by Aazdak Alisimo
The easiest and most direct definition of demolition is that it is the opposite of construction. What is demolition? It is the tearing down rather than the building up.
When we think of demolition we usually think of the process known as implosion. This is a controlled series of carefully controlled explosions that cause a building to collapse on itself and fall into its own "footprint." Most demolition, however, is done with more mechanical methods. Smaller building such as homes are pulled down by cranes. Large buildings are broken apart by large wrecking balls swung on cables by a crane. So, what is demolition? It is really any project that removes an existing structure.
One of the first steps in any demolition project is the removal of everything that is of value and can be salvaged. In a major building, this would include copper wire, insulating material, and, of course, any furnishings. Along with this preliminary work is the removal of anything that might create a safety problem. Glass would be removed to keep it from being turned into dangerous projectiles during the demolition. Asbestos is another example of a potential safety hazard.
The implosion method of demolition is always thought of as the method of last resort. Although skilled demolition firms can safely implode a structure, it is considered a safety risk and is avoided if conventional demolition is practical. When implosion is used, the building is stripped first and then the smallest amount of explosives possible to accomplish the collapse are placed at carefully determined locations. The idea of the explosions are to weaken key structural elements causing a collapse.
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