Demolition Hub Magazine - June/July 2024 by Demolition Hub Ltd

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June/July 2024 | Issue #23 Inside: Explosive separation of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA by Controlled Demolition Inc

DEMOLITION DISCUSSION With Matt Phillips, CEO of Downwell Group

CONVERSATION CONTINUES Join the NFDC, IDE, HSE and us in Glasgow and Bristol

UK, European & worldwide demolition MISSION: DEMOLITION

Hub focuses on saving Florentina’s life together with a united demolition industry

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Internationally, the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster in the United States put leading American demolition contractor CDI firmly to the test and we have an exclusive report on this successful post-disaster demolition inside this issue. Domestically we have never been busier. Between issues I have been out and about with Burke Demolition, SRC Group, Rabbit Demolition, Wessex Demolition & Salvage and Total Reclaims Demolition. I was also invited to Essex to meet the leadership team of Downwell Group at their HQ. Surprisingly, we had until now yet to have any dealings with Downwell. But that has now changed with Group CEO Matt Phillips being the subject of this issue’s key contractor interview the DEMOLITION DISCUSSION. It was a pleasure to be invited by the National Federation of Demolition Contractors to attend and promote their seminars given in partnership with the Health & Safety Executive and the Institute of Demolition Engineers – NFDC Talks: Intelligent Demolition Planning. Presentations by array of speakers including Jan Andresen, HM Principal Specialist Inspector for Construction at the HSE, Duncan Ruddell, John Lynch, John Woodward and Vernon Watson will be well worth your time, even if demolition is only a small part of your business. We have agreed to continue to promote the NFDC Talks on our channels, with the events continuing in Glasgow (12 June) and Bristol (25 June). One thing we are pretty good at is promoting and you may just have seen us make a big noise on the socials over the past few weeks as we put out collective energies into raising awareness of a little girl with a life-threatening cancer. It was on one of the aforementioned site visits that I learned of an employee’s very sick niece. This got my head whirring on the journey home, and with our reach and determination we are able to make things happen. She is a lovely little lady, and I was honoured to be invited to visit her in Great Ormond Street last month. So, at some point this summer we will be holding a football match as Demolition Hub FC against the established players from Total Reclaims FC at their home stadium. With pledges and donations surpassing £7,000, this industry has been incredible, I can’t quite believe how generous you have been, but she needs more. Please take a minute to read Flo’s story and donate at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/florentina-burton. Also in this issue we have our regular SUPPLIER TALK interview, with Amber Geggus, Director of Renewables at New Era Fuels, a feature on waste and recycling, a highly personal piece by Stuart Morton from Brokk UK, trees in demolition, British Demolition Awards 2024 info, a fantastic bespoke piece for us from Dr Terry Quarmby, as well as brilliant reads from our regular columnists Howard Button, Richard Dolman, Terry Lloyd and Richard Vann. This as well as an exclusive offer of discounted attachments and all the relevant demolition news. I hope to see many of you over the next couple of months, be that in Glasgow (NFDC Talks), Belgrade (EDA Convention), Bristol (NFDC Talks), Buxton (Hillhead), on site, or perhaps on the football field.

Ben Chambers Publisher, Demolition Hub ben@globalnews.media +44 (0)7803 844 806

PUBLISHER

Ben Chambers ben@globalnews.media 01903 952 648

EDITOR

Toby Wilsdon toby@globalnews.media 01903 952 645

COLUMNISTS

Howard Button Richard Dolman Richard Vann Terry Lloyd Dr Terry Quarmby

ADVERTISING SALES Ben Chambers ben@globalnews.media 01903 952 648

DESIGN

Nicki Chambers nic@globalnews.media Joe Bers joe@globalnews.media PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY Global News Media Ltd Suites 5 & 6, Chapel House, 1-6 Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1EX demolition@globalnews.media 01903 952 640

Demolition Hub is a proud supporter of the National Demolition Association

Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition Association and the Indian Demolition Association Demolition Hub is published six times a year. The subscription rate is £60 per year. Subscription records are maintained at Global News Media Ltd, Suites 5 & 6, Chapel House, 1-6 Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1EX Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Global News Media Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

