site
▫ Producing a demolition work plan
▫ Personnel required
▫ Plant and equipment required
▫ Public protection
▫ Disposal of material
Investigation of the structure and site
• Investigation should include the following:
▫ Type of construction
▫ Type of structure
▫ State of structure and its design
▫ Structural hazards
▫ Hazardous substances / material
▫ Location of services
▫ General condition of adjoining structures
▫ Access and egress for plant and person
▫ Suitability of ground at site for plant
Type of construction
• In relation to all its physical components
• It should include:
▫ Roof structure
▫ Walls
▫ Floors
▫ Underground structures
Type of structure
• This should include all the key elements such as:
▫ Height of the structure
▫ Previous use of structure
▫ Confined spaces
▫ Location and extent (including the depth) of
underground structures such as basements, well
and storage tanks
▫ Location and nature of retaining structure for the
adjoining ground and structure
State of structure and its design
• Including
▫ Condition of the structure
▫ Damaged areas of the structure
▫ Any alteration
▫ Special design features
Structural hazards
• Including
▫ Cantilevered balconies
▫ Prestressed concrete members
▫ Archways
▫ Structural steelwork
▫ Damaged areas of structure
▫ Fragile roofing / floors
Hazardous substances / material
• Including:
▫ Asbestos
▫ Lead
▫ Flammable substances
Location of services
• Including:
▫ Gas
▫ Electricity
▫ Drainage
▫ Water
▫ telephone
General condition of adjoining
structures
• The investigation should determine if the
demolition process is likely to affect any other
properties
• Any damaged areas of adjoining structure need
to be identified and evaluated
Access and egress for plant and
persons
• The demolition project may interfere with access
to other properties.
• Provision must be made for access and egress to
adjoining properties as well as to the demolition
worksite
Suitability of ground at site for
plant
• The ground at the demolition site needs to be
evaluated in order to determine its suitability for
proposed plant. This should include:
▫ The proximity to power lines, underground
structures and retaining structures
▫ The ground condition e.g. soil type
▫ Suitability of access to and egress from the
demolition site for plant
▫ The type of plant that may be used
DEMOLITION TECHNIQUES
Demolition Techniques
Demolition By Hand
• Hand demolition was often slow whereby only rendering the use of
hand-held tools such as hammers, wrecking bars, shovels and
cutters.
• This technique has evolved to incorporate more advanced tools for
example, hand-powered equipment consisting of breaker hammers,
diamond saws and splitters. These tools are operated either by using
gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric power.
• Most often used in small scaled demolition operations.
• In larger projects, it is employed to primarily weaken the structure
before heavier equipment is brought in.
• Strict safety precautions in terms of working conditions for example,
secure platforms and scaffolding must always be considered and
checked.
• Safety harnesses or belts must be used when working on dangerous
and high elevations.
Demolition By Hand
• Rotary Hammer
• Allows it to demolish concrete with a hammer only action, or to
deliver rotary hammer action for boring holes.
• This is done in the rotary hammer mode by driving twist drills and
core bits, or in the hammer only mode whereby utilizing everything
from flat-chisels to ground-rod drivers.

• Pneumatic Hammer
• Expansion of compressed air. An air compressor is normally used to
supply compressed air to the hammer.
• The advantages offered are that it can be easily mounted on light
carriers, requires lesser accessories as well as maintenance, works
better in confined spaces due to its weight-power ratio and is
suitable for underwater usage.
Demolition by Hand
• Electric Hammer
• The electric hammer is able to deliver more powerful
blows since they typically have about 35 % more power.
• Although the hammer delivers fewer blows per minute,
the increased strength of the tool makes it quicker and
more efficient in demolishing concrete and masonry.
Diamond Sawing and Cutting
• Used to weaken and/or remove parts of
structures
• Particularly suitable for confined spaces, in
location where a high degree of accuracy is
needed or where the noise, dust, smoke and
vibration is unacceptable or inappropriate
• Advantages: no dust, no vibration and produces
clean edges
• Disadvantages: difficulties rise around rebar and
cost
Cutting by Diamond Drilling and Sawing
Cutting by Diamond Drilling and Sawing
• Abrasive Cutting
• Fitted with either abrasive wheels or diamond
tipped blades
• Efficient in both masonry and un – reinforced
concrete but not very successful for cutting steel
Cutting by Diamond Drilling and Sawing
• Rotary Percussion Drilling
• It is a method of drilling construction materials
using a hand-held drill
• suitable for most un-reinforced materials. It can also
be used to create small diameter holes.
• This technique can be employed to break out
concrete for removal as well as form chases for
conduits or pipes.
Cutting by Diamond Drilling and Sawing
• Diamond Drilling
• The power unit of the diamond drill can be electric,
hydraulic or pneumatic.
• The driving shaft provides continuous supply of
water to keep the diamonds cool, free of dust and
grit as well as assist in reducing wear.
• This technique is used when precise circular cuts are
needed
Cutting by Diamond Drilling and Sawing
• Track /Wall Sawing
• This technique enables cutting of door and window openings
through walls as well as through floors for stairways and lifts
without the need for stitch drilling.
• The bogey also houses the hydraulic motor which powers the
diamond saw blade. The blade usually ranges between 450mm –
2m. The power unit is always hydraulic; either electric or diesel
powered.

