Draft

Technical Guidelines on
Building Demolition Work
in Sri Lanka
National Building Research Organisation
OCTOBER 2019 //
Published by:

National Building Research Organisation (NBRO),

99/1, Jawatta Road,
Colombo 05.

Publication No. : NBRO/PMD/01

Funded by:
Government Research Grant - 2018

1st Edition – December 2019

Copyright Reserved

No part of this Publication shall be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without
permission of the National Building Research organisation (NBRO).

Disclaimer
With regard to the information available in this Document neither the National Building Research
Organisation nor any of its employees and/or agents make any warranty, express or implied or assumes
any legal liability or responsibility for accuracy or completeness of any information. The National
Building Research Oranisation shall not be liable to you or any third party for any, direct, incidental,
consequential or exemplary damages or loss of profit resulting from any use of such information.

i
 FOREWORD

In the recent past, a series of tragic incidents with fatalities associated with building
demolition work have been reported specially in urban areas of Sri Lanka.

A situational analysis of the present practice of building demolition work conducted by

the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) revealed that there was no
guidelines on building demolition work in the Sri Lankan context and as a result, such
works were carried out mostly without professional involvement. It further revealed that
no institution in Sri Lanka, had been formally made responsible for regulation of building
demolition work in order to ensure safety of life and property.

Hence, preparation of a set of technical guidelines on planning & execution of safe

building demolition work in Sri Lanka was identified by NBRO as an urgent national
need and same was also highlighted at the Annual Industry Consultation Meeting – 2018
organized by NBRO.

I wish to gratefully acknowledge tremendous effort made by the following Steering

Committee appointed by NBRO in achieving this nationally important task:

 Dr.(Eng.) Sudhira De Silva - Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna

 Eng. Clarence Perera - Consultant, NBRO
 Archt. G.A.P. Ganepola - Consultant Architect,
Project Management Division, NBRO

 Eng.(Mrs.) J.K. Jayawardena - Director

Project Management Division, NBRO
 Eng.(Ms.) K.M.D.N.K.
Kahahengoda Senior Engineer,
- Project Management Division, NBRO

 Eng. L.N. Pallegama - Structural Consultant,

Project Management Division, NBRO
 Eng. Dhammika Silva - Structural Consultant,
Project Management Division, NBRO
 Eng.(Mrs.) Sunethra Muthurathne Director,
Building Material Research & Training
- Division, NBRO

ii
  Eng.(Ms.) Ishani Kulasekara - Assistant Director, Technology and
Research,
Construction Industry Development
Authority

 Mr. H.S.D. Premasiri - Senior Scientist, NBRO

 Eng.(Mrs.) N.G.R.K.
Gunathunga - Civil Engineer, NBRO

 Eng.(Ms.) T.N. Gamage - Civil Engineer, NBRO

 Eng.(Ms.) T. Pathirana - Civil Engineer, NBRO

My special thanks are due to Eng. (Mrs.) J.K. Jayawardena, Director Project
Management Division who first, conceptualized this initiative and also headed the
Steering Committee.

I greatly appreciate the valuable constructive suggestions & guidance offered by Archt.
G.A.P. Ganepola, Consultant Architect, NBRO and Dr. (Eng.) Sudhira De Silva, Senior
Lecturer, University of Ruhuna, Eng. Clarence Perera, Consultant, NBRO throughout the
planning, development and finalization of this Publication.

I wish to acknowledge with grateful thanks the support extended in numerous ways by
the NBRO staff towards successful completion of this Task.

I am also very grateful to the contractors in the field of building demolition who
supported the NBRO Research Team in numerous ways.

I hope that this Publication will be a useful guide at national level for relevant
professionals in the construction Industry in planning & direction, monitoring &
supervision in ensuring safety of life and property.

iii
 PREFACE

This Publication elaborates in the form of Technical Guidelines, safe practices on

demolition of low-rise buildings of masonry & reinforced concrete framed structures
with in-filled walls that are recommended to be adopted in urban/ congested locations
of Sri Lanka.

Focus attention has been drawn to selected building demolition processes of different
scales recently carried out in Colombo while reviewing relevant on-going practices in
Sri Lanka as well as globally adopted codes and practices on building demolition.

These Technical Guidelines have been formulated mainly on the following in line with
the appropriate practices adopted globally:

 Different demolition approaches;

 Planning and managing demolition work;
 Preparation of demolition plan and stability report on the building;
 Debris and waste handling;
 Health and safety measures, and;
 Different methods of demolition.

However, this Publication is not intended to be an exhaustive explanation on various

building demolition projects and therefore, it is strongly recommended that individual
professional judgment be exercised over and above these Technical Guidelines
wherever required during planning, design and execution of respective building
demolition work.

iv
GLOSSARY

In this document, unless the context otherwise requires, the following interpretation of terms
and definitions holds good and correct solely for the purpose of this guideline

 Authorized Body Corporate body appointed by the state for approval of

building demolition work in Sri Lanka to be formed/
appointed
 Demolition means dismantling, razing, destroying or wrecking any
building or structure or any part thereof by pre-planned
and controlled methods
 Registered Civil Engineer who is a chartered Engineer and who fall
Structural into the category of qualified persons eligible to design
Engineer and supervise the construction of buildings and other
engineering structures, and to certify Structural
Engineering aspects, and who is listed in the Directory of
Structural Engineers of The Institution of Engineers, Sri
Lanka
 Contractor any person or entity executing demolition works under a
(Demolition) construction contract
 Constructor any person who undertakes, whether exclusively or in
conjunction with any other business to carry out any
construction work on his own account or for or on behalf
of another person
 Building Survey an inspection on the building and its surroundings aiming
at spotting any potential problems that may arise during
demolition and developing a method statement for
demolition
 Catch Platform is a temporary structure erected on top of the covered
walkway or underneath the structures that are being
demolished including, but not limited to, balconies and
cantilevered structures for the purpose of catching and
retaining debris and to protect the area beneath such
structures being demolished

v
  Catchfan is a temporary structure erected around and attached to or
abutting the exterior wall of the building being demolished
for the purpose of catching and retaining debris that fall
outside the building
 Covered means a temporary structure with protective roof erected
Walkway along the site boundary and on or adjacent to the existing
footpath to protect pedestrians from the falling debris
during demolition
 Hoarding means a temporary fence enclosure erected along the site
boundary to separate the demolition site from the adjacent
properties
 Shoring System of auxiliary supports which provides a load path
to maintain stability during temporary states of the
structure

ABBRIVIATIONS

 CEA – Central Environmental Authority

 CMC – Colombo Municipal Council
 C & D – Construction and Demolition
 NBRO – National Building Research Organisation
 NEA – National Environmental Act
 PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
 PCB - polychlorinated biphenyls
 RSE – Registered Structural Engineer

vi
 CONTENTS
Page No.

Foreword ...........................................................................................................ii

Preface .............................................................................................................. iv

Glossary ............................................................................................................ v

Abbriviations ................................................................................................... vi

Table of Figures............................................................................................... ix

List of Tables ................................................................................................... xi

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 1

1.1 Scope ...................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Normative References ............................................................................ 2

1.3 Flow chart for Building Demolition Procedure ..................................... 2

2. Demolition Approaches............................................................................. 3

2.1 Demolition options................................................................................. 3

2.2 Selection of the approach ....................................................................... 3

2.3 Choosing the methodology .................................................................... 4

2.4 Demolition Techniques .......................................................................... 4

2.5 Partial Demolition activities in structural refurbishment ....................... 5

3. Planning and Managing ............................................................................ 6

3.1 Planning considerations ......................................................................... 6

4. Demolition Plan and Stability Report ................................................... 11

4.1 Pre-Demolition Survey ........................................................................ 11

4.2 Demolition Plan and Stability Report .................................................. 14

5. Structural Stability of The Building ...................................................... 18

5.1 Identifying structural hazards .............................................................. 18

5.2 Avoidance of unplanned structural collapses ...................................... 26

6. Debris and Waste Handling ................................................................... 32

vii
 6.1 Debris loading and unloading .............................................................. 32

6.2 Waste Management .............................................................................. 34

6.3 Debris disposal ..................................................................................... 35

6.4 Regulation on waste management in Sri Lanka ................................... 37

7. Health and Safety .................................................................................... 39

7.1 Insurance cover .................................................................................... 39

7.2 Precautionary Measures ....................................................................... 39

7.3 Protection of Properties........................................................................ 45

7.4 Special Safety Considerations.............................................................. 47

7.5 Health Hazards ..................................................................................... 55

7.6 Environmental Precautions .................................................................. 57

8. Methods of Demolition ............................................................................ 60

8.1 General ................................................................................................. 60

8.2 Top Down-Manual Method ................................................................. 61

8.3 Top Down-By Machines ...................................................................... 75

8.4 Demolition of Basement and retaining walls ....................................... 88

References ....................................................................................................... 89

ANNEX 01 ........................................................................................................ 1

Legislation and statutory regulations ................................................................. 2

ANNEX 02 ........................................................................................................ 1

Useful contacts for demolition work ........................................................... 2

ANNEX 03 ........................................................................................................ 3

Sample Demolition Plan And Stability Report For Top Down mechanical
method ......................................................................................................... 4

ANNEX 04 ...................................................................................................... 11

viii
 TABLE OF FIGURES

Page No.

Figure 2.1 - Demolition Options ................................................................................................ 3

Figure 3.1- Demolition planning considerations ....................................................................... 6
Figure 5.1 – Flowchart for ascertaining structural stability of the building for demolition .... 19
Figure 5.2 - Space frame roof structure at Pallekele stadium, Sri Lanka ................................ 20
Figure 5.3 – High bay warehouse ............................................................................................ 21
Figure 5.4 - Arches at Galle fort, Dutch Hospital .................................................................... 21
Figure 5.5 - Domes houses at Pothuvil .................................................................................... 22
Figure 5.6 - Multy-bay portal frames (JZ Flowers International, England) ............................ 22
Figure 5.7 Lift – Slab structures (a) Construction of L'Ambiance Plaza, image via NIST (b)
The Huron Towers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, utilized the lift slab technique .......................... 23
Figure 5.8 - Retained facade (Nippon Hotel, Colombo 02) ..................................................... 23
Figure 5.9 - Ca Doro Building, Scotland, façade retention to support external walls during the
demolition of the internal walls and floors .............................................................................. 24
Figure 5.10 - Cable stayed Roof (McCormick Place, exhibition hall, Chicago, Illinois, USA,
1986) ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 5.11 - Collapsed building during demolition (a) 9.14 m height walls without lateral
supports (b) Collapsed building to the adjacent site causing fatalities .................................... 27
Figure 5.12 – Essential elements of top down demolition process .......................................... 28
Figure 5.14 - Plan of typical progressive demolition sequence, column to column maintaining
“square” to provide lateral support .......................................................................................... 29
Figure 5.15 - Typical structure demolition sequence working "top down" outwards towards
shear walls (strong points), i.e. lift shafts and stairwells ......................................................... 30
Figure 6.1 - Opening created to form a chute in a demolition site .......................................... 33
Figure 6.2 - External Debris chute ........................................................................................... 33
Figure 6.3- Hierarchy for demolition waste management ....................................................... 34
Figure 7.1 - Hoarding and Covered Walkway criteria ............................................................. 42
Figure 7.2 - Cantilever towers ................................................................................................. 44
Figure 7.3 - Raking shores ....................................................................................................... 45
Figure 7.4 - Safety Warning Boards ........................................................................................ 50
Figure 7.5 - Personnel Protective Equipment .......................................................................... 51

ix
Figure 7.6 - Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................ 52
Figure 7.7 - Site personal health governing factors ................................................................. 56
Figure 7.8 - Pressurized water spraying during demolition ..................................................... 58
Figure 8.1 - Flow chart for demolition sequence ..................................................................... 62
Figure 8.2 - Demolition of Cantilevered Reinforced Concrete Slab (Manual Method) .......... 63
Figure 8.3 - Demolition of Cantilevered Reinforced Concrete Slab and Beam (Manual Method)
.................................................................................................................................................. 64
Figure 8.4 - Demolition of external Beam (Manual Method) – dismantle the entire beam section
.................................................................................................................................................. 66
Figure 8.5 Adjustable steel jacket ............................................................................................ 67
Figure 8.6 - Details for Securing External Beams before Dismantling (Manual Method) ...... 67
Figure 8.7 – Pre-weakening of column – cut reinforcement in exterior side .......................... 68
Figure 8.8 - Pre-weakening and dismantling of column (Manual Method) ............................ 68
Figure 8.9 - Felling of a reinforced concrete wall with beam (Manual Method) .................... 70
Figure 8.10 - Felling of reinforced concrete wall separately from the cross beam (manual
method) .................................................................................................................................... 71
Figure 8.11 - Demolition of two way slab (Manual method) .................................................. 72
Figure 8.12 - Demolition of secondary beam (Manual Method) ............................................. 74
Figure 8.13 - Details for securing secondary beams before dismantling (Manual Method) ... 75
Figure 8.14 - Typical sequence of top down method with mechanical equipment ................. 80
Figure 8.15 - Demolition of cantilevered slab by mobile machine (conventional method) .... 81
Figure 8.16 - Demolition of reinforced concrete frame by excavator with breaker ................ 85
Figure 8.17 - Demolition of reinforced concrete wall by excavator ........................................ 87

x
 LIST OF TABLES

Page No.

