Keys • Test Blasts • Gut unnecessary structure • Undercut the building: – Basement or ground level – Repeat every five stories or so • Sequence delays so: – Structure rips apart – Drops structure in planned direction • Use of cables • Protection of surrounding structures • Public safety Test Blasts • Do not trust design specifications • Select – Typical columns – by themselves will not bring structure • Drill and load • Shoot – determine if sufficient amount explosive or too much Gut Unnecessary Structure • Non load bearing walls etc may impede collapse and in some cases prevent collapse Undercut Building • Blowout entire support column to give good drop • Repeat every five stories or so This is what happens when you don’t do it. Sequence Delays • Use LP delays to provide enough time for leaning • Use first delay on the side you want the building to drop • If you want the building to drop in on itself, shoot out the center. Use of Cables • Ensure detached parts of building are pulled in the right direction • Attached to early falling parts of structure Protection of Surrounding Structures • Threat – concrete – shrapnel – airblast Concrete Pillars • Exposed pillars wrapped – chain – geotech to contain fly Shrapnel • Mostly from shaped charges cutting Steel – box – water/gel blankets – avoid kicker charges Shrapnel Catch • Drape nearby buildings with geotech at a standoff to catch small stuff. Ground Vibration and Airblast • Airblast will be large • Ground vibrations – insignificant from explosive charges – sizeable from building collapse Public Safety • Everyone wants to see it • Need crowd control • Coordinate with police • Shoot early in the morning or on weekend (Saturday) to avoid crowds and traffic • Make sure everyone is far enough away • Avoid hyped event, invite media and keep quiet Final Note This is only a brief overview of how building demolition is done. This presentation could be expanded into a full course. Being good at building demolition is a combination of common sense, experience, attention to detail and of course good luck! Questions?