• Diamond chain and Ring Sawing

• The diamond chain saw is normally powered hydraulically.
• It is useful for cutting window and doorway openings in masonry
bricks and blocks because straight lines can be easily cut using right
angle comers.
• The diamond ring saw on the other hand is fairly quiet and vibration
free.
• This technique is also efficient in creating openings in pre-cast floor
systems.
Demolition By Hand
• Hydraulic Bursting
• The burster has a hydraulic power unit which is usually generated by
electricity, diesel or petrol.
• Holes created using a diamond drill. Once the holes have been
completed, the burster head which has a number of pistons is then
inserted into these holes. Pressure is subsequently applied from the
hydraulic power pack to induce cracks.
• Reinforcing steel bars are cut using angle grinders or flame cutters. This
technique is quiet and efficient for use in concrete demolition
• Hydraulic Crushing
• The main difference if compared to hydraulic bursting is that this
technique does not require any holes to be pre-drilled and the resulting
rubble consists of much smaller dimensions.
• The limitations of this method are that the jaws are quite heavy and the
larger units require a balancer to accommodate the weight.
• However, this technique provides a few advantages in the sense of being
almost vibration and noise free as well as does not need water supply
during operation.
Demolition by Tower and High Reach
Cranes
• Towers and high reach cranes are normally used to carry out demolition works
on structures that are very high.
• Used for high structures that do not provide sufficient working platforms such
as cooling towers, elevated water tanks and storage silos.
•BS 6187 [2] states that the use of such cranes for demolishing high rise
structures should be considered for the removal of structural elements and of
debris, as an alternative to dropping of materials.
•Tower cranes are designed for the lifting of freely suspended loads and should
not be used for balling operations.
HAND DEMOLITION (CONT’D)
PIECEMEAL DEMOLITION
Demolition by Machines
• Demolition by the use of machines with mechanical or
hydraulic attachments is the most common technique
applied in the industry today.
• Powerful and heavy machinery are often required
involving large projects with massive structural forms or
dangerous environments.
• They are not only efficient and time saving, but also
capable of operating in extreme conditions.
• Demolition engaging machines with mechanical
attachments are usually executed by balling or wire rope
pulling.
• 3 primary components which are the base machine,
equipment and optional attachments
Demolition by Machines
• Balling
• Most structures can be knocked down by balling where destruction is
caused by the impact energy of the steel ball suspended from a crane.
• Balling can be done in two ways which are by hoisting the ball and releasing
it to drop vertically or winching the ball towards the machine and releasing
it to swing in line with the jib.
• Swelling of the jib is not recommended as the ball’s motion will be difficult
to control and also induces tremendous amount of stress onto the jib.
• The boom angle when balling should not be more than 600 to the
horizontal. The top of the boom should not be less than 3m above the wall
being knocked down. The safe working load for the machine must be at
least 3 times the weight of the ball. The maximum ball weight should not
exceed 50 % of the safe working load (SWL) of the machine, at the working
radius.
• The demolition ball usually weighs up to 6000kg. It should be properly
fixed in such a manner to prevent it from becoming disconnected by slack in
the load line or other causes. A trapped ball can lead to serious overloading
of the crane when trying to release it by dragging or lifting.
• Continuous water spraying is normally executed to minimize the dust
production to the surrounding area.
• This technique is suitable for dilapidated buildings, silos and other
industrial facilities.
• The operation requires substantial clear space and while the concrete can be
broken into rather small fragments, additional work in the form of cutting
reinforcement may be necessary.
• This form of demolition often creates a great deal of dust, vibration and
noise.
• Wire Rope Pulling
• This technique of demolition involves attaching ripe ropes to a structure, usually
of steel and pulling the pre-weakened structure to the ground by winch or
tracked plant such as an excavator.
• The technique is suitable to detach buildings when clear space is sufficient. Wire
ropes of at least 16mm in diameter.
• A safety distance of 1.5 times the height of element to be demolished shall be
maintained between the machine and the building during the pulling. The rope
may be passed through a double or triple pulley block in order to increase the
pulling force.
• The wire rope pulling method is often limited to buildings less than 15m in
height.
• This technique can be used for timber framed buildings, bridges, masonry and
steel chimneys as well as for spires and masts.
• Caution should be employed when pulling pylons and masts because they tend
to twist when pulled.
• Compact Machines
• When compact machines are used for demolition on the upper floors of buildings, an
assessment of the strength of the floor should be made, taking into account the
possibility that the machine and a quantity of debris could eventually be supported on
part of the floor before being removed.
• These machines are usually used for breaking, cutting, handling, transporting and
soft stripping.
• Precautions such as providing edge protection and restraint systems should be taken
to prevent these machines from falling down holes in floors or from the edges of
buildings.
• Hydraulic Shear
• Machines mounted with hydraulic shears can be used for cutting purposes for a
variety of materials such as wood, steel and concrete.
• It is normally used particularly where there might be a risk of fire or where the more
precise cutting of a torch is not required.
• Hydraulic Impact Hammer
• Demolition by impact hammer involves the destruction of structures by applying heavy
blows to a point in contact with the material.
• It is usually used for primary and secondary breaking. Primary breaking focuses on the
demolition of the actual structure where else secondary breaking is tuned more towards
breaking elements from the former into smaller fragments for easier handling and
transportation.
• These hammers produce excessive noise, vibration and dust.
• Impact hammers should not be used to demolish tall vertical structural elements such as
walls and columns from the sides, as there might be a possibility of debris falling onto the
machine.