Table 1 - Classification of waste generated in demolition sites............................................... 35

Table 2 - Summary of precautionary measures for hoarding, covered walkway and catch
platform .................................................................................................................................... 40
Table 3 - Categorization of structures according to the type of building (from ISO-4966:
1990E) ...................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 4 - Interim Standards for vibration of the Operation of Machinery, Construction
Activities and Vehicle Movements Traffic .............................................................................. 46

xi
 Section 01

1. INTRODUCTION

Unavailability of statutory technical guidelines, codes, safety standards or regulations

and lack of involvement of relevant professionals in planning & direction, monitoring &
supervision in ensuring safety of life and property, appeared to have been the main
reasons for series of tragic incidents recently associated with building demolition work
in Sri Lanka.

This draft guideline was prepared to provide guidance on safe and good practices for
demolition works. Current practice of building demolition projects is mostly done using
the experience of the contractor. Introducing this guideline would make them aware of
the technical approach to the demolition activities.

1.1 Scope

This Publication outlines the good practices to be adopted in building demolition

projects that are especially suitable for demolition of buildings located in highly
congested urban areas.

The scope of this guideline is limited to the following:

a) Demolition of buildings up to 5 storeys (G+4) inclusive of any

basement, roof top apartment any building the height of which does not
exceeds fifteen meters (15 m) above the adjoining street.
b) Demolition of buildings or RCC structures consist of (Reinforced
Concrete) column, beam, slab with brick infill walls and masonry
structures
c) Full and partial demolition of buildings;
d) Demolition of buildings using Top down method by manual method
and mechanical method

Above mentioned scope had been established in the preparation of this guideline,
and this document covers only the subject matter falling within that scope. Any
other demolition method or activity may also be used subject to careful
consideration and recommendations made by a Registered Structural Engineer.

1
 Section 01

1.1.1. Owner’s/ client’s Responsibilities

When an owner or a client hands over a building for demolition to a
demolition contractor;

a) The building shall be free of all hazardous materials

b) Disconnection of existing utility services

1.2 Normative References

The following documents were used in the preparation of preparing this document;

a) BS 6187: 2011 Code of Practice for full and Partial Demolition

b) Code of Practice for Demolition of Buildings by Hong Kong Building
Department in Year 2004
c) Draft document on “National Guidelines - Construction and
Demolition Waste Management” October 2018 published by
Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA)

1.3 Flow chart for Building Demolition Procedure

Given in Annex 04

2
 Section 02

2. DEMOLITION APPROACHES

2.1 Demolition options

The following are some different options associated with building demolition

Complete
Demolition
Reuse

Partial Demolition

Rebuilding
Demolition Options

Whilst in Use
Structural
Refurbishment
Whilst not in Use

Figure 2.1 - Demolition Options

2.2 Selection of the approach

Following factors shall be taken into account when deciding the demolition process:

a) Health and safety;

b) Structural Characteristics;
c) Site Conditions/Locations;
d) Demolition Cost;
e) Time/Duration;
f) Past Experience of the contractor in similar projects;
g) Waste Disposal Method;
h) Permitted level of nuisance;
i) Removal or relocation of utility and service lines;
j) Sustainability;
k) Client issues.

3
 Section 02

2.3 Choosing the methodology

In demolition activities the final anticipated outcome is the removal of the building
by executing a safe procedure to remove the building.

Three suitable methodologies for building demolition have been listed below.

a) Manual Method;

b) Mechanical Method (Application of machinery).

c) A combination of Manual and Mechanical Method.

When selecting a suitable methodology for demolition factors mentioned in Section

2.2 shall be considered. Also it is encouraged to use sustainable demolition
approaches such as reduce, reuse and recycle of demolition waste.

2.4 Demolition Techniques

 Manual Demolition
 Remotely controlled machines and robotic devices
 High-reach machines (Hydraulic crushers with long boom arm, Wrecking
ball)
 Cutting by drilling and sawing
 Use of chemical agents
 Using explosives
 High-pressure water jetting

There are number of demolition techniques available apart from the techniques
listed above. In this guidelines it is focused on Manual demolition methods and
mechanical demolition method only (Using excavator with breaker and excavator
with hydraulic crusher). Other methods of demolition can be used as per the
instructions and guidance by the Registered Structural Engineer.

4
 Section 02

2.5 Partial Demolition activities in structural refurbishment

Partial demolition of a building is a special case compared with complete

demolition. During structural refurbishment and retrofitting works, partial
demolition is required. Such demolition activities can alter the functioning of load-
bearing parts of the structure. Hence, it is necessary to assess the following issues.

a) The load-bearing requirements of building elements to effectively

support remaining structures;
b) Necessity for temporary support during demolition and reconstruction;
c) The potential for unplanned collapse of structure (e.g. often due to lack
of understanding of traditional building construction);
d) Fire safety (e.g. protection against fire, fire loading and fire escape
methods). (Refer Chapter 7);
e) All services, including electricity, water, sewerage, communication
low voltage wiring, and gas (e.g. isolation and disconnection of
services);
f) Health issues (e.g. noise and vibration, asbestos, lead in paints, silica
originated by construction dust, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in
the removal of transformers, zoonoses carriers present at abandoned
areas, welfare facility requirement].
g) Client issues (e.g. raising awareness, client’s requirements and
experience).

Competent person should investigate and assess requirements of the following

parties;

i. Client;
ii. Occupier of the building;
iii. Contractor;
iv. Any third parties.

5
 Section 03

3. PLANNING AND MANAGING

3.1 Planning considerations

3.1.1. General
Following factors as described in Section 3.1.2 to 3.1.8 shall be addressed;

Before starting demolition work, the following factors should be studied and
these listed factors have been further described throughout the document.

a) Knowledge of the site

b) Legal requirements and consents
c) Program and time framework
d) Public Protection
e) Structural stability
f) Environmental management
g) Safety and health of people

Public
protection
Program and Structural
time stability of the
framework building

legal
Environmental
requirement
Management
and consents

Planning Safety and

Knowledge of
Demolition health of
the site
Projects people

Figure 3.1- Demolition planning considerations

6
 Section 03

3.1.2. Knowledge of the site

After conducting a Building Survey (as detailed in section 4.1.1), it will be

necessary to conduct a detailed survey of the demolition site, considering the
factors given below. Where applicable, it will be necessary to conduct a
detailed survey of the disposal site to which the debris are transferred to and
a study on the transfer route.

a) The extent of decommissioning.

b) Details of the electrical isolation and disconnection of other
services
c) Details of temporary supplies connected to demolition site
d) Knowledge and history of the structure such as construction
materials, structural integrity of the building and location.
e) Isolation and protection measures for adjacent structures.
f) Hazardous materials. It will be necessary to know whether this
site or the building to be demolished was used to store or process
any toxic chemicals, resulting pollution of the ground (i.e.
whether the site is a brownfield) or leaving behind hazardous
materials at the site.
g) Previous uses of the site.

3.1.3. Permissions, consents and license required in demolition work

Note: Legislation and statutory regulations in Sri Lanka related to

building demolition is attached in Annex 1. Also useful contacts of
Authorities/ institutions related to demolition work is given in Annex
2.

In the planning stage of demolition process relevant

permissions/license or consents shall be obtained in order to continue
smooth flow of work as well as to ensure the safety of the property and
public. Following areas shall be considered;

a) Control minimization of noise, vibration and dust due to the

demolition activity;

7
 Section 03

b) Disturbance to the adjoining property;

c) Waste disposal;
d) Utility management;
e) Using highway or private road;
f) Total or partial closure and traffic control;
g) Use of heavy vehicles, machinery and parking;
h) Erection of temporary supports over pavements, roads,
sidewalls;
i) Architecturally, environmentally, aesthetically and
archeologically valuable areas and buildings.

3.1.4. Program and Time framework

Demolition activities shall be planned before executing demolition
work and time framework with activity breakdown program shall be
submitted along with the demolition plan. Following factors shall be
considered in preparing the demolition plan.

a) The proposed demolition sequence with time framework

(Method statement items shall be tally with the activities itemed
here);
b) Required plant and machinery and usage;
c) Waste management, storage plan;
d) Safety arrangements;
e) Traffic arrangement ;
f) Weather prediction during the project.

Note 1: Project start and end dates shall be clearly mentioned in the
work program.

Note 2: Detailed description on demolition plan is given in Section

4.2

8
 Section 03

3.1.5. Public Protection

Necessary actions shall be taken to ensure the safety of the general
public. Attention need to be given to following;

a) Site entry control and site security;

b) Presence of hazardous materials at site;
c) Safety of the public during the demolition work;
d) Danger to neighboring properties due to demolition work.

3.1.6. Structural stability

Demolition process shall ensure the structural stability of the building
and neighboring buildings during the demolition process as well as

a) Maintenance of residual structural stability, avoiding

unplanned and premature collapses;
b) Demolition sequence, pre-weakening and residual strength
of the structure designed by a Competent Engineer under
the guidance of Registered Structural Engineer;
c) Precautionary measures taken such as temporary supports,
scaffolding etc. also taking into consideration adjacent
structures, designed by a competent engineer under the
guidance of Registered Structural Engineer;
d) Previous collapse history of same type of buildings.

Note: Detailed description on structural stability is given in

Section 5

3.1.7. Environmental management

Reduction measures for the following shall be included in
preparing the demolition process:

a) Noise control;
b) Dust emission control;
c) Waste management;
d) Reuse and recycle methods of demolition waste;
e) Hazardous waste management;

9
 Section 03

f) Air quality;
g) Ground vibration;
h) Conservation of environmental sensitive areas,
ecological, historical valuable areas.

Note: Detailed description on environmental concerns with

permissible levels given in Section 7.6

3.1.8. Safety and Health of People

Following areas shall be considered generally:

a) Insurance cover;
b) Precautionary measures taken to protect the public and site
personnel;
c) Protection to adjacent properties;
d) Safety precautions taken for site personnel;
e) Health hazards;
f) Environmental Precautions.

Note: Detailed description on environmental concerns with

permissible levels given in Section 7.6

10
 Section 04

4. DEMOLITION PLAN AND STABILITY REPORT

4.1 Pre-Demolition Survey

Prior to commencing the building demolition, it will be necessary to carry out a

building survey to assess the prevailing situation of the surroundings (as detailed
in Section 4.1.1); and a condition assessment of the building to be demolished (as
detailed in Section 4.1.2). Based on the information a demolition plan and a
stability report shall be prepared. All pre-demolition photographic and video
evidences together with relevant reports should be archived for future reference.