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CONTENTS

EUROPEAN DEMOLITION ASSOCIATION NEWS

Are you ready for the EDA Annual Convention 2024 in Belgrade? High level construction forum addresses industry challenges EDA welcomes SHEARCORE as its newest member MOBICCON-PRO: what is it about? Housing crisis: solutions from Construction 2050 Alliance President of the PEDMEDE, Michail Daktylidis passes away Get to know the new RILEM Technical Committees

NATIONAL DEMOLITION ASSOCIATION NEWS

Transformative demolition NDA achieves progress on workforce development in a divided Congress Empowering Detroit through demolition

FINGER ON THE BUTTON by Howard Button

DEMOLITION DISCUSSION

With Matt Phillips, Group CEO of Downwell Group

CASE STUDIES

Controlled Demolition Inc: Explosive separation of Francis Scott Key Bridge HWM Group: Demolition of multi storey car park with clearance for groundworks

SUPPLIER TALK

With Amber Geggus, Director of Renewables of New Era Energy

NEWS

Footy fundraiser for Florentina Check it out now! Stuart Morton of Brokk urges men to get a Well Man check up NFDC updated HSE Demolition Guidance NFDC and HSE announce return of Intelligent Demolition Planning seminars

INTERVIEW

Art meets tech with The Artful Badger’s polished aluminium depictions of heavy plant

RECRUITMENT

Romax Solutions Recruitment & Manpower

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PROFILE

Artemis Tree Services – Expert tree care solutions for demolition projects

WASTE & RECYCLING FEATURE Introduction to Demolition Recycling Solutions • Total WM Recycling • Anglian Waste Recycling • HWM Group • Machines on the Market • The Collard Group • Reston Waste • Ward

EVENTS

Enter the British Demolition Awards 2024

OUT AND ABOUT

Snapshots of Ben and the Demolition Hub team’s activities between issues

HILLHEAD PREVIEW

Hillhead makes the connected site and autonomy real for all: • Brokk • JCB • CASE • MB Crusher • CDE • MDS • DEVELON • Paragon Bank • EvoQuip • Power Screen • Finlay • SMT • HD Hyundai • Sunward Europe • INMALO • Tele Radio

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OPINION

Terry Quarmby: The times they are a changing Richard Vann: How to dismantle a chemical plant for reconstruction on the other side of the world Richard Dolman: Are you chasing the Net Zero badge? Terry Lloyd: Making up for lost time

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ALWAYS IN REACH Industry leaders in design and manufacture of bespoke excavator equipment and modifications Kocurek Excavators Ltd. 24 Arkwright Road Hadleigh Road Ind Est, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0UB

t: +44 (0) 1473 217477 e: sales@kocurek.co.uk www.kocurek.com

news

NEWS

Footy fundraiser for Florentina

Ben’s sponsored head shave raised an additional £900 to the ongoing fund.

by Ben Chambers

Meet Florentina, or to all her new friends in the demolition industry – Flo. Florentina is a happy, determined and sassy little girl who is energetic, outdoor-loving and pony crazy. Three years ago, five days before Florentina’s fourth birthday, her family received the news that she had been diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that has a 50-60% chance of long-term survival, but also carries a high risk of relapse, which dramatically decreases survival rates. Demolition Hub is assisting her family and friends in fundraising for further treatment not available in the UK. Flo’s family has taken her to Rome to receive Car-T cell therapy and they need £253,000 for the treatment

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alone, before the further expenses involved. Please help us reach this target (and more if possible) to help with flights, accommodation & other costs. I went to visit Flo in Great Ormond Street hospital. She has already been through years of frontline treatment and has undergone some very harsh treatment including surgery, stem cell harvest, high dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. This summer we will be taking on Total Reclaims FC, the Midlands demolition contractor’s established football team, with a rabble of industry personnel representing Demolition Hub Football Club. We still need more players (plenty will want/need to be subbed off I’m sure) and we need a coach, sponsors and just about everything we can get in. So, to be involved on the day it will cost you £500. Please do let me know if you can be a part of this rather unique event and assist Flo’s family and friends in saving her life.

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NFDC and HSE announce return of Intelligent Demolition Planning seminars Our popular sessions are back for 2024. Following the success of the first round in autumn last year, NFDC and The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have brought back our comprehensive demolition planning masterclasses for clients tendering demolition works. Born from collaboration between the two organisations, with the support of the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the talks help clients ensure they are taking the relevant safety and contractual considerations for a safe and successful demolition project. Demolition is a highly specialised and skilled practice that can come with many potential hazards to be considered. Hear from speakers from the HSE, NFDC and IDE and learn what you should be considering when planning your next demolition project. Three sessions are being held across the UK. The first, in London, was well received; the remaining sessions are free to attend and registration is open now.