• Hydraulic Grinder
• This innovative attachment is capable of grinding through hard rock and dense concrete.
• It features mounting brackets that allow easy installation and removal on a range of 60,000
– 150,000lb excavators.
• Hydraulic Pusher Arm
• Mechanical pusher arm involves the use of machines equipped with a pusher arm
attachment for applying horizontal thrust to demolish the structural element.
• The pusher arm is commonly made of steel. When the arm is properly secured to the
excavator, its forward motion generates the pushing force.
• The main advantages of the pusher arm is that it is extremely mobile, produces high
output and is able to wok on vertical faces and floors above standing level.
• The disadvantages however, are that it needs adequate access, a firm and relatively
flat base to work from as well as can only operate within the reach of their booms.
• The pusher arm technique is not suitable for large buildings on confined sites but is
rather efficient for masonry infill structures.
Demolition by Chemical Agent
• This form of demolition is usually costly but capable of producing
quick results.
• Adequate care and safety precautions have to be taken when dealing
with bursting or flammable chemical agents as well as explosives.
• This technique requires special skill and experience.
• There is always a bigger risk to be addressed and possibilities of
uncontrolled and unplanned events occurring are very much higher.
• Demolition by chemical agents consists of 3 components:
▫ bursting,
▫ hot cutting
▫ explosives.
Bursting
• The bursting technique can be adopted in situations where relatively
quiet, dust free and controlled demolition is preferred.
• This method generally functions on the basis of expansion whereby
lateral force is applied against the inside of holes drilled into the
material.
• Advantages: free from dust, noise and vibration
• There are 2 common bursting demolition techniques and they are:
▫ Gas Expansion Bursters
▫ Expanding Demolition Agents
Hot Cutting
• Hot cutting should be selected only where the work system chosen
avoids the risk of fire or explosion.
• Work methods should prevent localized oxygen enrichment and be
executed in areas away from combustible and flammable materials.
• Hot cutting techniques are methods that can potentially generate
sufficient heat in the form of friction, sparks or flames.
• The technique employs the use of oxy fuel gases and disc grinders.
• Hot cutting can be classified into flame cutting and thermic lancing
Explosives
• Explosives are generally used for removing large volumes of concrete via
insertion of explosive devices in a series of drilled holes.
• The use of explosives are governed by a few factors which can be seen in
terms of it being versatile and flexible, damage to surrounding structures as
a result of vibration and air-blasts as well as requires heightened safety
considerations compared to other demolition techniques.
• When engaging explosives in structural demolition, there are a few
considerations that must be assessed. These considerations are:
▫ Suitability for demolition by explosives
▫ Local Topography
▫ Actual structural strength
▫ Height width ration and center of gravity
▫ Fragmentation
▫ Ground Vibration
▫ Air Blast and Fly debris
▫ Survey of surrounding property
• Before the demolition of any major structures, a comprehensive
planning exercise must be carried out;
▫ To determine which elements are to be removed by explosives,
▫ To determine in which sequence they are to be removed
▫ To plan the placing of the charges
• There are a few techniques available and can be selected when
dealing with demolition involving the use of explosives.
• These techniques are telescoping, toppling, shattering, implosion
and progressive collapse.
• Telescopic - The near-vertical collapse of a structure caused by
introducing enough compressive stress at the base to make the
disintegration at the bottom a continuous process as the structure
descends. This technique requires the explosives to cause sufficient
movement to initiate the collapse, after which gravity provides the
main source of energy for the fragmentation. The main use of the
technique is for the demolition of natural-draught cooling towers
• Toppling - Structures such as water towers tend to have a circular leg
pattern. The hinge must be created behind the center of gravity and that
the rear leg or legs must be severed. The remainder legs should be
checked to ensure that they will be able to support the structure for the
period of demolition, otherwise there is a possibility of a vertical
collapse occurring.
• Shattering - Shattering is the most common use of explosives, ranging