4.1.1. Building Survey

Building survey means an inspection carried out on the site and its
surroundings including all buildings and structures aiming at spotting
any potential problems during all stages of demolition and this survey
shall be approved by a chartered Town Planner/ Urban designer/ Civil
Engineer. Following items shall be included in the survey:

(a) Layout plan showing adjoining properties and their present uses
(provide in the reference - service station storing fuel,
warehouses, industries, public buildings such as schools,
hospitals and places of worship and buildings used as homes for
the disabled, children and the elderly);
(b) Neighboring building types (e.g. Schools, hospitals, residential,
commercial etc.) and dimensions and distance to the demolition
site;
(c) Neighborhood sensitivity to noise, vibration, dust and traffic
impact;
(d) Common staircases and party walls shared with adjoining
buildings;
(e) Pedestrian pavements, walk paths, hoarding and the requirement
for covered walkways;
(f) Roads, streets and railway lines;
(g) Record of existing traffic condition;

11
 Section 04

(h) Presence of wastewater, hazardous materials, matters arising

from toxic chemicals, flammable or explosive and radioactive
materials, etc. and possible presence of materials which can
contribute to air pollution and soil contamination of surrounding
area;
(i) Utilities arrangement record in the surrounding area including the
presence of any overhead power or communication lines;
(j) Problems on sloping sites and impacts on adjoining sites caused
by proposed demolition;
(k) Drainage conditions/ paths in the area, water receiving bodies,
erosion and the possibility of blocking due to proposed
demolition;
(l) Crack survey of surrounding buildings and if necessary,
inspection of existing drawings and structural conditions of
adjoining structures and shoring which may be affected by the
proposed demolition work by the Registered Structural Engineer.

4.1.2. Condition assessment of building to be demolished

Condition assessment of a building is an evaluation of the present condition
and assessment of structural integrity to ascertain its fitness for designated
use and if there are any deviations, may contain recommendations for
retrofitting. The following factors should be considered in a condition
assessment of a building to be demolished and such assessment shall be
carried out under the supervision of a Registered Structural Engineer.
(Section 5.1.2. Includes identification of structural elements and forces in
stability assessment).

Evaluation of the present condition

a) Existing architectural layout plan and other drawings (Structural,

Services) of the building (Important in case of unplanned
collapse of the structure to justify original condition of the
structure);
b) Type and quality of Construction materials;
c) Existing uses and previous uses of the building;

12
 Section 04

d) Type of use such as residential, commercial, hospital, school etc.

and level of service loads applied;
e) Record of utility supplies with location details;
f) Presence of wastewater, septic tanks and treatment plants;
g) Presence or the contamination by previously stored hazardous
materials such as radioactive materials, explosives, toxic
chemicals, fuels or other flammable materials;
h) Presence of materials that can cause soil contamination or air
pollution such as asbestos;
i) Presence of cracks, roof leaks, storm water stagnation,
subsidence etc. as in the case of a standard building condition
assessment (The complete building condition assessment
procedure has been given in Guidelines on structural appraisal
of existing buildings with reinforced concrete and masonry
structures in Sri Lanka). Assessment of structural integrity will
be done paying attention to the following:
i. Structural framing plans and structural reinforcement
details;
ii. presence of extraordinary loading on the structure that may
cause abnormal structural behavior during demolition, (e.g.
Towers);
iii. External loads (e.g. external clamping to building such as
exhaust ducts);
iv. Any dilapidation and degree of deterioration on any
structural elements;
v. The nature of walls, whether it is block wall, reinforced
concrete walls, load bearing walls or partition walls;
vi. Cantilevered structures such as canopies, balconies, arches
or other forms of architectural features.

Note: If structural details are unavailable then cover meter tests, inspections
using BPR (Building Penetrating Radar) and bar sizes of the main elements
with approximate strength of the concrete shall be obtained by conducting
tests. Also examination of rebar condition by exposing some key structural
elements should be done as a part of condition assessment of the building.

13
 Section 04

4.2 Demolition Plan and Stability Report

4.2.1. Demolition Plan

a) Demolition Plan is a document prepared by the Registered Structural
Engineer appointed by the building owner and /or Demolition
Contractor for the purpose of submitting to the Authorized Body for
obtaining prior approval before commencing building demolition. This
document should be prepared with due reference made to Building
Survey and Condition assessment of building to be demolished.
Demolition Plan will guide to protect the site personnel, protecting the
public and surrounding areas ensuring stability of the building to be
demolished during all stages of demolition thereby preventing
unintentional collapses. A properly prepared demolition plan should
contain the following:
b) A plan of the site and surroundings showing:
 The location of the building to be demolished with detailed
topography of site;

 Type of adjacent buildings (residential, hospitals, schools,

commercial etc.);
 The distances from the building to be demolished to its adjacent
buildings, streets, structures and significant street furniture;
 Locations of site cameras (CCTV) as decided by the qualified
person;
 Service lines pass through the site. (Electrical, water,
communication, sewage);

c) A layout plan of all floors of the building to be demolished, showing;

 The condition assessment of the building;
 Occupancy usage of the floors in case of a partial demolition;
 Principal materials of construction;
 All affected buildings/structures/streets/land and services
including utilities;

14
 Section 04

d) A plan showing the structural arrangement and construction of all

unconventional structural elements and Structural Calculations
assessing the existing stability of the building to be demolished;

e) A plan showing the sequence of demolition activities indicating

demolition of particular structural members together with the
timeframe;
f) Method statement (Describe stability of the building to be demolished
during all stages of demolition) showing in detail how each activity is
carried out indicating the method of demolition to be adopted including
the restrictions on the use of any particular type of equipment (Section
4.2.1.1 includes detail description);

g) a plan showing the route of movement of powered mechanical plants

and equipment including the method of lifting mechanical plant;
h) any structural alterations required to suit the demolition such as
strengthening of deteriorated key structural members;
i) A plan showing all precautionary measures for the protection of the
public including hoardings, covered walkways, catch platforms, catch
fans, scaffolding, protective screens, safety nets and safety boards;
j) A plan showing the proposed structural calculations for all temporary
supports and bracings in the case when powered mechanical plants or
equipment are used;
k) A plan showing the proposed structural support system, shoring and
precautionary measures for all affected adjacent buildings, slopes,
retaining structures and services at each stage of the demolition works;
l) A plan on the proposed methods for debris handling including,
permissible accumulation of building debris at upper floor levels and
at ground floor and disposal [refer document on “National Guidelines
- Construction and Demolition Waste Management” October 2018
published by Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA)]
m) If hazardous materials are present, a plan showing the handling of such
materials (Section 7.6.4);

15
 Section 04

n) A plan showing method of disconnecting the utilities and supplying of

necessary temporary utilities during the demolition procedure;(Section
4.2.1.2);
o) A report on the stability of neighboring buildings, adjoining properties
which may be affected by the demolition work as decided by the
Registered Structural Engineer.

4.2.1.1. Method Statement

Method statement shall be prepared at the planning stage

of a demolition project when the demolition plan is
preparing. Method statement shall be prepared explicitly
but succinctly including the demolition sequence, plant and
types of equipment to be used and precautions to be taken
etc. Method statements shall be live documents and
modified as required to the site condition with the approval
from Registered Structural Engineer and updated approved
method statement procedure shall be informed to the site
supervisor.

Format

 A logical order shall be followed

 Should be easy to understand
 Critical task shall be specified in detail
 Date and revision number shall be included
 Include site plan, annotate diagrams and detailed
program for the work

4.2.2. Stability Report

This shall be prepared by the Registered Structural Engineer and shall include
the following:

a) A report on the stability of the building to be demolished during all

stages of demolition including residual strength of the building;
b) In the case when powered mechanical plants or equipment are used,
structural calculations for all temporary supports and bracings;

16
 Section 04

c) A report on the stability of neighboring buildings, adjoining properties

which may be affected by the demolition work as decided by the Registered
Structural Engineer.

A check list for preparing a Demolition plan and stability report is depicted in
Annex 01

17
 Section 05

5. STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF THE BUILDING

In demolition projects maintaining structural stability is a prime concern. Whether it is a

full or partial demolition, throughout the demolition process (before, during and
decommissioning) complete understanding of the structural stability of the structure itself
and interrelationship with adjacent structures and surrounding environment shall be
obtained. This chapter gives further understanding to the reader giving important factors
to be concerned to maintain structural stability throughout the project.

5.1 Identifying structural hazards

5.1.1. Types of work involving structural instability during demolition

Instabilities in an existing structure are caused by the following demolition
activities during demolition of a building and therefore, degree of such
instabilities should be assessed beforehand. Such assessment should cover
the said activities and any other activity that might cause instability. Further,
in the case of a partial demolition of a building, its stability should be
assessed after the partial demolition and any modification carried out.

i. Chimney breast/stack removal;

ii. Loft conversion or removal
iii. Facade retention or removal.
iv. Cutting floors including cantilevered canopies create
mezzanine/two storey height areas in the building interior.
v. Removal of roof cover and roof truss;
vi. Removal of walls;
vii. Removal of floors, column or beams;
viii. Forming new openings;
ix. Accumulation of debris on floor slabs;
x. Removal of stair cases, ramps and lift wells
xi. Excavation/removal of foundations, etc.,
xii. Alterations done in traditional building structures.
xiii. Structural refurbishment, rebuilt and retrofitting works.

18
 Section 05

Acquire knowledge on site condition in detail

Identify structural hazards

Selecting appropriate demolition technique

Is method chosen suitable for the structure

No
being demolished

Yes

Select type of demolition to be used

Is health and safety compromised by

Yes
choice made?

No

Is unplanned collapse possible? Yes Will temporary No

support prevent

No this?

No Can a safe working area and exclusion Yes

zone be established?

Yes

Proceed with demolition

Figure 5.1 – Flowchart for ascertaining structural stability of the building for
demolition
(Source: BS 6187:2011 code of practice for full and partial demolition)

19
 Section 05

5.1.2. Identification of structural elements and forces in stability assessment

a) Stability-sensitive structures and elements

Expert engineering advice might be required to identify and assess the

demolition method of stability- sensitive structures and elements.
Figure 5.2 – 5.8 are some examples for stability sensitive structures.

i. Space frame roof structures

Figure 5.2 - Space frame roof structure at Pallekele stadium, Sri Lanka

(https://www.inspirock.com/sri-lanka/kandy/pallekele-international-cricket-
stadium-a1139395553)

ii. High bay warehouses

20
 Section 05

Figure 5.3 – High bay warehouse

http://www.nkb.nu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/kia-led.jpg

iii. Structures with unbalanced thrusts such as single and

multiple arches, domes, kilns and single and multi-bay
portal frames.

Figure 5.4 - Arches at Galle fort, Dutch Hospital

21
 Section 05

Figure 5.5 - Domes houses at Pothuvil

http://static.monolithic.com/gallery/nonprofit/solidhouse/pic13.html

Figure 5.6 - Multy-bay portal frames (JZ Flowers International, England)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DgOnFo2W4AE3ph2.jpg

22
 Section 05

iv. Lift-slab structures - lift-slab construction is a precast method of

construction of slab on the ground and then lifting it to the structure

(a) (b)

Figure 5.7 Lift – Slab structures (a) Construction of L'Ambiance Plaza,

image via NIST (b) The Huron Towers in Ann Arbor, Michigan,
utilized the lift slab technique

https://skyrisecities.com/news/2017/04/tragedy-sparked-decline-lift-
slab-construction

v. Retained facades.

Figure 5.8 - Retained facade (Nippon Hotel, Colombo 02)

23
 Section 05

https://www.google.com/maps/@6.9234131,79.8523035,3a,75y,357.68h,94.0
7t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0kwmSNYOlRRuH9xdvSLthQ!2e0!7i13312!8i665
6

Figure 5.9 - Ca Doro Building, Scotland, façade retention to support external

walls during the demolition of the internal walls and floors

https://www.rmdkwikform.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Refurbishment-
Portfolio-UK.pdf

vi. Crosswalls and walls formerly restrained by roofs or floors.

vii. Structures retained by features such as ground anchors.
viii. Structures that provide stability to adjacent structures, e.g. basements
and arches.
ix. Structures which need stability from adjacent structures, e.g. arches.
x. Structures in which the floors are suspended by hangers, e.g. hanging
bolts, from overhead cross beams supported by a structural central core.

24
 Section 05

xi. Cable stayed roofs.