You will learn about:

Speakers

Pre-contract considerations: What you need to know before you start

John Lynch: President, NFDC

Contract clarity: Your responsibilities as a client Selection process: Choosing a responsible and reliable contractor Skills and training: How to know your contractor has the right skills for your project After this event you will be able to plan your next project with confidence, knowing you have made the necessary considerations for a safe and successful demolition.

8 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

Duncan Rudall: CEO, NFDC Jan Andresen: HM Principal Specialist Inspector – Construction, HSE John Woodward: Consultant, C&D Demolition Consultants Vernon Watson: President, IDE

Upcoming Dates Wednesday 14 June: Crowne Plaza, Glasgow Tuesday 25 June: The Aztec Hotel, Bristol

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NFDCTALKS INTELLIGENT DEMOLITION PLANNING In partnership with The Health & Safety Executive and Institute of Demolition Engineers You’re invited to join a free demolition planning masterclass and learn exactly what to consider when planning your next project. CPD points are available.

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news

Check it out now! Following his heart attack and cardiac arrest last December, Stuart Morton of Brokk UK urges all men over 40 to get a Well Man check Stuart is the Area Sales manager for BROKK UK and I know him as the man who books advertising space with us. He has done so since the very first issue back in October 2020. Our working relationship goes back even further than that, he booked ads with me for many years in another life pre-Demolition Hub. Stuart (and BROKK) is certainly one of the go to people I make sure I go and see at any live event. It took a little longer than usual

to get confirmation on BROKK UK’s advertising requirements at the end of last year and it was when I heard from their MD, Nathan Sayers, with the subject line of “Stuart” and to call him, I realised something very wrong was afoot. Stuart had suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest. This is one of the rare occasions I will put in something to this magazine not specifically written for us. For scheduling reasons this piece written by Stuart went to Machinery

Movers Magazine over in Ireland initially. Stuart then sent it over to me for further coverage asking if I would be so kind to push it out there and I did the only thing acceptable and called up Brian Coogan, the owner and publisher to tell him Stuart had asked to promote this with us. Brian was unequivocally happy with us rerunning Stuart’s story. Ben Chambers

HSE updates safety advice

As a result of ongoing work between NFDC, our members, and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the HSE has updated its guidance on

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demolition and structural stability during alteration, demolition and dismantling. The updates include a focus on the dangers of relying on scaffolds to contain a collapse, citing examples of urban demolition projects that unexpectedly collapsed into roads as a reminder of the need for proper, thorough project planning.

You can access both sets of updated guidance on the HSE website using the links below. To find out more about HSE advice for clients planning demolition projects, hear from Jan Andresen, HSE Principal Specialist Inspector for Construction at one of our upcoming NFDC Talks: Intelligent Demolition Planning in June. Book now on the NFDC website here: https://demolition-nfdc.com/events www.hse.gov.uk/construction/ safetytopics/demolition.htm www.hse.gov.uk/construction/ safetytopics/buildings.htm

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news

Stuart Morton and Donna

It’s all been a blur to be honest, going back to that day, 5 December. My colleague Steve and I had travelled down to see our process customers in Port Talbot, as we were on the bottle run for Christmas. Having finished and checked into the Towers hotel Swansea Bay, I decided to pop into the gym and Steve went for a swim. I did my usual run and then went onto the rowing machine. Unusually there was someone in the gym that night when, after a few minutes, I suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest, keeling over on the rowing machine. Adam, who was in the gym, raised the alarm and ran to reception, where Wendy rang the

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ambulance and came running down to the gym where she immediately started CPR and mouth to mouth with Adam. Next thing I knew, I woke up a week later in Morrison hospital having been in an induced coma. My wife, daughter, Nathan and family were around me and I was told that I’d had a heart attack and been asleep for a week. I was in intensive care and had had two stents put in on my admission to the hospital the Tuesday before. The fact that I had been in the gym meant my body was oxygenated, and along with the prompt response of Wendy and

