4 ways to demolish the building: Reader response Draft 1:

4 ways to Demolish a building

In the article “4 Ways to Demolish the Building”, by Rodriguez (2018), states the demolition workers were looking into the considerations and the ways on how to have the buildings to be demolished. There are 4 method on how to demolish a building stated in the passage.

The technique use for demolition will depends on the location of the building, the primary building materials so that specific method could be used.  Disposal of debris after demolition and safety of the demolition crew and the public must also be taken into consideration.

The passage also introduces the different ways of demolition of a building which includes implosion, High Reach Arm, Wrecking Ball and Selective Demolition.

The first method introduce is Implosion. It is to knock out a building’s vertical supports which causes the building to collapse onto itself from the inside out. They were often used to demolish huge structures in urban areas. In order to demolish it successfully, the crews need to analyse a complete set of structural blueprints, to identify the main components of the building, determine whether other areas need to be blasted, determine the type of explosives to use and where to position the explosives. The second method is High Reach Arm demolition. This method of demolition is using a base machine fitted with a long demolition arm consisting of three sections or a telescopic boom. A demolition tools, such as a crusher, shears or hammer is attached to the end of the arm to break up the building from the top.  The machine removes the large pieces of the building structure for the ground crew to further break them down for disposal. This method of demolition is used to demolish building of height more than 66 feet. It is used on reinforced concrete building, masonary, steel, and mixed material structures. The third method is wrecking ball demolition. This method is an old and common technique use to demolish concrete and masonry structures with a wrecking ball weighting up to 13,500 pounds. The ball is either dropped onto or swung into the structure which simply crushes the building with repeated blows. The demolition must be performed with highly skilled and experienced crane operators. It creates a great deal of dust, vibration, and noise.  The last method is the selective demolition. This method is to strip out, selective materials demolition. It allows builders to reuse or recycle the building’s materials such as wood, brick, metals, and concrete. The aim of this demolition is to recover the maximum amount of primary(reusable) and secondary(recyclable) material in a safe and cost-effective procedure. However, the process is labour-intensive and is difficult to achieve in a timely and economical manner for light-framed building.

Demolition is a dangerous process, safety issue if not handled properly may cause injuries and possible death. to workers and surrounding public. A better understanding on the dangers and risks as in demolition work and focusing on demolition safety is therefore needed to avoid unnecessary work accident

Firstly, as we understand that demolition is dangerous process that imposed safety hazard hence evaluation on the dangers involved is thus necessary before commencing a demolition. The common demolition risks include unplanned structure collapse, falling objects, risks from connected services such as gas and electricity which may cause fire hazard.  Environmental hazard such as noise and dust is also a safety issue to look into. Noise and vibration create safety risk as it difficult for workers to communicate effectively and stops them from hearing warning signals. In the article on Silo demolition in Denmark goes wrong and crushes cultural centre by Pádraig Collins (2018) states that a Danish cultural centre being damaged after a 53-metre high silo fell the wrong way during the demolition. Even though no one was injured but damage was done to surrounding building. The onlookers were shocked after seeing the building toppled towards the other building. This incident is a good example of the danger of demolition. Hence, a better understanding on the safety risks and planning is therefore needed to avoid demolition accident.

In a separate news report, fatalities and casualties were involved. In the article "Expert behind fatal Canberra hospital blast still holds act license" (2018) by Steven Trask, an attempt to implode the Royal Cranberra Hospital in 1997 was flawed, causing debris to fly further than they calculated killing a child and wounding several onlookers.  The person in charge of the implosion was not qualified and the task was dangerously carried out.  Accident caused by dangerous demolition will result in costly social aftermath. The best way is to manage the risks associated with the demolition will include identifying the hazard associate with demolition. A pre-demolition risk identification and assessment prior to demolition must be carried out follow by risk control during the process of demolition. Reviewing control measures will need to be put in place to protect the health and safety of the workers and public.

The other major concern in demolition work is the importance of safety.  As we know demolition is a dangerous process, safety issue if not handled properly, will result in major complications to workers and surrounding public resulting to many unwanted social and environmental issues.  Safety has and will always be the most important part of demolition project. In the article "Disregarding Safety will cost you twice (And so much more)" by George Davis  (2008), the author states that safety is mandated by law, breaking the law will come with a huge consequences.  A deadly explosion at Port Wentworth factory caused by violation of safety standards claimed the lives of 13 employee and cost the company $9million in penalty.  The author emphasis on the importance of safety of a construction site.  Breaching it will result in a hefty financial and social cost. The best way to ensure the safety of demolition is making necessary preparation. The first step of the process is an engineering survey on the demolition site for risk assessment. Follow by decision on the correct method and equipment  for demolition. Implementation and reviewing on safety control measures will need to be put in place to protect the health and safety of the workers and public.

The ultimate goal of demolition is to pull down a building in the safest and most efficient way possible. In order to achieve this, risks assessment and good safety measures and solution implement are the key factors for a successful demolition

Reference:

Juan Rodriguez, 4 ways to demolish the building(2018).

Site from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/ways-to-demolish-buildings-844420

Pádraig Collins, Silo demolition in Denmark goes wrong and crushes cultural centre (2018)Site from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/09/silo-demolition-in-denmark-goes-wrong-and-crushes-cultural-centre

George Davis, Disregarding Safety will cost you twice (And so much more) (2008).Site from: https://www.safetyservicescompany.com/industry-category/construction/disregarding-safety-will-cost-you/

Steven Trask, Expert behind fatal Canberra hospital blast still holds act license (2018).
Site from: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/act/expert-behind-fatal-canberra-hospital-blast-still-holds-act-licence-20180719-p4zsfm.html