Figure 5.10 - Cable stayed Roof (McCormick Place, exhibition hall,

Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1986)

Source:https://www.som.com/FILE/16098/mccormickplacephase2_1
575x900_sadin_photo_group_ltd__1989_ben_altman_01jpg.jpg

b) Structural forces causing instability during demolition

During demolition of a building there can be different structural forces

resulting due to various reasons such as unbalanced thrusts, lateral
forces such as wind loading due to sway movement, etc. and these
forces can cause structural instability. The Structural Engineer should
refer to applicable standards and codes of practice in the assessment of
such instability of the structure.

Potential causes of structural instability usually are:

i. interruption of a load path (the way load is transmitted to

the ground) due to removal of structural elements and
inability of the rest of the structure to support;
ii. unbalanced thrusts caused by lateral components of forces,
e.g. from sway loads and wind loads;

25
 Section 05

iii. forces on basement walls from adjacent properties and

thoroughfares (i.e. roads or paths forming routes between
two places);
iv. backfill loads affecting the stability of adjacent basements
and other walls;
v. Stress release of post-tensioned concrete beams;
vi. propping effect on vertical cantilever walls (External props
counter balance the lateral force in addition to the retaining
wall)
vii. Eccentric loadings such as presence of unaligned load
bearing walls;

5.2 Avoidance of unplanned structural collapses

Demolition plan shall be prepared taking into consideration all structural aspects
before and during demolition and giving methods and sequences of work properly,
so that sudden and unintentional collapses can be prevented.

During demolition structure can collapse prematurely as shown in Figure 5.10 or

unintentionally and such failures occurred due to inadequate residual structural
stability;

This warehouse collapsed during demolition due to the inadequate lateral

supports provided to the 9.14 m (30 feet) height wall;

Approx. 9.14 m
(30’) height
walls
Without lateral
supports

(a) (b)

26
 Section 05

Figure 5.11 - Collapsed building during demolition (a) 9.14 m height walls
without lateral supports (b) Collapsed building to the adjacent site causing
fatalities

CAUTION 1: Floors should not be overloaded with machinery and/or

debris

CAUTION 2: Some floor slabs are strong in one direction but weak in
another direction. Therefore, this sensitivity to the orientation should be
carefully studied before imposing loadings such as machines or with
debris.

5.2.1. Adequacy of residual structural stability during demolition

Maintaining adequate residual structural stability throughout the demolition
process is very important. Before commencing demolition, the load paths of
the structure shall be understood and residual strength shall be calculated
predicting the ability to bear the loads by the remaining elements at each
stage of demolition.

There could be unforeseen situations arising as the demolition proceeds.

These should be brought into the notice of Authorized Person immediately
and suitable changes in the demolition plan shall be done to redress such
situations by the guidance of Authorized Person.

Temporary supports shall be provided when the residual structural strength

is insufficient to bear or to redistribute the loads. Also, restrictions for
imposed loading and loading areas shall be implemented during demolition
work. In advance, calculations shall be given confirming the residual strength
of the structure after removal of particular sections. Primary attention shall

27
 Section 05

be given to these facts in the planning stage of the demolition in order to

prevent sudden collapses during demolition.

3 - Outer wall of the structure being demolished

4 - Example of progressive demolition
5 - Temporary designed exclusion zone boundary during erection and
dismantling of the security barrier
6 – Materials to be removed only when no refurbishment or demolition work
is in progress
7 – Example of secure continuous barrier on stable supports
8 – Designed floor propping if required

Figure 5.12 – Essential elements of top down demolition process

Demolition work shall be carried out in a progressive manner. Exclusion zone

should be designed to suite the demolition or modification work. It is important
to have a proper barrier surrounding the proposed exclusion zone at all times
and the floors beneath the working area should also be included with in the
exclusion zone. Well-designed floor propping should be provided where
necessary. If the exclusion zone is considered as insufficient then demolition

28
 Section 05

should be carried out carefully with in a contained area so that the surrounding
areas are safe. Debris removal should be done only when demolition or
modification work is not in progress.

Whenever there is sufficient buffer zone, sufficient working space and accurate
predicted debris area are all available then demolition of low-rise building can
be carried out at the ground level easily using machine mount on ground.

1 – Structure being demolished

2 – Buffer area
3 – Exclusion zone boundary
4 – Limit of predicted debris area
5 – Limit of designed drop area
6 – Safe working space
7 – Demolition machine

Figure 5.13 - Plan of typical progressive demolition sequence, column to

column maintaining “square” to provide lateral support

29
 Section 05

Whenever possible demolition should be carried out in a symmetrical manner,

so that the residual stresses in the building are evenly distributed for some
extent.

1 – Exclusion zone
2 - Lift shaft
3 - Stairwell
Figure 5.14 - Typical structure demolition sequence working "top down"
outwards towards shear walls (strong points), i.e. lift shafts and stairwells

Sometimes low-rise buildings can be symmetrical with strong points on both

sides such as lift shafts and stairwells. Then demolition may be started from the
top floor and then proceeded to the floors below as shown by Figure 5.14.
Demolition can be proceeded from top floor up to the first floor in a way such
that lesser floor area is demolished at each step so that the debris from upper
floors can be brought down to the ground reducing debris fall height.

5.2.2. For pre-weakening of structures

When deliberate felling of building element is involved such as demolition of a
column, pre-weakening is used. Columns can be removed by weakening at the
bottom and pulling down using ropes. Pre-weakening method of demolition for
columns are given in Section 8.2.5. Also, it is important to ensure that extent of
the pre-weakening is as recommended and elements to be broken at site are
matched with the demolition sequence given by the Engineer to avoid over
breaking. When the reinforcement is cut using gas cutters in pre-weakening,

30
 Section 05

shims1 shall be placed between the voids to control the premature collapse.
These demolition methods shall be approved only by Registered Structural
Engineer.

5.2.3. Temporary structural support for stability

Temporary supports are provided to avoid premature collapses due to loadings
such as eccentric loads, lateral loads, imposed loads etc. Also, in order to obtain
required residual strength during demolition, temporary supports are used.
These shall be designed by a competent person with a sound knowledge in
Structural Design (Registered Structural Engineer) who should be responsible
for the stability of the building throughout the demolition process. This section
was included in this chapter to emphasize the importance of temporary
structures in building demolition; detailed section on Temporary Structures are
given in Section 7.2.3.

5.2.4. Decommissioning of demolition

Due to various reasons such as unfavorable weather conditions, contractor’s
issues, demolition projects may need to be halted temporarily. Prior to
decommissioning a demolition project, precautionary measures shall be applied
to prevent unplanned collapses in the remaining elements. Residual strength of
the remaining structure shall be assessed considering all possible external
effects such as wind effect, weather condition, change of material properties due
to exposure, vibration effect etc. Also, it is important to identify and mitigate
the risks at site such as unauthorized entry of public (Refer Section 7.4.3).
Therefore, attention shall be paid to the recommendation given by Authorized
Person. Approval shall be obtained submitting safety measures taken to
decommission

1 31
Shims - thin strip of material used to align parts, make them fit
 Section 06

6. DEBRIS AND WASTE HANDLING

Debris generated in demolition sites are falling in the Construction and Demolition Waste
Category (C & D). In Sri Lanka generally around 40% of total waste generated are C &
D Waste (Central Environmental Authority, Guidelines on Sustainable Management of
Waster Matter Generated in the Construction and Demolition of Buildings, 2017).

In the Demolition sites, the demolition contractor is responsible to ensure that the
waste generated in the demolition site are handled and disposed properly complying with
the existing regulations. Following described are further details to refer and it is always
encouraged to reuse and recycle the debris generated to minimize the impact to
environment.

6.1 Debris loading and unloading

Demolition plan shall include waste management plan including method of debris
loading and unloading and precautionary measures taken to reduce risk involved in
those activities. A safe route and time plan shall be implemented with minimum
disturbance to the surrounding area.

When debris are allowed to fall freely to ground, exclusion zone or chute shall be
placed and appropriate measures to taken off the bouncing effect and dust created.
Effective communication should be established to ensure that the exclusion zones
are clear from personals. The safety officer shall be present at site to ensure the
safety.

6.1.1. Chute
Chutes are used to move debris from higher floor levels to down floor levels.
In demolition sites generally lift shafts are used as a chute. Debris shall be
removed periodically. If openings are created on floor following shall be
ensured;

i. Total openings shall not be greater than 25% of the total 1aggregate floor
area;
ii. Each opening shall not be larger than 900 × 900 mm unless it shall be
justified by engineering calculation remaining structure is safe to
withstand the impact force during demolition;

1
Aggregate floor area - the aggregate area of every floor in a building or extension, calculated by
reference to the finished internal faces of the walls enclosing the area, or if at any point there is no
such wall, by reference to the outermost edge of the floor 32
 Section 06

iii. When forming openings, structural elements such as beams shall not
damage/cut any;
iv. Opening shall be protected by edge barriers.

Figure 6.1 - Opening created to form a chute in a demolition site

Figure 6.2 - External Debris chute

https://www.hss.com/hire/p/rubbish-chute-section

33
 Section 06

If chutes are created externally, adequate clear space and dust barrier shall be
present. Old metal barrels shall not be used to create refuse chutes. External refuse
chute shall be with adequate strength to withstand the impact when debris are
falling through the chute.

6.2 Waste Management

Detailed waste management plan shall be submitted by the Demolition contractor

along with the demolition plan. Authorized Person should ensure that a debris disposal
and management system is prepared and implemented by the Registered Specialist
Contractor (Demolition). When the demolition techniques are selected, waste
management shall be considered in the Figure 6.3 order giving priority from top to
bottom.

- Lowering the
Reduce amount of waste
produced
- Using Materials
Reuse repeatedly

- Using materials to make new

Recycle products

- Recovering energy from waste

Recovery

Landfill - Safe disposal of waste to land

Figure 6.3- Hierarchy for demolition waste management

 Reduce – To reduce the demolition waste, the need to demolish

buildings has to be reduced by restoration of existing buildings with
proper maintenance.
 Reuse – Demolition technique shall be selected to salvage usable
materials. Manual methods of demolition are the most suitable
approach to get reusable materials. Generally doors, windows, roofing
sheets etc. can be reused if they are in good condition prior to
demolition.

34
 Section 06

 Recycle – To produce a usable product. Metals such as steel, copper

and brass are recycled. Currently, there is a good recycle market for C
& D waste. Most popular usage is for road sub layer fillings and land
fillings.
 Recovery – Recovering energy from waste, such as incineration with
energy recovery.
 Landfill – Disposal of waste by without energy recovery

Waste Management plan shall include the following details:

a) Method of handling demolished debris. This shall include the routing

movement of debris from each floor;
b) Loading and unloading process and transportation of debris;
c) Time and number of periodic disposal routines;
d) Record of debris transporting vehicle information and landfill sites; and
e) The site supervisory personnel responsible for the debris management
system.

The plan should be updated regularly including waste generated and

recovery/disposal routes.

6.3 Debris disposal

Waste generated in a demolition site has classified in to three categories according

to their composition and potential to harm the environment as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 - Classification of waste generated in demolition sites

35
 Section 06

Hazardous Major Minor Nonhazardous demolition

demolition Nonhazardous waste
waste demolition waste
PVC Soil,sand,gravel, Conduits(iron,plastic),Pipes(GI,Iron
asphaltic substances ,plastic)

Electrical waste Concrete, bricks, Electrical fixtures

mortar, plaster, (Copper/aluminum wiring, wooden
cement blocks, baton, plastic switches, wire
Roofing tiles insulation)

Asbestos Steel (RCC, Panels (Wooden, laminated)

material, Door/window
treated timber frames, roofing
supports,
ironmongery, etc.)

Gypsum Rubble, Stone glazed tiles, glazed panels

boards, other (marble, granite, sand
roofing sheets stone)

Timber wood Sachets of tobacco and other

plastics, Thermopolis, etc.
Glass

In general, domestic wastes such as furniture, household appliances, etc., metal

components such as window frames, pipes, etc., timber components such as doors,
wooden floors, etc., other wastes such as tiles, asphaltic materials, ceramic products
should be removed first. Most of these materials may be recycled. The building
demolition shall begin after all the above non-structural materials have been
deprived and removed.