Adam, this kept me alive and enough oxygen to keep my vital organs going in those vital few moments. Only now do I feel that I can complete the jigsaw of what happened that night, with my wife Donna recording the flashbacks, as I was very ill and got pneumonia in hospital as well. There were many moments when the doctors were round my bed, asking Donna to leave the room as they thought I was brain dead, or would be left with brain damage. I came out of hospital on 15 December, Friday night, sedated as I had a six-hour drive home, but at least I was going home. Daily medication, ongoing for life, as well as cardiac physio and mental health sessions once a week is now my regular life. After a few meetings, my consultant is saying that my heart is working 100% efficiently now, and if I manage my heath carefully, it’s looking like a full recovery. On reflection, I suppose I felt good before but probably didn’t have the healthiest lifestyle. I used to smoke and then vaped, but did always enjoy mountain biking on a weekend. But it still got me, and I would recommend the well man check available to all over 40 to check for blood pressure and cholesterol. Awareness of these indicators may not have prevented my heart attack but they were a major factor in my illness. I didn’t think my diet was that bad to be honest, but again this is now changed – a palm sized portion of red meat two times a week. I get better sleep and am generally a better person for feeling so lucky to be alive. I continue to thrive in our industry, but being able to go home to my family makes the recovery and the pain all worth it. This was my story and I want to use Demolition Hub’s platform to ask others to get a well man check to prevent what happened to me happening to them.

DemolitionHUB Magazine | 11

Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition Association

Are you ready for the EDA Annual Convention 2024 in Belgrade?

Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition Association

12 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

After months of hard work, we can now say we are on the final countdown to the event of the year. This year’s event promises to be an exciting gathering of industry professionals, featuring insightful presentations, innovative project showcases and valuable networking opportunities. Join us to stay updated on the latest trends in demolition, decontamination and recycling, and connect with leading experts and companies in the field. With more than 15 speakers already confirmed, each day brings us closer to an exceptional experience. Get ready for captivating case studies, interactive workshops, and insightful conferences at the EDA Annual Convention 2024. Join top industry leaders who have already registered and connect with prominent figures in the industry and showcase your brand alongside the most influential companies. Don’t miss

this opportunity to enhance your business connections. Also, experience an unforgettable Gala Dinner at Belgrade’s prestigious White Palace. Enjoy exquisite dining, entertainment and premium networking in an elegant setting. Secure your spot for yourself and your guest to enjoy a memorable evening. While professionals participate in our enriching programme, we haven’t forgotten their companions, who can enjoy an exciting tour of Novi Sad, located on a scenic stretch of the Danube River. As you can see the Annual Convention has a wide range of activities for professionals and accompanying persons. It is undoubtedly the perfect opportunity to discover Belgrade, meet up with colleagues and learn from other professionals. Don’t miss out on this key event – mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

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High level construction forum addresses industry challenges The fourth High-Level Construction Forum convened with 115 participants to tackle the strategic challenges currently facing the construction ecosystem. Despite being considered a reliable sector, shorter-term investments are met with pessimism, especially as residential construction experiences a slowdown. One of Europe’s pressing concerns remains housing affordability and availability, a key issue for EU citizens. The construction industry grapples with challenges such as decarbonisation, circular economy practices, skills shortages and rising energy costs. A year ago, the European Commission unveiled a transition pathway for construction,

outlining new actions aligned with sustainability goals. Discussions at the forum revolved around future EU priorities, particularly the digital and green transitions and the resilience of the ecosystem. Participants exchanged ideas on advancing circular economy principles, conducting life cycle analyses, mitigating environmental impacts and enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. Emphasising the importance of digital transition, they highlighted its role in promoting transparency and collaboration throughout the value chain. However, concerns lingered regarding the industry’s ability to respond to evolving skills needs and attract skilled labour, particularly

engineers. Moving forward, stakeholders aim to address these challenges collectively to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the construction sector. Learn more about this at https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/ documents/53854

EDA welcomes SHEARCORE as its newest member SHEARCORE, based in Wisconsin, US, is a division of EXODUS GLOBAL, an equipment manufacturer. Established in 2014, it specialises in producing equipment for the scrap recycling and demolition sector. Innovation is defined as a core value of the company. It provides equipment built for scrap metal processing and demolition, as well as crushing and processing concrete in primary and secondary demolition. SHEARCORE also offers used equipment for purchase in line with its commitment to recycling. A spokesperson for SHEARCORE explained: “Our commitment extends

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to our valued customers, trusted vendors and cherished employees. Driven by unwavering integrity, we ignite passion and ensure a journey toward excellence.”

