Planning for Demolition
A new kind of demolition known as deconstruction is fast gaining popularity. It is considered an environmentally friendly demolition method, and it is for this reason sometimes referred to as ‘green demolition’. Deconstruction involves a calculated and systematic process that is more or less like the opposite of construction. In the process, the structure is slowly dismantled, and as much building material as possible is retrieved for re-use. This process makes the load on the landfills that receive debris of the demolished building lighter.
The simplest and express definition of demolition is that it is the opposite of construction. It is the tearing down as opposed to building up. Most demolition projects are handled by expert demolition contractors, who are qualified and skilled in demolition work.
When thinking of demolition, the process called implosion also comes to mind. Implosion is a controlled sequence of carefully planned blasts that eventually cause a building to collapse, and to fall within its original site. However, majority of demolitions are still done by way of mechanical means, since hiring demolition contractors can sometimes be costly. Therefore, smaller structures such as houses are brought down by cranes, while larger ones are demolished by huge wrecking balls.
One of the initial steps in every demolition project is the exclusion of everything valuable that can be salvaged. In a huge structure, such valuables may include insulation materials, copper wires, and, of course, furniture. Besides this groundwork is the removal of anything that may be a safety hazard. Glass is removed to prevent it from being turned into dangerous missiles during the demolition. In addition to the real work of demolition, this preliminary work is also carried out by demolition contractors, in cases where they have been hired to do the work, particularly for huge buildings and structures.