6.3.1. Hazardous Waste

When asbestos material generated in demolition sites are planning to dispose,
the contractor should submit method statement for offsite removal of
asbestos. Under a 1.25m thick soil layer where no excavation will be done
asbestos should have buried and it is recommended by Central Environment
Authority, Sri Lanka. Other hazardous chemicals such as radioactive

36
 Section 06

luminous paint, lead paint, isocyanides, PCBs, mercury, acids, alkaline

solutions, fumigation agents, water treatments, wood treatments or dusts,
should be eliminate under guidance of appropriate specialist.

Firstly, ascertain the extent of hazardous risk which associate with the
chemicals and implement the preventative and protective measures required
for treatment and safe disposal.

For electronic waste, burning and disposal shall be avoided and storing
should have done carefully at all times. Specifically, before sent to the
recycling, compound/fluorescent electric bulbs should handle carefully.

6.4 Regulation on waste management in Sri Lanka

Direct regulations for demolition waste management in Sri Lanka are not available.
But following regulations are relevant to management of demolition waste in Sri
Lanka.

i. The amended National Environment Act (NEA) no.53 of 2000

ii. Under the legal provision of Environment protection of NEA

iii. Order published under the Gazette Notification No.1533/16 dated on

25.01.2008

iv. Order published under the Gazette Notification No.1534/18 dated on

01.02.2008(National Environment protection and Quality regulations)

v. Order published under the Gazette Notification No.1627/19 dated on

10.11.2009(Municipal Solid waste)

vi. Regulation published under the Gazette Notification No.850/4 dated on

20.12.1994(Appeal procedure)

vii. Regulation gazette notification No.924/13-1996/05/23; Introduction of

Hazardous Waste management System

Solid waste management rule of Western Province No.01 of 2008 were introduced
via extraordinary Gazatte No.1560/6 on 30th July 2008 status as any solid waste
generated from construction or any rubble or debris from demolition shall not be

37
 Section 06

mixed with any other waste and shall be handed over to the respective Local
Authority or Authorized Body.

38
 Section 07

7. HEALTH AND SAFETY

7.1 Insurance cover

Contractor shall obtain an insurance cover at least one from the following
categories. (This is a mandatory requirement for the contractor)

a) Workmen’s compensation insurance

b) Third party insurance
c) Contractor’s all risk insurance

7.2 Precautionary Measures

Demolition of a building is associated with risk based activities which can affect
the site personnel, general public, pedestrian, adjacent properties and traffic. Site
safety features shall be designed and prevent vulnerability of accidents, difficulties
attached in demolition activities and ensure the safety of the people. Proper safety
features shall be designed considering all possible loads and load combinations at
each stage of demolition and vibration impact by the Registered Structural
Engineer in order to make sure that the demolition can be carried out safely and the
site personnel is protected. The Contractor (Demolition) shall carry out the
demolition works including precautionary measures in accordance with the
approved plans and other related documents, and provide continuous supervision
to the works.

7.2.1. Hoarding and Covered Walkway

Generally hoarding isolates the demolition site from the public and provides
the protection to the public during the demolition of the building. Also it
prevents the unauthorized access and trespassing. To provide additional
protection to the public and traffic from debris falling, covered walkway in
conjunction with catch platform can be installed. Registered Structural
Engineer shall design them to suit individual site circumstances. Suggested
designs for hoarding, covered walkway and catch platform are listed in the
following;

39
 Section 07

a) Hoarding, Covered walkway and catch platform requirements

Requirement for covered walkway depend on the height of the building
to be demolished. The requirement for hoarding and catch platform are
as described in Table 2 and as illustrated in Figure 7.1 (a), (b) and (c):

Table 2 - Summary of precautionary measures for hoarding, covered

walkway and catch platform

Precautionary Prerequisite
measure
Hording a clear space between the building line and the lot
boundary equal to or more than the building
height (clear space)
Covered with clear space less than the building height
walkway
Covered With clear space less than half the building height.
walkway with No catch platform is required for building less
catch platform than 4 m high
hoarding and/or along the full length of the site boundary adjacent
covered to public access
walkway

b) Proper use of covered walkway

Roof of the covered walkway shall not be accumulated by debris and
it shall not be used for other purposes such as storage of building
materials and equipment.

Minimum vertical clearance – 2.3 m

Minimum clear width – 1.1 m

40
 Section 07

Building

Hoarding

(a) Case 1 : Only hoarding is required, if clear distance ≥ H

H
Covered walkway

H ≥ Clear distance ≥ H/2

Site boundary and hoarding

(b) Case 2 : Hoarding and covered walkway required if

H > clear distance ≥ H/2

41
 Section 07

H > 4m Catch platform

Covered walkway

Clear distance ≤ H/2

Site boundary and hoarding

(c) Case 3: Hoarding covered walkway and catch platform are

required if clear distance < H/2. Catch platform not required for
buildings less than 4m high.

Figure 7.1 - Hoarding and Covered Walkway criteria

7.2.2. Scaffolding and Screen Covers

a) Scaffolding
Metal scaffolds shall be used for demolition projects. Demolition work
shall be carried out by trained workmen under the immediate
supervision of competent person. Competent Person shall check
scaffold before using the scaffolding for the first time, during
demolition with regular intervals, after addition, after dismantling or
any other addition, after adverse weather conditions and any time
where can be deviation in the structural stability.

Supports with adequate strength for the scaffolds should be provided

to hold the vertical and lateral loads imposed on the scaffolds,
catchfans and work platforms, etc. Registered Structural Engineer shall
design the steel brackets and anchors fixed to the existing building or
other kinds of supporting system. Debris shall be removed periodically
and shall not exceed the limit given by the Registered Structural
Engineer. Special attention to following factors shall be paid:

42
 Section 07

i. Unplanned removal of scaffold ties;

ii. Minimize debris falling from heights on to the scaffolding;
iii. Scaffolds shall be close boarded against the building
façade;

b) Screen Covers
Over the scaffolds, two layers of protective screen shall be fixed to
completely enclose the building structure for retaining dust and small
debris.

[BS 8144: 2007 “Code of Practice for Safety Nets on Construction

Sites and Other Works” may be referred to.]

c) Catch fan
Catch fans are installed to catch small pieces of building debris which
can pass through the protective screen and the net. A small piece could
be harmful when falling from heights with carried kinetic energy.

7.2.3. Temporary Supports

Temporary supports shall not be removed until its resisting loads are
completely removed. Site Supervisor shall be appointed by the contractor for
routine inspection and maintenance of temporary supports until it is removed.

Following conditions shall be addressed when designing temporary supports.

i. Inadequate structural stability of the building to be demolished;

ii. Movement of the structure due to external load and vibration of
the mechanical plant;
iii. Load due to debris accumulation;
iv. Structural stability of the partially demolished buildings and
decommission;
Temporary supports such as shoring/ propping can be provided for
horizontal and vertical loads. Vertical supports can be single props, towers,
spanning beams and trusses, needling beams, back propping and
underpinning. For horizontal loads shoring/ propping such as braced towers,
façade retention systems, raking props (transfer horizontal load to the

43
 Section 07

ground), flying shores (horizontal props which transfer load to a stiff point
at same level in areas such as lift core or return wall).

7.2.3.1. Temporary supports for Cantilevered Structures

During the demolition of cantilevered structures, temporary
supports shall be required and anchorage or holding down load
of the cantilevered structure must not be removed until the
temporary support is provided.

7.2.4. Catch Platform

In accordance with the requirement, catch platform shall be provided on top
of the covered walkway. Special structural elements such as pre-stressed
concrete elements, architectural features shall be protected by catch fans for
falling debris. These shall be designed and installed prior commencing the
demolition.

7.2.5. Facade retention

Façade retention system can be either independent or mutual and designed
by a Registered Structural Engineer with structural knowledge.

a) In an independent system, raking shores or cantilever towers are used

to fully support the facade.

Figure 7.2 - Cantilever towers

(https://www.lakeside-hire.co.uk/towers-cantilever-scaffold-towers/ )

44
 Section 07

Figure 7.3 - Raking shores

(http://www.apexscaffolddesign.com/ind_portfolio.php?id=24#)

b) In a mutual system the different retained elements are linked together

with horizontal shores so that they act compositely together.

7.3 Protection of Properties

When the demolition affects adjacent properties such as buildings, utilities, slopes,
retaining walls or land precautionary measures shall be taken by means of above
Section 7.2 mentioned methods or any other. Shared party walls, stair cases,
maintaining access for adjacent properties need to pay special attention.

1.2.1. Vibration
Depending on the demolition method vibration will effect on neighboring
buildings in various extent. Also the traffic vibration caused by heavy duty
vehicles might effect in a significant level. Demolition contractors are
advised to carry out vibration monitoring and if needed pre-crack survey as
recommended by the Registered Structural Engineer.

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 Section 07

As a general guideline, the peak particle velocities (PPV) at any adjoining

structure shall not exceed the stipulated levels of the interim vibration
standard level given by the CEA.

Table 3 - Categorization of structures according to the type of building (from

ISO-4966: 1990E)

Category of the structure of the Description

building
Resistance to Multi storey buildings of reinforced concrete
the vibration or structural steel, with in filling panels of
decreasing Type 1 block work, brick work or precast units not
designed
to resist earthquakes
Two-storey domestic houses & buildings
constructed of reinforced block work,
Type 2 precast units, and with reinforced floor &
roof construction, or wholly of reinforced
concepts
or similar, not designed to resist earthquakes.
Single and two-storey houses & buildings
made of lighter construction, using
Type 3 lightweight materials such as bricks, cement
blocks etc,
not designed to resist earthquakes
Structures that, because of their sensitivity to
vibration, do not correspond to those listed
Type 4 above 1,2 & 3, & declared as archeologically
preserved structures by the Department of
Archaeology
(Source: proposed air-blast over pressure and ground vibration standards for Sri
Lanka by CEA)

Table 4 - Interim Standards for vibration of the Operation of Machinery,

Construction Activities and Vehicle Movements Traffic

Category of the Type of Frequency of Vibration in

structure as Vibration Vibration PPV
given in Table (Hz) (mm/Sec.)
1.1
0 –10 5.0
Continuous 10-50 7.5
Type 1 Over 50 15.0
0 –10 10.0
Intermittent 10 –50 15.0
Over 50 30.0
0 -10 2.0
10-50 4.0

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 Section 07

Continuous Over 50 8.0

Type 2 0 –10 4.0
Intermittent 10 –50 8.0
Over 50 16.0
0 -10 1.0
Continuous 10 - 50 2.0
Type 3 Over 50 4.0
0 - 10 2.0
Intermittent 10 – 50 4.0
Over 50 8.0
0 - 10 0.25
Continuous 10 – 50 0.5
Type 4 Over 50 1.0
0 – 10 0.5
Intermittent 10 - 50 1.0
Over 50 2.0
Notes

1. Please see separate measurement methods

2. The values given above are in such a way that minor damage
is unlikely as the nearby house/building
(proposed air-blast over pressure and ground vibration standards for Sri Lanka
by CEA)

Reduction measures: use equipment which are high tech with low vibration
mechanics, debris falling height reduce or use vibration absorbing materials
such as rubber at the point of falling, if possible temporary ground separation
between the source and receiver.

7.2.2 Shoring
Shoring shall be required in demolition work such as removing foundation,
demolition of buildings with basements etc.

7.4 Special Safety Considerations

7.4.1. Training and communication

Site personnel shall be informed by the safety officer at the beginning
of the project regarding the safety precautions and risk involved during
the demolition activities including the following items:

i. Information related to the project such as proposed methods

and procedures

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 Section 07

ii. Risk involved or potential danger in working at heights,

confined spaces, Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gears, Hot
Works etc.
iii. Health Hazards in demolition works
iv. Safety measures such as use of Personal Protective
Equipment and site access

7.4.2. Site Inspection and maintenance

Site inspection shall be performed periodically (Daily) by a competent person
appointed by the demolition contractor and any movement, damage or
distortion to the temporary structures shall be identified and repaired
immediately.

Contractor or his representative shall monitor the demolition work full time
throughout the day and ensure the safety of the partially demolished structure
at the end of the day before leaving the site.