from quarry blasting to foundation works. Its 2 major uses are either to
shatter in-site for removal by other means or to shatter to bring about
collapse.
• Implosion - The basic principle is to try to pull the structure away from
adjacent exposures towards an area large enough to contain the debris.
Therefore, the only time a building truly implodes is when exposures
such as other structures or areas of concern completely surround it.
• Progressive Collapse - This technique is closely related to the implosion
technique but is linearly rather than centrally activated. Its main
application is on relatively long structures in situations where ground
vibration levels are critical
Demolition by water jetting (Hydro
demolition)
• Water jetting involves the use of water jet stream pumped at high
pressure to erode the cement matrix and wash out the aggregates.
• The disadvantages are they cannot be preset to a certain depth,
difficult to work with and requires frequent pauses or two operators
taking turns to avoid risk of accidents due to fatigue. It also
generates a lot of waste water.
• The benefits are it reduces dust production, minimal labor used, low
noise, no vibration, accurate cutting
DEMOLITION PROCEDURES FOR
VARIOUS TYPES OF STRUCTURES
• Structural concrete: pre-tensioned
members may be cut & lifted out in a similar
manner to other forms of reinforced concrete.
• Post-tension: temporary supports should be
placed under floors and bond while the end
anchorages are re-stressed & the tension
slowly released. The units only then be cut &
lifted out of position. Failure to follow this
procedure may result in explosion especially if
the stress is released through cutting.
DEMOLITION PROCEDURES FOR
VARIOUS TYPES OF STRUCTURES
• Roof Trusses: Temporary bracing should be
introduced to allow individual trusses to be removed.
Where trusses support gable walls, the wall should be
removed prior to dismantling of the truss.
• Floor Panels: when removing fillet joist or any
infilling materials such as concrete or block work, the
operation should have a safe platform independent of
the work being demolished.
• Structural Steel: the sequence of demolition should
be arranged to maintain a stable structure. This will
involve the use of temporary bracing or steel ropes =
member should be carefully lowered to the ground.
Demolition Safety & Health Plan
• The aim of the safety policy was to achieve zero accident rate during
operations.
• Prime considerations were given to the safety of the public and workers.
The plan generally comprised aspects such as the functions and
responsibilities of each project individual, as well as the identification of
protective and preventive measures.
• The essential conditions in the safety plan are:
▫ All workmen shall wear adequate protective clothing and where appropriate,
helmet, goggles, safety footwear, safety harness and industrial gloves.
▫ All workmen shall be properly registered and security guards are to screen
any persons entering the site. Gates shall be provided at the main entry. The
main entrance shall be locked when site activities have stopped. A side
entrance beside the main gate shall be provided for passage of workers and
visitors.
• Fans or catch platforms shall be provided to protect
persons or property from being struck by falling
materials or debris. Entrances, passageways, stairs and
ladder runs shall be kept clear of materials and debris
and be so protected as to safeguard any persons from
falling materials.
• Access to areas where flooring has been removed or
where there are dangerous holes or openings such as lift
shafts, shall be barred or protected with guardrails and
toe boards. Materials used to cover holes shall be
securely fixed in position.
• Glass in windows, partitions, roofs, etc. shall be removed
prior to structural demolition. Care must be taken to
ensure that glass is completely removed and not left
where they could cause injury.
• Adequate and suitable lighting shall be provided for all working
places, approaches, dangerous openings and places where lifting or
lowering is to take place.
• Overloading of any part of the building by debris or materials shall
be prohibited.
• All electrical wires or cables shall be disconnected or diverted before
proceeding with the demolition.
• “DANGER, KEEP OUT” and “NO TRESPASSING” signs are to be
displayed at conspicuous locations on the exterior side of the
hoarding.
• Road signages shall be placed along the main entrance to warn the
public. The road signages shall comply with JKR specifications.
• The Contractor shall maintain and ensure a safe working
environment by keeping the site neat and tidy and free from all
hazards and debris. Materials shall be stacked up safely.

