Controlled Demolition
• Crunching
Hydraulic crunching is used to demolish floors, walls, staircases and other reinforced concrete structures typically in restricted and confined spaces where there is a need to limit noise, dust, vibration and inconvenience particularly in commercial and residential occupied environments.
The first method deploys a two piston G – clamp which is mounted within a lightweight aluminium frame, having 150 – 300mm depth crunching capacity. This is placed over the exposed edge of the structure being removed. Powered by 3 phase electric units the pistons are forced inwards using hydraulic pressure which crush the concrete into manageable pieces.
Alternatively, the portable hand held hydraulic jaw cruncher (HCS-6) can be applied. The unit provides an almost silent controlled technique for crushing concrete or masonry into manageable pieces having a 150mm depth crunching capacity. Fuelled by 110v electric or petrol power packs, heavy jobs can be effortlessly handled on both internal or external structures. Its compact design makes it versatile enough to work within restricted and sensitive environments.
The HCS-6 Combi Shears are a fantastic and versatile piece of equipment that, with a swift and simple change of jaw type, can crush concrete and brickwork or be used to enlarge splits, cut through rebar or remove pipes, door jambs, fixtures and fittings swiftly, safely and silently. The Combi Shears are available in four different versions based on a modular system - one main body with four interchangeable tools.
• Bursting (Splitting)
Hydraulic bursting is silent and controlled method of inducing cracks for the removal of large sections of hard building materials including reinforced concrete, brickwork and natural stone where hydraulic breaking or various sawing techniques are not a viable option.
Hydraulic heads are inserted into pre drilled holes and pistons are then used to induce cracking, 2 sizes of heads are available firstly the CP110 (4”) which gives a pressing force of 110 tonnes or for larger areas the CP300 (8”) which gives a pressing force of 265 tonnes, this pressing force can easily be increased by using multiple heads from one 3 phase 415 volt power pack or alternatively a petrol power pack.
Using splitter heads is a similar and alternative method which is very efficient, safe and an easy way of mining, quarring, demolition & removing mass and reinforced concrete.
Holes are strategically drilled into any hard building material including reinforced concrete, brickwork and natural stone. The splitter head, comprising of a counter wedges & center wedge, is inserted into the holes and hydraulic pressure is provided by a motor, powered by electricity, diesel or petrol. The build up of lateral forces against the inside of the holes induces cracks in to the material. The cracking follows the plane of weakness created by the holes that were drilled previously. The process is repeated until the whole structure is fractured into smaller sections and ready for removal.
This method is typically used for removal of concrete pile heads when using the Elliott Method of removal. (Refer Pile Demolition section)
Advantage of our hydraulic splitter
1. Enormous splitting force up to 410 tons
2. Relatively dust free and near silent operation
3. Vibration free
4. Light weight – Easy Handling
5. Precision work
6. Always controllable
7. Ideal for confined/restrictive work space
• Robotic Demolition
Brokk machines are track mounted, remote controlled demolition robots that have changed the way many demolition projects are now undertaken.
Precision digital remote controls, now also wireless, allow these machines to be totally independent of the operator. With the operator at a safe distance, minimises danger from from potential hazards such falling rubble and debris, avoids Hand Arm Vibration and allows access to areas not possible with traditional methods.
The biggest advantage with these machines is their capability of going in to hostile working environments such as kilns or radioactive areas offering completely safe working systems for the operative. In extreme cases remote cameras have been fitted to the Brokk machinery and the work done by means of a monitoring screen.
Their versatility, all round 360 degrees vision and great strength is the combination that makes Brokk machines the ideal solution for the most demanding demolition tasks . They are available in a range of sizes, main ones being Brokk 50, Brokk 90, Brokk 180, Brokk 260 and Brokk 400, depending on specific requirements.
Although used predominantly with a breaker attachment, Brokk machines can be fitted with a range of tools and accessories including Buckets, Crushers, Steel Sheers, Sorting & Demolition Grapples, Scabblers, Cutters and Drilling Equipment.
Brokk machines are electrically powered which means they can be used in sensitive environments where toxic fumes and engine noise would not be permitted and can also access through doorways and be moved from floor to floor in ordinary lifts. If there is no lift then they can climb the stairs.
