Being part of a construction project is fun. Nevertheless, demolishing an old building is much more fun. A building may require demolition for safety and health reasons or create room for a bigger and better structure.
Regardless of the reason, a demolition project is unique. The two machines that are required for demolition are a bulldozer and an excavator.
What Is Demolition?
We can define demolition as the act or process of demolishing; it is tearing down, knocking down, or clearing away a structure or part of it. These structures could be roads, parking lots, or old buildings. Other structures that may require demolition include prominent skyscrapers, multi-story units, and small residential homes.
Why Is Demolition Necessary?
There are several reasons for demolishing buildings and structures, including;
When buildings are not structurally sound or may collapse on their own, a demolition is necessary for safety reasons; This is usually common with buildings and bridges
When a building is outdated or no longer needed, a demolition is necessary to create room for a new project.
When a building is damaged and unsafe due to environmental impact, then immediate demolition is necessary. Usually, hurricanes, extreme weather, floods, and fires severely impact structures, thus damaging them.
All demolition projects require specific equipment and laid down processes for keeping both operators and contractors safe.
What Is The Purpose Of A Bulldozer?
The bulldozer is a classic demolition machine. It is necessary for pushing down walls breaking debris apart, and clearing rubble. The bulldozer’s blade is from steel and uses the machine’s horsepower to demolish concrete, brick, stone, or wood walls. Due to its strength, the blade is also suitable for clearing debris and making room for other machines.
A claw-like attachment known as a ripper is usually attached to the bulldozer’s back. It is necessary for loosening packed materials and foundations. The ripper is also suitable for loosening up main floors, roads, parking lots, driveways, and concrete-poured pads.
It is important to note that bulldozers are limited in their movement and reach. Therefore, you can’t use them solely for a demolition project. Generally, an excavator is used in combination with the bulldozer for tearing roofs and ripping walls down.
THE new Cat 340F UHD (ultra high demolition) hydraulic excavator.
What Is The Purpose Of An Excavator?
Popular excavators for demolition projects weigh 20 tons or more. Generally, excavators are great for lifting. They can accommodate different attachments like augers, hammers, and buckets that help with demolition. Augers and hammers are ideal for loosening up the soil and pouring concrete. On the other hand, buckets are suitable for lifting and carrying debris and pulling walls down. Furthermore, when buckets have thumb attachments, they are ideal for grabbing and moving large structural elements, including large beams and pipes.
During a demolition project, excavators and bulldozers work hand in hand to pull down structures and clear debris.
Article by KEP Services for cat truck parts in the North East UK.
What Are The Necessary Demolition Measures?
Building demolitions are entirely different from tearing down walls. Before commencing a demolition project, it is vital to carry out material testing and create environmental reports to ensure the safety of the demolition and prevent contamination of the surrounding.
Also, the place of communication cannot be overemphasized. Operators, engineers, and project managers need to communicate every day during the demolition project because demolitions require a specific technique to prevent unexpected collapse.
Other Popular Demolition Equipment
Bulldozers and excavators are not the only demolition equipment. Other necessary demolition machines include skid steers, long-reach excavators, and backhoes. Demolition projects may also use explosives, wrecking balls, and specific hand tools for delicate demolition.
Some equipment operators do not see the need to use extra PPE because they work in cabs. Nevertheless, additional PPE is necessary because demolition projects can pose a danger.
Noise Pollution and Hearing Loss
Demolition projects can be pretty noisy than a traditional construction site due to the sound of clattering machines, falling structures, cracking wood and stone, and sometimes explosion. Although some contractors do not enjoy wearing ear protection, it is one of the most essential and underutilized PPE in a construction or demolition project. A report from the CDC shows that about 14% of construction workers have hearing loss.
Breathing Protection and Nose Masks
Demolition sites also have more air pollutants like dust and mold than construction sites. Pulling down old buildings and structures pollutes the air with debris that, when breathed in, can harm the lungs. It is best to use masks and air filters to protect your lungs and chest if you often work on a demolition site.
How Demolition Equipment Rentals Make Demolitions Easier
The most challenging part of a demolition project is getting the specific machine size or attachment. This is not a problem if you are a demolition company because you know and may have the needed machinery. On the other hand, one-off or odd-job demolition projects may require larger excavators or additional equipment. Hence, the need for demolition equipment rentals. You can carry out demolition projects without worrying about the cost of a new machine that you hardly use. Therefore, for any demolition project, excavator and bulldozer rentals are essential.
