Running Head: IMPLOSION VERSUS MECHANICAL DEMOLITION TYPES 1

Implosion Demolition versus Mechanical Demolition Types

Caleb Shong
Waxahachie Global High School
Engineering Design and Development

IMPLOSION VERSUS MECHANICAL DEMOLITION TYPES 2

Table of Contents
Abstract.....3
Figures and Appendix........4
Introduction. 5
Implosion. 5
Mechanical. .5
Comparison. 6
Conclusion.. 7
References.. 8

IMPLOSION VERSUS MECHANICAL DEMOLITION TYPES 3


Abstract
This paper details the argument behind implosion demolition versus mechanical
demolition. Implosion demolition is when explosives are placed along specific points in
the building when detonated causing the building to collapse upon its footprint.
Mechanical demolition is the use of cranes, wrecking balls, bulldozers, and other
machinery to demolish the house. The use of explosives in demolition always brings
safety hazards and worry to the minds of people. This paper will show you the
similarities and differences between using implosions on buildings compared to
mechanical demolition (Yordhana, 2010).





IMPLOSION VERSUS MECHANICAL DEMOLITION TYPES 4

Appendix
Figure 1 6

IMPLOSION VERSUS MECHANICAL DEMOLITION TYPES 5

Introduction
In both implosion and mechanical demolition, there are many variables that must
be taken into account. In implosion you must calculate exactly where to place the
explosives and how the building will collapse. In mechanical demolition, you must also
calculate how the building will collapse and where to hit the building without causing any
parts to collapse towards other buildings or bystanders. During demolition and
dismantling, workers are in danger of falling from greater height through any openings
or partially demolished floors. With implosion demolition, all of the debris would be on
ground level. This would reduce the risk injury of falling from greater heights (HSE).
Implosion
The basic idea behind implosions is actually quite simple. If you remove the
supporting structure up to a certain point, it will collapse to the part below. Building
implosions are caused when multiple charges are set at specific points in a building.
When these charges are activated, the building collapses inwards upon itself (See
Figure 1). This leaves the cleanup crews with only a pile of rubble. This type of
demolition is used when there are surrounding buildings which could be caused
damage by other methods of demolition. Although implosion is not always the preferred
method, it is a very effective one.
Mechanical
Mechanical demolition is the use of cranes bulldozers and other types of
machinery to demolish a particular building. Most commonly used in mechanical
demolition is the wrecking ball. A massive ball being smashed into the side of a
IMPLOSION VERSUS MECHANICAL DEMOLITION TYPES 6

building. If your demolition is taking place on a smaller scale, bulldozers are very
effective in knocking down walls and picking up debris (Yordhana, 2010). There are
many safety hazards that go along with this type of demolition. One of the bigger safety
hazards is falling materials. There is a longer period of time in which materials are
being knocked off of a specific building. The longer the demolition, the more likely
possibility of accidents happening (HSE).
Comparison
In both methods of demolition there are many safety hazards brought forth by the
process of the building collapsing and the time period of deconstruction. There are
many cases in which one method is safer than the other. In a bigger city when you
need to demolish a building that is surrounded by others implosion demolition would be
the better choice due to space issues. In a more open area where there is more room
for movement and demolition the more likely choice would be mechanical demolition
Conclusion
Both of these methods are used in demolition every day. The more popular type
of demolition is mechanical. With this one of the bigger safety hazards is falling
materials. Although the implosion demolition has less safety hazards due to time frame,
there is also the risk with explosives. The longer the demolition the more likely
possibility of accidents happening. There are many cases in which one method is safer
than the other.

IMPLOSION VERSUS MECHANICAL DEMOLITION TYPES 7

References
Harris, T. (2001, June 26). How building implosions work. from How Stuff Works, Retrieved:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/building-implosion.htm
HSE. (n.d.). Demolition. from Health and Safety Executive, Retrieved:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/demolition.htm
Yordhana. (2010). 5 Types of Demolition. from Visual Remodeling Retrieved:
http://www.visualremodeling.com/2010/03/15/5-types-of-demolition/


Abstract word count: 88
Word count: 580