Project Description:
This project had several stages to its completion and involved a combination of modern demolition techniques and age-old traditional methods including the use of robotic equipment and a 100-year-old steam engine.
The site’s hazardous substances were firstly removed before the phased approach to the demolition of the former quarry plant facilities and conveyors. Overhead cranes and electrical transformers were carefully removed for reuse before the buildings were deconstructed.
Deconstruction works comprised of various methodologies including controlled explosive demolition, piecemeal deconstruction, and traditional high reach demolition.
Extensive pre-weakening works were undertaken in preparation for the controlled blow over to the main screen house building. Crown cuts were made before cutting charges were placed using a remote-controlled Bobcat and robots to set the charge. The network of conveyors on piers were blown down using specialist cutting charges. The incline conveyor was winched up and out of the quarry using a 1918 McLaren Ploughing steam engine ‘Avis’. The crushing and removal of waste was the final stage in the eight month enabling works programme.
Key Challenges:
The project involved several complexities due to the nature of the site and its buildings; following remediation works, there were two separate blow downs and the deconstruction of other plant buildings all whilst the neighbouring site operational.
Key Health and Safety Risks:
The works were completed while the neighbouring Asphalt plant remained operational. We collaborated closely with the client to ensure their safety within the exclusion zone and liaised with them for their site closure during the blow downs.
The nature of the demolition techniques used during the blow downs and its preparation posed risks but were carefully controlled and managed.