If discrepancies with the method statement are discovered during the

inspection, he/she shall inform the Registered Structural Engineer regarding
the discrepancies and suspend the demolition work until written instructions
are received.

7.4.3. Site security

Demolition site shall be completely covered by screen cover and separated
from the public by means of fence, barriers and hoarding etc. Fencing of not
less than 2 m shall be installed and high standard site security shall be
established to prevent unauthorized access because public is likely to be
curious about the demolition work and ignorant of the potential risk. Access
gates should be secured outside working hours also. Apart from the above,
following factors also shall be considered:

a) Excavated areas shall be secured by safety barricade tapes;

b) Immobilize vehicles and plants shall be secured;
c) Isolate electricity and gas supplies, or enclose them in locked
compounds;

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 Section 07

d) Outside working hours, remove ladders which provide access

from the ground to the first landing place and store them in a
secure area;
e) Secure potential access points to buildings, including windows;

Note: Barricade tape is brightly colored tape

that is used to warn or catch the attention of
passers-by of an area or situation containing a
possible hazard. It acts as a minor impediment
to prevent accidental entrance to that area or
situation and as a result enhances general
safety.

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 Section 07

Figure 7.4 - Safety Warning Boards

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 Section 07

7.4.4. Site Access

Site entrances shall be kept to the minimum and site access path shall be with
free from potential hazards. Warning signs should be used to communicate
the presence of hazards to site personnel and third parties.

7.4.5. Personal protective equipment on site

Safety helmet should be worn by every site personnel along with suitable
basic protective equipment such as footwear, gloves, eye protection, hearing
protection, ori-nasal masks or any other respiratory protection equipment,
high visibility clothing and fall arrest systems where necessary. Before using
PPE adequate training shall be given and such equipment shall be maintained
and stored to meet the required level of performance.

Site Safety

Figure 7.5 - Personnel Protective Equipment

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 Section 07

Safety Helmet Safety Glasses Safety Gloves

Ear Plugs
Safety Boots High visibility cloths

Figure 7.6 - Personal Protective Equipment

7.4.6. Emergency Procedures

Minimum of one emergency exit shall be maintained during demolition
process. A clear path shall be maintained free of obstruction and properly
marked with yellow arrows and exit signs. Emergency arrangements shall be
provided as appropriate general items are given below:

a) Effective communication
b) Training on emergency procedures
c) Equipment for rescue and resuscitation
d) Measures for raising the alarm and rescue
e) Fire safety measures
f) First aid

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g) Public emergency services

7.4.7. Hazards from services and combustible materials

Underground and overhead services such as electric, water, sewage,
telephone and other communication and services supply shall be
disconnected or abandoned before commencing the demolition work.
Relevant authority such as Ceylon Electricity Board, Water Board etc. shall
be informed when service line interrupted activity is included in the
demolition process. Arrangement shall be made to ensure that all the service
lines which can affect are properly disconnected and confirmed by respective
officer.

Following are some works which can damage the service lines:

a) When moving heavy plants over underground service lines;

b) Ground transmitted vibration due to the plant operation;
c) Work which might give rise to ground movement.

When the demolition involves combustible materials, precautions should be

taken to prevent fire or explosion. There could be a fire hazard when the gas
cutter is used. There could be health hazard due to toxic combustion products,
therefore methods of demolition likely to cause ignition should be avoided.
Contractor shall maintain firefighting appliances in good condition and free
from defects.

7.4.8. Disconnection of Utilities

a) Owner shall be responsible of disconnecting the utilities prior handing
over the building to the contractor to demolish;
b) Prior to actual demolition contractor (demolition) shall keep records of
the available utilities and identify the effects of demolition on utilities;
c) All utilities shall be terminated prior starting the demolition activities
and rearranged where necessary;
d) Provide fences demarcating boundaries to operate machines
safely without touching service lines such as overhead electric
lines;

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e) Temporary utility supply shall be given which will be needed for the
execution of the demolition work.
7.4.9. Maintenance of Certain Utilities
During demolition, the following shall be required to provide a safe and
healthy working environment:
a) Temporary water supply shall be required to provide water
spraying during demolition as dust pollution abatement
measures;
b) Temporary telecommunication link between the demolition site
and outside shall be maintained for both security and
communication reasons;
c) Temporary electricity supply for lighting and other construction
use;
d) Necessary approval shall be taken for temporary utility supplies;
e) In the case when temporary utilities are available, all such
temporary utilities, including electrical fittings shall be weather-
proofed;
f) Safety warning lights indicating connection lines and
“Emergency Stop” of connection lines;

7.4.10. Falling and projected materials

Operation areas shall be identified where deliberate dropping, or
potential for dropping of materials could occur. People should be kept
away from such areas and necessary precautionary measures shall be
taken. Adequate temporary supports shall be installed where necessary
before commencing the demolition work.

7.4.11. Flooding
When demolition take place in areas like deep basements, underground
tunnels, cooling water culverts, plant rooms and excavations, the
contractor shall pay special attention to assess the risk of flooding.
When the work program is preparing adequate time allocation and
necessary precautions shall be given with predicted weather condition.

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 Section 07

Also adequate pumping arrangement shall be given to control water

seepage.

7.4.12. Protection of Traffic

Road closures shall be avoided as much as possible when demolition
work carry out especially when mobile cranes, heavy trucks are
involved. Temporary closure of a traffic lane may be considered only
when there are no any other alternatives and at such events road closure
may be considered for night work.

Traffic controller outside the site shall be appointed and active alarms,
active warning alarms shall be installed. Sufficient illumination level
should be maintained outside the site, especially near walkways.

7.4.13. Incomplete Demolition Projects

When a demolition project is shut down for a prolonged period before
its completion, the remaining structure, if any, shall be stabilized by
temporary support and/or bracing systems.

i. Deny unauthorized access to the site;

ii. Warning signs and safety alarms.

7.5 Health Hazards

Health hazard associated in demolition activities can be categorized in to following

in general:

a) Inhaled or ingested gases, vapors, fumes, dusts which can be acutely or

chronically toxic, allergenic, carcinogenic
b) React with or be absorbed through skin can be toxic resulting dermatitis or
cancer
c) Irritation can occur due to the large quantity of dusts
d) Hearing problems due to being at high noise operation areas for a prolonged
period and not using hearing aids

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 Section 07

Exposure to
dust

Occupational Exposure to
diseases chemicals

Fire damage
First aid
and
facilities
ventilation

Noise
Sanitation
exposure

Figure 7.7 - Site personal health governing factors

7.5.1. Welfare and first aid

a) Welfare facilities for the site personnel

Welfare facilities for the site personal shall be provided and maintained
sufficiently including sanitary facilities (including clean water and
washing facilities). Accommodation shall be provided in the immediate
vicinity to the site with convenient access for the work place.

b) First aid

A first aid box shall be present at site with enough equipment to cope
with the number of workers on site. A responsible person shall be
appointed at the beginning of the work to take charge of first aid
arrangements.

7.5.2. Lone-working
Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct
supervision. The contactor has a duty to assess the risks to lone workers and

56
 Section 07

take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary. But it is

recommended at least two workers to work together where possible.

7.5.3. Working in confined spaces and hazardous atmospheres

When demolition in confined spaces such as shafts, culverts, manholes shall
be planned only if there are no other practical method of demolition without
entry is available. Any confined space could be vulnerable for converting to
hazardous atmosphere.

Before demolition commencing demolition and decommissioning, hazardous

spaces shall be properly marked by warning notices. Hazardous atmospheres
can be created by demolition activities such as use of flame cutting
equipment, leakages from gas cylinders, release of entrapped air. Prior to
entering such spaces steps shall be taken to ensure the safety of the work
personal.

7.6 Environmental Precautions

7.6.1. Air Pollution

Main air pollutant generated in demolition activities are dust particles
(described in Section 7.6.2 (a)). Other than the dust there can be diesel fumes
generated by mechanical plants or equipment. Burning of waste shall
prohibited on site.

7.6.2. Dust and Noise

a) Dust

Concrete breaking, handling of debris and hauling process are main

sources of dust from building demolition.

Dust level should be maintained below 0.450 mg per m3 of air at a

distance of 10m down wind direction as 3 hour average.

(Interim source emission regulation, CEA)

Mitigation measures: Temporary screen cover shall be provided to

minimize dust, pressurized water spraying during demolition.

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 Section 07

Figure 7.8 - Pressurized water spraying during demolition

b) Noise

When the site personnel are exposed to noise at the construction sites
proper safety equipment should be made available. The employer
should provide safety gear to personnel if the noise exposures or exceed
an eight hour time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA.

For the increase of each 5dB the exposure period should decrease by
two fault. (Multiply by 0.5)

When the site personnel are exposed to sound levels exceeding those
levels administrative or engineering controls must be used. Concrete
cutting is a huge noise hazard on site and it is often around 110-
115dBA.

(Federal highway association of USA (FHWA - refer for more details)

Demolition sites are also considered as a construction site in according

to the national noise regulations in Sri Lanka. Therefore the noise level

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 Section 07

at the boundary of the demolishing site should be maintained below

75dB during day time (6.00 to 21.00) and below 50dB during night
time (21.00 to 6.00)

(National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations No.1 1996)

Noise reduction – use of low noise technological equipment for

demolition work, use of temporary barriers, arrange activity schedules
with high noise activities to operate in minimum duration, reduce fall
height of debris

7.6.3. Water
In demolition site main cause for water pollution is water contaminated with
demolished material which generally increase turbidity and dissolved matter.
Therefore use of simple filtering system or sedimentation tank will be
satisfied to treat waste water. However contamination with other chemical
materials may need satisfactory treatment.

The discharge of wastewater from demolition sites requires to maintain the

relevant standard stipulated by the CEA and sometime require a license that
applicable for the discharge.

Contractor (Demolition) shall maintain proper control of temporary water

supply and an effective temporary drainage system.

(National environmental protection and quality regulation 01 – 2008)

7.6.4. Hazardous Materials

Handling of hazardous materials are discussed in Section 6.3.1.

The management of waste must fully comply with the Waste Disposal
Ordinance of CMC

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 Section 08

8. METHODS OF DEMOLITION

There are many techniques used in the world for demolition of buildings. Compact
machines, high-reach machines, tower and other high-reach cranes, remotely controlled
machines and robotic devices, demolition using chemical agents, by explosives, high
pressure water jetting and metal powder cutting etc.

This guideline describes only the demolition of common structural elements by manual
and mechanical (machine) methods. Other techniques mentioned above shall not be
discussed in this document.

8.1 General

The choice of the demolition method depends on the following factors as given in
clause 2.2

a) Health and safety

b) Structural Characteristics

c) Site Conditions/Locations

d) Demolition Cost

e) Time/Duration

f) Past experience of the contractor in similar projects

g) Waste Disposal Method

h) Permitted level of nuisance

This guideline describes only the demolition of common structural elements (slab,
beam and columns) by manual and mechanical (machine) methods. Other
techniques mentioned above shall not be discussed in this document. Each building
has its specific features to consider. Therefore, the demolition procedure for each
site has to be proposed by a competent engineer under guidance of Registered
Structural Engineer considering the factors given in Section 8.1.

For sites situated in busy urban areas, most applicable method is top down method.
If there is sufficient clear space, other mechanical methods which are applied from
the outside of the building may be used. Hand held tools or the cut and lift process

60
 Section 08

may be used as a safe solution for structural projections such as balconies, canopies
and verandahs extending beyond the building lines.

8.2 Top Down-Manual Method

Structural elements shall be broken down leaving the reinforcement, until the
concrete connecting to reinforcement is sufficiently broken away. In congested
areas cantilevered canopies, balconies and exterior walls are critical elements due
to the risks to the public.

If rope or tie wires are used to pull down the structural elements, the pulling wire
must be at least 4 times stronger than the anticipated pulling force. In addition,
workers shall be shielded from the rope or tie wires. The rope or tie wire shall be
checked at least twice per day.