DemolitionHUB Magazine | 13

Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition Association

MOBICCON-PRO: What is it about? The MOBICCON-PRO project introduces and demonstrates a systemic, circular and mobile solution in the region of southeastern Europe (SEE) improving the recovery and recycling of construction and demolition waste. The project combines physical solutions adapted to the ground with innovative selective separation and deconstruction technologies with a view to streamlining the recycling process. Its ambition is to scale up the production and use of recycled construction materials in the targeted SEE region. For its implementation, the project has received grant financing of 9.5m euro under the “Horizon Europe” programme. A cornerstone of the MOBICCON-PRO project is the deployment of a mobile pilot plant for the production of high-quality recycled construction materials and products. The mobility of the installation ensures its positioning

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closer to the locations where C&D waste is generated or landfilled and where considerable quantities are available for processing. The mobile plant could be compacted both at municipal and regional levels in areas where no recycling facilities are available, as well as at large infrastructure sites. The consortium encompasses four EU Member States – Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark and France and one EU Candidate Country – Serbia. One of the organisations, GLAVBOLGARSTROY, is an EDA member and is heavily involved in the project. A spokesperson for its organisation team explained: “We strive to accelerate the transition to a high-grade C&D waste recycling and to offer to the market firstclass construction materials and products from recycled content.” Those organisations and countries interested in the project can request to join it and support the cause.

Housing crisis: Solutions from Construction 2050 Alliance The Construction 2050 Alliance has published an open letter to address the potential solutions to the housing crisis which involves the construction sector. As the document explains, several EU Member States are facing a housing crisis for various reasons. A shortage of buildings and inaccessible rates are listed as the main ones. This exacerbates social discontent, as this problem seems to be persistent across Europe. The construction sector can be a powerful solution to mitigate the issue. European policies related to construction and housing costs, jobs and skills in the industry and economic framework conditions for new low-carbon housing delivery, are quite important. Thus, the Construction 2050 Alliance advocates, once again, for a forum to take stock of the evolution of the construction market and “reinforce its indispensable contribution in advancing EU’s environmental, social, and economic ambitions”.

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JOIN US AT HILLHEAD 2024 Explore the full range of CASE products and services, tailored to meet your construction business needs

25-27 JUNE Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK

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Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition Association

Michail Daktylidis, President of PEDMEDE passes away It is with heavy hearts that the EDA announces the sudden passing of Michail Daktylidis, the esteemed President of the Panhellenic Association of Engineers Contractors of Public Works (PEDMEDE), who served diligently from 2017 until his death last month. Mr Daktylidis passed away on Wednesday 15 May, leaving a void in the construction sector that will be deeply felt. During his tenure, Mr

Daktylidis demonstrated unwavering dedication and leadership, contributing significantly to the advancement of our association and the industry as a whole. His vision, passion, and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our community. On behalf of the EDA, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time of mourning.

Get to know the new RILEM Technical Committees The International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures, RILEM, an international partner of EDA, is delighted to inform you that three new technical committees were approved in April, as follows: • CTM: Testing methods for masonry cores. Chair – Rita Esposito, Deputy Chair – Francesca Ferretti • CUC: Carbon dioxide uptake by concrete during and after service life. Chair – Gregor Gluth, Deputy Chair – Susan Bernal • SDM: Scientific Metadata Management of Construction materials. Chair – Tanja Manninger, Deputy Chair – Fabien Georget

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If you’re interested in participating in the activities of these committees, please feel free to complete the “Join a Technical Committee” form. This collaboration between the

organisations, RILEM and EDA is based on the common objective of fostering and promoting international cooperation through general access to advanced knowledge.

