Demolition of steel structures: structural engineering solutions for a more sustainable construction industry

Abstract

This paper presents an introduction to structural demolition engineering as applied to steel structures. This work flows out of a research project aimed at providing design techniques for ensuring that structures can be both safely and efficiently demolished when they reach the end of their lifecycles. When a structure is to be demolished or imploded it is typically weakened such that when the collapse is triggered the collapse mechanism can be controlled and will occur as predicted. If structures are not weakened enough they may not collapse when required, but if weakened too much they could collapse prematurely killing demolition teams. This paper specifically discusses (a) a step-by-step analysis of the full-scale demolition of a large structure that the author filmed, explaining the structural mechanics of the system, and then (b) presents methods for weakening structures and how this influences failures. By providing verifiable methods for ensuring structural capacity, rather than relying on experience alone, the demolition process can become more efficient, leading to the increased recyclability of structures and a safer working environment.