Demolition
Demolition, otherwise known as razing or wrecking, is a process in which buildings are torn down. Demolition is different from deconstruction, which is carefully taking a building apart to reuse its parts.[1] For small buildings, such as houses, demolition is often simple. Buildings are often pulled down with excavators, bulldozers or cranes. Other specialized equipment may also be used.[2] Larger buildings may use a wrecking ball swung by a crane.[3] This works well for masonry buildings. Sometimes building implosion is used.[3] This involves using explosive charges. If done correctly, the building falls in on itself and not on nearby buildings.
Preparation
Before a building can be torn down, several things have to happen.[4] A demolition permit has to be obtained from a city, town or county. All hazardous waste must be removed. This includes asbestos, lead paint and any flammable materials.[4] All utilities (water, electricity and natural gas) have to be disconnected.[4] Many municipalities have checklists of what to do before a building can be demolished and things that must be removed first.
Demolition Media
House demolition in Victoria, Australia
Demolition of a house in Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Demolition of the cooling towers of the Athlone Power Station in Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa
A house under demolition in Argos, Greece.
A wrecking ball in action at the demolition of the Rockwell Gardens.
House destroyed by an excavator in Invermere, British Columbia.
A high-reach excavator is used to demolish this tower block in the Czech Republic.
Demolition of a hotel in southern England.
Related pages
References
- ↑ Bob Borson. Deconstruction versus Demolition (4 November 2013)Life of an Architect. Retrieved Aug 11, 2015.
- ↑ Demolition EquipmentHitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.. Retrieved Aug 11, 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Juan Rodriguez. Demolition MethodsAbout.com. Retrieved Aug 11, 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Basic Steps to Demolish a HouseExpress Recycling and Sanitation LLC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2015.