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Making space by Larry Trojak

Every demolition contractor, whether by design or through experience, is an expert in a particular field. While many organisations tout that they offer a range of comprehensive services, there is invariably one discipline in which they pride themselves as being the go-to firm for that specific expertise. For NDA member Frank-Lin Services of Brevard, that area lies in the removal of structures long associated with the US space programme of years past. The company has demolished more than 80 structures for NASA, most of which were part of the space shuttle programme, and has also handled major demolition projects for the aerospace industry’s newest big players, SpaceX and Blue Origin. Frank-Lin is currently heading up the dismantling of the massive Mobile Launch Platform 3 (MLP-3), the platform used for the historic 1968 Apollo 11 lunar mission that landed the first man on the moon. Although small in size when compared to many demo firms, Frank-Lin has carved out a huge niche for itself as the old gives way to the new in space exploration. Mutually beneficial Established in 1990, FrankLin Services has been actively completing projects at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station since 2006. In that time, it has demolished many structures that

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hold historical significance in the storied space pantheon. These include everything from the original Mission Control building at Canaveral Air Force Station to Kennedy Space Center’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 to the appropriately named Mate/De-mate Device, which was used to load the space shuttle onto a Boeing 747 for transport. “We’ve been fortunate to enjoy the solid relationship with KSC that we do,” says Pete Charamut, Frank-Lin’s President. “The comfort level they have in working with us has allowed us to tackle that range of projects. In fact, just a couple of years ago, we completed the demolition of NASA’s headquarters building, which at 440,000 square feet [41,000 m2] was the largest demolition project the agency has ever contracted. “We do a consistently good job for them – compiling an impressive safety record of zero safety infractions, zero Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) infractions, and zero injury claims – and they, in turn, have a proven level of confidence in us as new projects arise.” It’s a family affair A family-owned and operated business, Frank-Lin Services, in addition to Pete Charamut, also counts Pete’s son, Frank, the firm’s general manager (GM) and one of its main operators, as a key figure as

Frank-Lin looks ahead. “Our future is our family, which seems to expand every year,” Pete Charamut says. “As our GM, Frank has already taken the lead on a number of our larger projects at KSC, and we plan to have him at the helm when I retire, some time within the next five years. Everyone in our family grew up around the business and are qualified heavy equipment operators. That includes my niece Melynda, our office manager; my daughter Carli, her assistant; and my other daughter, Lindsey, who is currently one of our regular operators. Not surprisingly, Frank’s wife, Krystin, is an outstanding equipment operator in her own right, excelling at all things excavator and processor-related.” He adds that even those without a direct tie to the Charamut lineage

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“Our future is our family, which seems to expand every year” are valued assets. “Some of our key employees, including Randy Burton, our Supervisor; and Keith Brooks, our Senior Lead Operator, have been with us between 25 and 35 years,” he says. “We not only appreciate the outstanding work they do for us daily, but we also consider them part of the family. We are truly blessed to work with the team we have.” Uniquely qualified The mobile launch platform (MLP) that is currently Frank-Lin’s focus carries with it a good deal of history. Built between 1963 and 1965, NASA’s fleet of three mobile launchers was used to transport

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and support the launch of the agency’s Saturn V and Saturn IB rockets. At the conclusion of the Apollo programme, the launchers were stripped of their umbilical towers and converted to MLPs. In that configuration, they supported 33 more launches, including those that led to the first docking of a US orbiter to Russia’s Mir space station in 1995, the first mission to the International Space Station in 1998 and the final space shuttle launch in 2011. New programmes, new organisations and new rocket designs prompted the eventual mothballing and subsequent demolition of the two MLPs. KSC’s decision on who to

award the bid for the initial MLP-2 demolition (as well as MLP-3) is based, more than any other factor, on qualifications. Ordinarily, a demo company points to its portfolio for proof of its capabilities, and FrankLin certainly had scores of examples from which to choose. When contending for the MLP-2 project in 2021, however, no one in the world could claim “mobile launch platform demo” in its list of accomplishments. According to Charamut, however, Frank-Lin had a decent parallel to it. “In 2013 and 2015, we demoed both of the flame deflectors on KSC’s pads B and A respectively, each of which was within a million pounds [450,000 kg] of the MLP’s nine-million-pound [4,000-tonne] operating weight. And not only were those deflectors close in weight to the MLP, but they were similar in structure. So, it was fairly easy for us to qualify based on that alone. “Another factor was whether or