• Debris shall be wetted to minimize dust generation. Containers for

debris and rubbish are to be provided at designated locations.

• All materials shall be safely piled at such locations as not to interfere

with any operations nor present a hazard to anyone on the
demolition site. Materials and debris shall not be stored on fans,
catch platforms, scaffold platforms, floors or stairways of the
building structure being demolished
SEQUENCE OF DEMOLITION WORKS

Crushing concrete and masonry to be re-used

on site for filling and leveling. 

Removing the reinforcing from the concrete

prior to crushing 
 Moving rubble from the four storey demolition to
the end of the six storey structure, in
preparation
for this six storey demolition. 

Six storey hospital building prior to the

commencement of ground based
demolition. 
 The mechanical demolition of the

six storey hospital commencing. 

Mechanical demolition continues

Case Study

Demolition of Hotel Malaya, Johor Bahru

PREVIOUS EXAM QUESTIONS
PREVIOUS EXAM QUESTIONS
A 3-storey reinforced concrete building framed
structure has been proposed to be demolished. The
site is situated in a congested area and surrounded
by heavy traffic roads and nearby shop houses.
a) Suggest and explain briefly the steps taken before
the demolition works commence. You are to make
assumptions where appropriate.
b) With the aid of sketches, suggest with reasons and
explain TWO (2) alternatives of demolition
techniques, which are applicable for such
demolition work.
PREVIOUS EXAM QUESTIONS
• List all the common demolition techniques
used to demolish concrete structures.
Explain briefly the factors that influence the
choice of demolition techniques used for
demolition works.
• Explain briefly ONE (1) type of demolition
techniques which are use to demolish
concrete structures. Explain briefly FOUR
(4) consideration factors before demolition
works commence.
PREVIOUS EXAM QUESTIONS
• A preliminary investigation revealed that, an old single
storey house need to be demolished before the
current, mixed type of development to take place on
site. The old house is situated approximately 2.0
meters from the current site boundary where the
neighborhood is a residential area. Proposed and
explain with reasons, the following:
▫ Steps taken before demolition works commence
▫ Types of demolition techniques applicable
• Make necessary assumptions where appropriate.
(15 marks)
PREVIOUS EXAM QUESTIONS
(APRIL 2005)
• A preliminary discussion was held by the local
authority to decide whether to demolish or to
maintain the existing building in the city centre of
Kuala Lumpur. As a Consultant, you were asked to
brief the management of the local authority
concern. Explain briefly four (4) consideration
factors to determine whether to demolish or
otherwise.
• Make necessary assumptions where appropriate.
(10 marks)