(Buildings Department, 2004)

8.2.1. Demolition Sequence

The demolition sequence given here is a general sequence which could
deviate according to site conditions, restrains, the building layout, the
structural layout and its construction;

a) Doors, windows and non- structural features shall be removed and re-
used as much as possible;
b) Prior to demolition of main structure, all cantilevered structures,
canopies, verandahs and features attached to the external walls shall
first be demolished;
c) All lift machine rooms and water tanks at the top shall be demolished
to the main roof level in “top down” sequence and roof structure shall
be dismantled or removed, and the material be re-used where
applicable;
d) Demolition of the floor slabs shall begin at mid span and work towards
the supporting beams;
e) Floor beams shall be demolished according to the order given below:

i. cantilevered beams;
ii. secondary beams;
iii. main beams.

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f) Beams shall be propped prior to loss of support or restraint;

g) Non-load bearing walls such as partition walls shall be removed;
h) Load bearing walls and columns shall be removed after removing the
beams on top;

All cantilevered structures, canopies, verandahs

and features attached to the external walls

Roof structure

Non-load bearing walls shall be removed prior to

demolition of load bearing walls;

Demolition of the floor slabs

Floor beams

Columns and load bearing walls shall be

demolished after removal of beams on top

Figure 8.1 - Flow chart for demolition sequence

8.2.2. Cantilevered Structures and Balconies

Temporary supporting structure, catch platform and/or temporary platform
shall be placed underneath a cantilevered structure or balcony prior to the
demolition and precautionary measures shall be taken to ensure the safety of
the public. The general sequence of dismantling cantilevered slabs and
beams are given in the following procedure;

a) Exterior brick in-fill walls shall be demolished leaving the

reinforced frame behind as described in Section 8.2.5. a)
b) Any dead load or structure supported by the cantilever slab shall
be removed;
c) Starting from the exterior edge of the cantilevered slab, the
concrete shall be broken down working inwards towards the
supporting beams;

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 Section 08

d) After the demolition of the connecting slab, the cantilevered

beam shall be demolished but not advance further than the slab
(so that the support for the slab shall be maintained). Figure 8.2
and Figure 8.3 illustrates the demolition of cantilevered beam

with the slab;

Figure 8.2 - Demolition of Cantilevered Reinforced Concrete Slab (Manual

Method)

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 Section 08

Figure 8.3 - Demolition of Cantilevered Reinforced Concrete Slab and Beam

(Manual Method)

8.2.3. Arches
Arches can be fixed type or hinged type. Forces in the arches are carried to
ground as thrusts. In order to ensure the stability of the arches during
demolition, forces shall be balanced. Following can be applied where
applicable:

a) shoring to transmit horizontal thrusts to the ground;

b) building in temporary tie bars;
c) reducing vertical imposed loads;
d) demolition of the arch in whole strips; and
e) Some combination of a) to d).

8.2.4. Roof Trusses

Roof truss shall be removed progressively, ensuring stability of the remaining
structure. Temporary bracings or supports shall be added where necessary.
Generally the bottom ties of the truss shall not be cut. Large trusses might
need additional supports and removed section wise. Removal process of
larger roof trusses such as industrial buildings shall be decided by a
Registered Structural Engineer.

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8.2.5. Exterior walls, Beams and Columns

a) Brick in-fill Wall
i. Using working platforms outside of the building, in-fill
bricks shall be removed pushing inward, before removing
the reinforced concrete framing to avoid any potential
hazard of bricks falling out of the building;
ii. Brick layers of not larger than 300mm shall be removed
starting from the top and move downwards;
iii. Reinforced frame shall be removed by separating the
individual columns/ beams or taking down the frame of a
bay between two columns as described in 8.2.5 b) and c)
b) Exterior Beam
i. Exterior beam could be demolished by two methods:
 Gradually breaking away the concrete of the beam or;

Dismantling the entire beam section as shown in (b) Step 02: Lowering of
beam

 Figure 8.4 (a) and (b).

ii. Wire and winch or other systems shall be used to secure the
cross beam to other structural members;
iii. Expose the reinforcement by breaking away the concrete at
both ends near its columns;
iv. Reinforcement shall be cut at one end to allow the beam to
partially drop. The wire shall safely winch the beam down
to the building floor in a controlled manner; and

65
 Section 08

v. The dismantling would be completed by cutting the reinforcement at the

remaining end, in a controlled manner the beam will then be lowered
completely.

(a) Step 01: Pre-weaken the beam edge

(b) Step 02: Lowering of beam

Figure 8.4 - Demolition of external Beam (Manual Method) – dismantle the

entire beam section

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 Section 08

Figure 8.5 Adjustable steel jacket

Figure 8.6 - Details for Securing External Beams before Dismantling (Manual
Method)

c) Exterior Column
i. Using a wire and winch, top of the column shall be secured by
tying it to a nearby structural member;
ii. Bottom of the column shall be pre-weaken by breaking away the
concrete cover and cutting the reinforcement at the exterior side
of the column as shown in Figure 8.7;

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 Section 08

Interior side Exterior side

Figure 8.7 – Pre-weakening of column – cut reinforcement in exterior side

(iii) After pre-weakening, the column shall be pulled down by the wire and
winch towards the interior in a controlled manner (Figure 8.8).

Figure 8.8 - Pre-weakening and dismantling of column (Manual Method)

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 Section 08

d) Exterior Reinforced Concrete Frame

The exterior reinforced concrete frame may be demolished in sections.

Demolition procedure as described below:

i. A bay of not wider than 3 m between two adjacent columns

shall be an optimum section for manual demolition;
ii. Before disconnecting the framing from the remaining
structure, the frame section shall be secured to other
structural members by means of wire and winch;
iii. Bottom of the two columns shall be pre-weakened and
removed as described in Section 8.2.5 c);
iv. The reinforcing bars connecting the beams shall be cut off
after pre-weakening. The framing shall be pulled down by
exerting force through winch and pulley system.

e) Reinforced Concrete Wall

I. Load Bearing Wall

Reinforced concrete walls shall be demolished by cutting down

into manageable sections of not wider than 2 m. Demolition
procedure of concrete wall sections are as following procedure
(Figure 8.9 (a) and (b)):

i. Using wire and winch system, wall section shall be

secured before starting demolition;
ii. Using hand held tools the concrete along the cut
lines of the interior face of the wall section shall be
broken away after pre-weakening the bottom of the
wall section.
iii. Pre-weakening shall be as described in Section 8.2.5
c)

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 Section 08

iv. The operation must be careful to minimize debris

from falling out from the building; and
v. After removing the concrete along the cut line, the
reinforcing bars along the vertical cut line shall be
separated. Then the cut section shall be pulled
towards the building using the wire and winch
system.

(a) Prior to pulling of the concrete wall

(b) Pulling of concrete wall after cutting reinforcement

Figure 8.9 - Felling of a reinforced concrete wall with beam (Manual Method)

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 Section 08

(a) Prior to pulling of the concrete wall

(b) Pulling of concrete wall on rubber pad

Figure 8.10 - Felling of reinforced concrete wall separately from the cross beam
(manual method)

II. Non-Load Bearing Wall

Demolition of non-load bearing walls are similar to that of load
bearing walls except from the beams are removed at latter stage
as illustrated in Figure 8.10.

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 Section 08

8.2.6. Floor Slabs

Typical demolition procedure for reinforced concrete slabs are shall be done
as per Section 8.2.6. Concrete shall be broken away leaving the
reinforcement until the concrete is completely removed.

Figure 8.11 - Demolition of two way slab (Manual method)

a) Two Way Slab

Two way slab shall be demolished starting from the middle of the slab
and advance towards the four sides as shown in Figure 8.11.

b) One Way Slab

One-way slab is a slab which is supported by beams on the two
opposite sides to carry the load along one direction. When one-way
slab is demolished following procedure shall be followed:

i. Start breaking of concrete at the unsupported end;

ii. Break the concrete as strips perpendicular to the supported
ends;
iii. Start breaking the concrete at the middle and proceed
towards supported ends.

c) Flat Slab
A flat slab is a two-way reinforced concrete slab that usually does not
have beams or girders, and the loads are transferred directly to the

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 Section 08

supporting concrete columns. When flat slab is demolished following

procedure shall be followed:

i. Start breaking of concrete at the center of the bay;

ii. From the center proceed towards the supporting columns;
iii. Premature weakening of columns or supporting walls shall
be avoided;
iv. When the demolition advance in column strips, adequate
supports shall be provided. (In the flat slab, the columns
strips are the section that are center aligned with column
and has the width equal to 1/4th of the shorter span on each
side)

8.2.7. Interior/Secondary Beams

Interior/secondary beams are horizontal beams connecting primary beams.
These beams normally support floor slabs on both sides. In demolition all
dead loads imposed on the beam and slabs supported by the beam should be
removed first after which these beams can be removed. The dismantling of
interior or secondary beams is illustrated in Figure 8.12 (a) and (b). Details
for securing secondary beams before dismantling given in Figure 8.13.
Alternative securing method can be used as given in Figure 8.5

8.2.8. Interior Columns

Demolition of interior column is similar to the method described in Section
8.2.3 c).

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 Section 08

(a) Pre-weakening of interior secondary beam edge

(b) Lowering of interior secondary beam

Figure 8.12 - Demolition of secondary beam (Manual Method)

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 Section 08

Figure 8.13 - Details for securing secondary beams before

dismantling (Manual Method)

8.3 Top Down-By Machines

When demolition is done using machines, first the mechanical plant is lifted and
placed on the slab using mobile crane or any other suitable method. Rest of the
sequence of top down by machine is similar to the top down manual method only
the demolition is done using mechanical plant. If rope or tie wires are used, wire
strength shall be at least 4 times the anticipated load and workers shall be protected
or stay away from the pulling area.

a) Supports for Machines

Structural Engineer shall assess the imposed load and the vibration induced
by the mechanical plant and adequate supports shall be provided. The
movement of the mechanical plant shall be prohibited in areas such as
building edges (minimum distance of 2m), floor openings (minimum
distance of 1m) and cantilever structures. Boundary of the mechanical plant
moving shall be marked by appropriate methods.

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 Section 08

b) Lifting of Machinery

Using a mobile crane or by other means, mechanical plant shall be placed

after dismantling of the roof. The operating area shall be blocked off during
the lifting operation and for special attention on high tension power supply
shall be given in operating. Registered Structural Engineer shall design the
propping arrangement and propping shall be installed prior to the lifting
operation.

c) Temporary Ramp Construction

Mechanical plant shall be moved down to the next floor by means of a ramp
made of steel or any other material which can be safely bear the load of the
mechanical plant and ramp shall be dismantled after moving the mechanical
plant.

Ramp made of debris is not a safe practice to be adopted without professional

involvement.

8.3.1. Demolition Sequence

General demolition sequence when using mechanical plant is as given below.
This can deviate depending on the general conditions given in Section 8.1.

a) Place the mechanical plant on to the top most floor as described

above after dismantling the roof;
b) All cantilevered slabs, canopies, beams shall be demolished prior to
demolition of internal floors;
c) Structural elements shall be demolished in the order of slab,
secondary beams, main beams respectively;

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 Section 08

d) Mechanical plant shall be lowered to the next floor by means of ramp

or any other method;
e) Mechanical plant should work while placed on structural elements on
a floor
f) After completing demolition on a particular floor, the mechanical
plant should descend the floor immediately below from where the plant
will demolish the remaining elements in the floor above;
g) When breaking a wall panel, including beams and columns they shall
be demolished by gradually breaking down the concrete or by pulling
them down in a controlled manner as shown in Figure 8.16 and Error!
Reference source not found.Figure 8.17;
Illustration from Figure 8.14 (a) – (f) shows typical mechanical demolition
procedures;

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 Section 08

(a) Demolition of slabs and beams

(b) Continue demolition of slabs and beams

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 Section 08

(c) An access ramp of steel structural frame to allow machine

to climb down to the next floor below

(d) Demolition of interior column may needed to create access

and working room for exterior wall demolition. Demolish
column by first pre-weakening the bottom, then dismantled
by machine in fully controlled motion.

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 Section 08

(e) Cutting the exterior wall in section and pre-weakening of

columns. Cutting should be careful to minimize debris
falling outside

(f) Machine should be used to brace the wall section while

cutting the reinforcing bars connecting the wall section.
The wall section shall be pulled down in controlled motion

Figure 8.14 - Typical sequence of top down method with mechanical equipment

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 Section 08

8.3.2. Cantilevered Canopies and Balconies

Cantilevered canopies and balconies can be removed by sections. Sections
shall be cut considering its weight which can be lifted by derrick arm.
Concrete can be cut using concrete cutting machines or any other method.