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not the bidding company had ever lifted anything of that size. Well, we’d worked closely on the MLP-2 demo with the US division of Dutch company Mammoet, which, using support jacks, expertly reduced the structure’s base to approximately five feet [1.5 m] above ground height, making demolition possible. It’s important to note that NASA wanted the same team that had successfully done the previous MLP. So, Advon Construction, the construction contractor to which we subbed on both platform demos – and which is itself a sub to Boeing, the general contractor – now had proven qualifications for both demo and lifting. That helped secure the bid.” Lessons learned When the time came for work on MLP-3 to begin, it certainly did not

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hurt that Frank-Lin’s crew had a wealth of fresh knowledge from the structure processed just two years ago. Though there were some major modifications made to the platform – including those made by Northrop Grumman to accommodate its proprietary OmegA launch vehicle – the demo firm knew it would benefit from the previous experience. “Literally everything we needed to know about deconstructing a mobile launch platform, we learned on MLP2,” Pete Charamut says. “We knew the ideal girders to cut and exactly where to make those cuts to avoid putting stress on columns or trusses that could cause torsion or spring the steel box we are cutting up.” Unlike the majority of their KSCrelated projects, in which Komatsu PC 490s equipped with Genesis LXP-400 processors have been the real workhorses, Frank-Lin is

taking a different route to deal with the structure’s hardened steel – some of which can be up to 35-cm (14-inches) thick. “Instead, for the more manageable material, we are opting to have our torch crew make control cuts that relieve the heavy stress on the shears, then having the LXP make the finish cut and lift out the whole piece at one time,” Pete Charamut says. “It is very systematic and very effective.” On a massive job such as the MLP, Pete Charamut is quick to note that support is paramount, and the company has benefited from the solid relationships it has established with its equipment suppliers. “Everyone from Nick Georgi and Lance Boutcher at the Orlando branch of Linder Machinery, our Komatsu dealer; to Mike Ganier, the regional manager for Genesis Attachments; to Janet Paglialona

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at Boggs Gases, who supply the propane and liquid oxygen for our torching operation; has helped move this project along. They’ve all been great partners to work with.” Carrying a torch Like almost everyone working in demolition or construction these days, Frank-Lin is vexed by a seemingly nonstop shortage of skilled workers. For that same reason, however, Pete Charamut is also quick to praise his current crews, particularly those wielding the torches over one of Florida’s hottest summers on record. “It’s been interesting, to say the least,” he says. “This project was delayed for some 45 days at the outset, and in that time we lost the entire burner crew we used on MLP-2. That forced Frank to train a new crew of five people – including friends and family – only one of which had any real torch experience. I can’t lie, I was a little nervous. The early stage of the project started out slowly, but after a month, Frank had that rookie crew up to speed,

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and now we are actually ahead of schedule.” Having been in demo for as long as they have, both Pete and Frank Charamut understand the rigours of torching in the hot Florida sun. As a result, they’ve made accommodations at MLP-3 to try to help alleviate some of the challenges the torching crew faces daily. “Wearing a leather apron and personal protective equipment and holding a torch burning at almost 5,000° Fahrenheit [2,700°C] while cutting through heavy steel for eight hours is a tough day by anyone’s standards,” Frank Charamut says. “Doing it in 90-plus-degree [30°C] heat and a stifling humidity only adds to the misery. To help deal with that, we set up a cooldown station with a tent, fan, cold water and snacks where the crew can get a break when needed. That really helped. “We also have an air-conditioned container office available for periodic cooldowns. This is extremely challenging work; making the crew more comfortable only ensures they’ll do their jobs better.”

Nice recovery By project’s end, Frank-Lin will have recovered roughly 2,700 tonnes of unprepared ferrous material and 360 tonnes of nonferrous metal. The company’s fleet of trailer dumps and dump trucks handled the daily removal and hauling of material to Trademark Metals Recycling in Rockledge, Florida, located just 10 miles from KSC. As is common for them, Frank-Lin expects to have recycled roughly 90% of what it has encountered in MLP-3. “Just as it was with MLP-2, this project has been somewhat bittersweet because it signifies yet one more chapter closed on America’s premier space programme,” Pete Charamut says. “But these are also exciting times for what lies ahead here at KSC and if the demolition of MLP-1 should become part of those plans, we will be ready – and more than able – to do so.” MLP-3 became a full part of aerospace history in November 2023.

