There are a couple of good options that can be considered for apartment demolition. The process is dependent on some factors like the area where the apartment is located, the apartment material, the purpose of the demolition and the way that debris is going to be disposed of. In this article, we summarize four methods used for apartment and structure demolition.
Apartment Demolition: High Reach Arm
High reach arm is another traditional method of demolition.
The threshold for defining a high reach demolition is when it reaches a height of more than 20 meters. This method is usually formed by a base machine (excavator, tank, engine, counterweights), a demolition arm consisting of three sections or by a telescopic boom and a primary tool attached to the base machine (crushers, shears, hammers).
High reach demolition machines can be equipped with different tools to make them suitable for executing demolitions of structures. This method is used on reinforced concrete, masonry, steel and mixed material structures. The equipment used for this type of demolition is not the same one as the one used to separate or crush the rest of the material. The following factors might affect the proposed demolition process using this type of technology:
- Structure height
- Site conditions
- Structure shape, and Structure location
- Demolition Method: Crane & Ball
One of the oldest and most used methods for apartment demolition, the ball and crane use a wrecking ball weighing up to 13,500 pounds to demolish concrete and masonry structures. During the process, the ball is either dropped onto or swung into the structure that is to be demolished. The ball and crane, however, is unsuitable for all demolition applications. Some limitations:
Additional work removing rebar in concrete structures is needed.
Only highly skilled and experienced crane operators should be used on ball and crane demolition
Smoothness in controlling the swing of the ball is CRITICAL since missing the target may tip or overload the crane.
The size of the apartment that can be demolished with this method is limited by crane size and working room, including proximity to power lines.
This form of demolition creates a great deal of dust, vibrations and noise.
When a Selective Demolition is the Only Option
Also known as strip-out, this process is very popular right now. As recycling and salvaging of material are very attractive to builders during these days, allowing them to re-use material or recycle it. Selective interior/exterior demolition or recycling of wood, brick, metals and concrete are all recycled for future use in new structures blending the old with the new. This demolition process is not limited to removal of interior equipment, walls, floor, ceilings and exterior components. Materials that are stripped for reused should be cleaned with non-toxic products. EcoSense cleaners from Melaleuca.com are environmentally friendly and contain no harmful chemicals, but they are tough enough to handle the heavy-duty tasks, so they are a good tool to have on the job.
The main purpose of this method is to recover the maximum amount of primarily reusable and secondary recyclable material in a safe and cost-effective procedure. Although, it is a labor intensive process and can be very difficult to achieve in a timely and economical manner for light framed apartments.