(a) Case 1 – Machine mounted on suspended floor

(b) Case 2 – Machine mounted on ground

Figure 8.15 - Demolition of cantilevered slab by mobile machine (conventional

method)

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 Section 08

8.3.3. Exterior Walls, Beams and Columns

Demolition of exterior walls shall be done by sections. Short span slab
portion of about 300 mm shall be left at the peripheral beam to keep the
loading resultant further into the building. Width of the wall section shall be
determined by the Registered Structural Engineer and the mechanical plant
shall require adequate capacity to safely handle the wall section.

a) Brick in-fill wall

Working platform may be used from the exterior side of the building
removing bricks manually starting from the top layer pushing in to
the building. After removing the infill bricks, concrete frame can be
removed as method described in Section 8.3.5 c)
b) Exterior Column
i. Column shall be braced using excavator arm with wire or
hydraulic crusher attachment;
ii. Pre-weakening of the column bottom shall be performed
as described in Section 8.2.5 c);
iii. Using an excavator arm column shall be pulled in to the
building in a controlled manner.
c) Exterior Reinforced Concrete Frame
Removal of exterior concrete frame shall be done as described in the
following steps:

i. Concrete shall be broken first along the proposed line. The

excavator arm shall secure the concrete frame and also
reinforcement can be left to stabilize the structure
ii. As described in Section 8.2.5 c) pre-weakening may be
performed at the bottom of the columns. While cutting the
reinforcement at the concrete removed areas, excavator
arm shall continue to stabilize the structure
iii. Concrete frame shall pull on to the floor using the
excavator arm as shown in Figure 8.16 (a) and (b).

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 Section 08

d) Reinforced Concrete Wall

Demolition process of reinforced concrete wall section is similar to

that of a reinforced concrete frame described in above Section 8.3.5.
c). Demolition of a reinforced concrete wall section is illustrated in
Figure 8.17and is described by the following:

i. Concrete wall shall be demolished in sections and the width of

such wall section shall be determined by the Registered
Structural Engineer;
ii. Concrete wall section shall be vertically separated from the
remaining wall by breaking away the concrete while keeping the
reinforcing bars intact to provide necessary support to the wall
section;
iii. If the wall section to be demolished contains columns, pre-
weakening shall be performed at the level where the wall is to be
separated as shown by Figure 8.7. Pre-weakening of column is
referred to in 8.2.5 c);
iv. Level up to both vertical separations is done and pre-weakening
of columns is done shall be decided by the Registered Structural
Engineer;
v. The wall section should be held securely using the machine arm
during the cutting of the reinforcements along both sides of the
wall section; and
vi. After the reinforcing bars are cut, the machine arm shall steadily
guide and pull down the wall section into the building.
8.3.4 Floor Slabs
Floor slabs concrete shall be removed by machine with breaker, hydraulic
crusher or other appropriate method. Reinforcement shall be cut afterwards.
Method of demolition of slab is similar to the method described in Section
8.2.6

8.3.5 Interior Beams

Interior Beam may be demolished by breaking the concrete away gradually
and cutting the reinforcement afterwards.

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 Section 08

8.3.6 Interior Columns

The same procedures as described for the exterior column in Section
8.3.5 b) should be used to demolish reinforced concrete interior
column.

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 Section 08

(a)

(b)

Figure 8.16 - Demolition of reinforced concrete frame by excavator with

breaker

85
 Section 08

(a)

(b)

86
 Section 08

(c)

(d)

Figure 8.17 - Demolition of reinforced concrete wall by excavator

87
 Section 08

8.4 Demolition of Basement and retaining walls

Structure with basement or retaining wall shall be demolished under the guidance
and recommendation of a Registered Structural Engineer. Additional information

Regarding previous structural assessment should be referred. Special attention shall

be given to factors such as given below:

i. Whether the intermediate walls or floors are supported by the retaining

structures;
ii. Whether the retaining wall is supporting a road or highway;
iii. Whether water is allowed or not to drain in depending on the water
table of the area and also dewatering requirements;
iv. Prevent penetrating water in to neighboring buildings and provisions
for water proofing where necessary;
v. Adequate buttressing wall/ shoring or ramping shall be provided to
support the retaining wall if the basement, cellars, vaults or voids need
to be left open.
vi. When the basement, cellars, vaults or other voids need to be backfilled
effect to the adjoining party shall be assessed; (whether induced ground
pressure due to the fill can be withstand by the adjoining property
adequate supporting shall be given with provisions for water proofing)

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 Section 08

REFERENCES

1. Arham Abdullah and Chimay J. Anumba (Loughborough University, United

Kingdom). (2015). Decision Tools For Demolition Technique Selection.

2. BSI. (2011). BS 6187 Code of Pracxtice for Full and Partial Demolition of Buildings.
British Standard Institute.

3. Buildings Department, H. K. (2004). Code of Practice for Demolition of Buildings.

Hong Kong.

4. Central Environmental Authority. (2008). Proposed air-blast Over Pressure and

Ground Vibration Standards for Sri Lanka. Pollusion Control Division.

5. Central Environmental Authority. (2017). Guidelines on Sustainable Management of

Waster Matter Generated in the Construction and Demolition of Buildings. Waste
Management Unit.

6. Rameezdeen Rameezdeen,Chaminda Pathirage,Saman Weerasooriya. (2003). Study of

Construction accidents in Sri Lanka. Built-Envirnment-Sri Lanka-Vol.04, (p. Vol.04).

7. Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. (2016). Construction Site Safety Manual for
Consultants. Colombo 07: Professional Affairs Board, Sri Lanka Institute of Architects.

89
 Annex 01

ANNEX 01

Legislation and statutory regulations

1
 Annex 01

LEGISLATION AND STATUTORY REGULATIONS

Authority Regulation/ Act / Ordinance

National Environmental (Protection and Quality) Regulations,
No. 1 of 2008.
The National Environmental (Ambient Air Quality)
Central Environmental Authority Regulations, 1994, published in Gazette Extraordinary, No.
(CEA) 850/4 of December, 1994
National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations No.1 1996
Proposed air-blast over pressure and ground vibration standards
for Sri Lanka
Construction Industries and
Development Authority
( CIDA)
Urban Development Authority “Each DGP should identify the architecturally, environmentally,
(UDA) aesthetically and archeologically valuable areas and buildings and
it should be listed so that no demolitions, changes, alterations or
additions should be done without the prior approval of the
Authority (UDA).” – Development Guide Plan (DGP), City of
Colombo Development Plan (compiled edition), March 2018

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 Annex 02

ANNEX 02

Useful contacts for demolition work

1
 Annex 02

USEFUL CONTACTS FOR DEMOLITION WORK

Type of organisation Organisation

Professional Bodies Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka

Industry Associations
Training Bodies Advance Construction Training Academy

Government Department Agencies and  Central Environmental Authority

Organisations  Urban Development Authority
 National Building Research Organisation
 Construction Industry Development Authority
 Colombo Municipal Council

Utilities/ Services regulators  Ceylon Electricity Board

 National Water Supply and Drainage Board
Other industry resources

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 Annex 03

ANNEX 03

Sample Building Demolition Plan

3
 Annex 03

SAMPLE DEMOLITION PLAN AND STABILITY REPORT FOR TOP DOWN

MECHANICAL METHOD
1. DEMOLITION PLAN

1.1. The demolition plan shall consist of the following :

a. Site Plan and Adjoining Site Conditions.

b. As built drawings (Sections and elevations of the building) and
information on existing building structure.
c. Demolition procedure and sequence
d. Precautionary Measures
e. Temporary Support System

1.2. Stability Report

1.2.1. The stability report of this project shall consist of the following:
a. A Stability report to justify the safety of the existing building
during all phases of demolition.

b. A structural check with calculation on the support of

cantilevered slab and beams.

c. A structural check with calculation on the support to typical

floors catering for the loading due to powered mechanical
plants.

d. A structural check with calculation on the temporary ramp

design to allow the descending of the machines.

e. A stability report with calculation to justify the safety of lifting

of the machine to the roof.

f. A structural check with calculation on its hoarding, covered

walkway, and catch platform.

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 Annex 03

Sample Demolition Plan

(Please note that this is only for guidance and included in short form for the ease of
understanding) Duly completed and certified demolition plan shall be submitted to the Authorized
Body by the Demolition Contractor
Documents to be Demolition Plan
submitted Site Plan and Adjoining Site Conditions
Typical Floor Plan and Existing Building Information
Elevation
Demolition procedure and sequence
Precautionary Measures
Typical Support

Stability Report
A Stability report to justify the safety of the existing
building during all phases of demolition.
A structural check with calculation on the support of
cantilevered slab and beams if available
A structural check with calculation on the support to typical
floors catering for the loading due to powered mechanical
plants
A structural check with calculation on the temporary ramp
design to allow the descending of the machines
A stability report with calculation to justify the safety of
lifting of the machine to the roof
A structural check with calculation on its hoarding,
covered walkway, and catch platform

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 Annex 03

Authorized person shall submit the following information

Item Tick if Information requested Provided

No. required (Yes/No)

 Site safety supervision

plan
 The name of technical
competent person and
their particulars
 Details of operators of
powered mechanical
plant or equipment
proposed to be used
 Details of the debris
disposal and
management system
 Details of the site
engineer

General 1. Details of the building owner

Information - Name

- Address

- Contact details
2. Description of site area

- Address

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 Annex 03

- Total area of land (m2)

- Local authority (Land belongs to)

3. Boundary Conditions

- North

- East

- South

- West

- Topography

4. Traffic Condition

5. Adjacent Utilities

- Above ground

- Under ground

- Utility plans available

Yes No
Ex. Electricity, Water, Telephone, Sewer, Gas
6. Adjacent buildings

- Structural conditions
Ex. No significant deterioration or damage to the structural element
or significant foundation settlement were observed. These adjacent
buildings appear to be properly maintained and would not be
adversely affected by the demolition of the building

7
 Annex 03

- Party wall and common features

- Presence of independent walls

Yes No
Physical separation between the premises and the adjacent
buildings
Yes No

- Details if available

Building Details
7. General information and dimensions

- Age :

- Use :

- Building foot print

- Overall height

- Floor to floor height

As built drawings ( Available/ Not available)
8. Structural System

- Structure
Ex. The building is reinforced concrete construction with
conventional slab, beam, column and rigid frame design. It
is supported on pile foundation

- Present State

Ex. The inspection reviewed that the building is well

maintained and kept in good conditions. Other than minor
cracks appearing on the finishing, no serious deterioration
or damage to the structural element was observed

8
 Annex 03

9. Special structural features

Ex. The building has cantilevered balconies projecting over
the existing foot path on xx street. There is no other special
structural element in the building

10. Presence of Hazardous materials (Yes/No)

If yes attach plan of removal off the site prior to commencement
of demolition work
Method 11. Information which need to be included in the method statement
Statement of - Method of demolition (with drawings if possible)
Demolition
- Excavator details and it’s movement restrictions
Work
- Demolition of exterior / common walls Exterior wall
(Descriptive
plans shall be - Lifting method of excavator

submitted - Demolition sequence

covering the
items)
Precautionary 12. Utilities disconnection
Measures 13. Covered walkway and catch platform
(Descriptive 14. Scaffolds, working platforms, screens and catchfan
plans shall be 15. Temporary supports
submitted Arrangement plan attached Yes No
covering the 16. Debris handling
items) plan attached Yes No
17. Special site safety

- Emergency exit

- Fire prevention
18. Training
19. Dust and noise
20. Maintenance and inspection
21. Emergency plan

9
 Annex 03

22. Post demolition

..................................... ...................................... ........................................

Demolition Contractor Consultant Demolition Owner/ Applicant
Engineer

Name Name Name

Address Address Address

Signature Signature (Professional Signature

Stamp)
Date Date Date

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 Annex 04

ANNEX 04

Flow Chart for Building Demolition Procedure

11
Annex 04

12