Demolition of Buildings – An Overview

Abstract

We know that every structure is designed for a specific life period, generally 100 years.
The existence of the structure after the service life period is very dangerous to its occupants and
surrounding buildings. Therefore it becomes essential to demolish the building. Demolition is the
tearing-down of buildings which involves taking a building apart while preserving the valuable
elements for re-use. There are various methods of demolition. The building is brought down either
manually or mechanically depending upon the method used for demolition of buildings. Equipments
used for demolition work are hammers, rammers, excavators, bulldozers, wrecking ball and the
explosives used are dynamites and detonators etc which is generally preferred for tall buildings. The
various steps involved before the demolition process includes surveying of the demolition site,
removal of hazardous material and safety precautionary measures. The study also includes the
precautionary measures regarding machinery or equipments, scaffolding, public safety and worker
safety. Various strategies of demolition waste have been reported in literature for implementing good
practices for demolition of buildings.