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58 Barry’s Advanced Construction of Buildings
appropriate town planning office should be contacted to discuss the proposed demolition
and then the appropriate consents applied for prior to any demolition work commencing.
Once a decision has been taken to demolish or disassemble a building, emphasis turns
to the most economical and safe method of removing the structure. It is during these
deliberations that aspects of material recovery and recycling are also addressed (see further).
Demolition or disassembly of any structure carries many risks and all demolition activities
should be carried out in accordance with current legislation and guidance. See, for example,
BS 6187 : 2000, the Code of Practice for Demolition.
Planning
It is essential that a full structural and condition survey is undertaken so that a detailed
method statement can be prepared and the appropriate demolition techniques determined.
The survey may be supplemented with details of as-built drawings and structural calculations
(if available). Special measures are required for the controlled removal of hazardous
materials, such as asbestos and the segregation of materials to ensure maximum potential
for recycling/reuse. Demolition operations must be carefully planned and each stage monitored
so that the structure can be taken down without any risk to those working on the
site and those in the local vicinity of the building.
Information that should be collected on a demolition survey includes:
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Existing services – live and unused services
Natural and man-made water courses
Presence of asbestos and other hazardous materials
Distribution of loads
Building structure, form and condition
Evidence of movement and weaknesses in the structure
Identification of hazards
Distribution and position of reinforcement – especially post-tensioned beams
Allowable loading of each floor (for demolition plant)
Stability of the structure
Survey of adjacent and adjoining structures
Loads transferred through adjoining structures
Loads transferred from adjoining structures
Access to structure – allowable bearing strength of access routes
Prior to demolition, the following tasks should be undertaken:
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Conduct a site survey.
Contact neighbours and relevant authorities (local authority, police) to discuss the options.
Identify any structural hazards and reduce or eliminate associated risks.
Select an appropriate demolition or disassembly technique.
Identify demolition phases and operations.
Identify communication and supervision procedures.
Organise logistics and identify safe working areas and exclusion zones.
Erect hoardings, screen covers, nets and covered walkways to provide protection to the
public.