DemolitionHUB Magazine | 21

NDA achieves progress on workforce development in a divided Congress by Alex McIntyre, Director of Government Affairs for NDA

Following the 2022 midterm election and a series of congressional retirements, the political environment in Washington DC is more divided than it has been in several years. Currently, Republicans have a narrow two-seat majority in the House of Representatives, while the Democrats hold a oneseat advantage in the Senate along with control of the White House. As both parties in Congress remain deadlocked on their legislative priorities, NDA has been able to navigate difficult political waters to achieve meaningful progress on legislation to improve the nation’s workforce development system. Labour shortages and the

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growing skills gap in the nation’s workforce has been a prominent concern of demolition contractors and the entire construction industry for several years. These negative trends were only exasperated by the Covid-19 pandemic, with over 400,000 construction jobs across the country remaining unfilled since 2020. NDA member companies have faced unprecedented obstacles in recruiting and retaining qualified employees to work in the demolition industry. The ongoing struggle to maintain a robust and qualified workforce pipeline presents difficult economic challenges for contractors, both now and in the future. In light of these challenges NDA

has made workforce development reform one of its top legislative and regulatory priorities in Washington DC over the last few years. NDA has worked overtime to raise awareness among lawmakers and regulators regarding the negative effects that labour shortages are having on the demolition industry and economy as a whole. To stress the importance of this issue, NDA has met with lawmakers and White House officials, submitted official comments to Congress and federal agencies, and collaborated with other like-minded organisations in the business community. These advocacy efforts have got the attention of Washington

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policymakers and are now starting to bear fruit in the form of Congressional action. Both parties in the House of Representatives came together earlier this month to pass the first significant overhaul of the nation’s workforce development system since 2014. By a strong bipartisan vote of 378-26, the House recently passed NDA-backed H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act. This legislation reauthorises and updates the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which is the primary law that implements federal workforce development programmes. The bill makes significant improvements to the workforce development system to help address labour shortages, boost skills development, and provide resources for workforce training and education. Among many provisions, H.R. 6655 creates an emphasis on employerled initiatives that equip workers with the skill sets to fill jobs in critical industries, such as construction. It strengthens pathways for economic opportunity by emphasising workbased learning for youth, codifying a programme to help individuals released from incarceration transition back to employment, and enhancing workforce education programs at community colleges that align with in-demand jobs. It also modernises the delivery of services to jobseekers by directing states to periodically reassess whether their WIOA “local areas” match the labour markets and economic development initiatives of the state, while encouraging the use of virtual services and existing community hubs to reach more jobseekers at a lower cost. In addition to H.R. 6655, the House Education and Workforce Committee has approved H.R. 6585,

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the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act, which would expand Pell Grant eligibility to include high-quality, short-term training programmes and provides opportunities for students and workers to gain new skills in high-demand fields. This bipartisan bill is also supported by NDA and is awaiting a final vote on the House floor. While a strong effort is still needed to get these bills passed by the Senate and signed into law, it is encouraging that workforce development reform has been one of the few issues to see significant bipartisan support and progress in a bitterly divided Congress. NDA and its coalition partners have played an instrumental role in building support for this legislation thus far and will seek to capitalise on the momentum in the months ahead.

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Empowering Detroit through demolition

Local media take an interest in what’s coming down

Detroit’s urban landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, catalysed by the establishment of the Detroit Demolition Department in 2020. LaJuan Counts, the department’s director, recently shared with the National Demolition Association (NDA) insights into the department’s inception, objectives, community engagement strategies and the significance of its work for the city’s future. Prior to 2020, demolition efforts were disparate, lacking an official framework within the city. The department’s formation aimed to instil accountability and transparency, aligning with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s vision to address blight and revitalise Detroit’s neighbourhoods. Counts has been working with the city since 1997 and has a wealth of experience in operations and construction. This

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experience led to her appointment as director of the Detroit Demolition Department, spearheading efforts to create a cohesive and communitycentric approach. “Ultimately, they wanted somebody who would be responsible and accountable – somebody who the residents can communicate and have direct contact with to share their concerns,” Counts says. The department’s primary objective is to demolish 8,000 properties, part of a larger initiative that has seen over 22,000 homes torn down. Counts emphasises a proactive approach to address future demolitions promptly, diminishing the accumulation of blighted properties that hinder neighbourhood progress. “We have a plan in place where we’re going to attack houses as they come instead of waiting and letting

them pile up into large groups where we then have to repeat this massive scale of demo,” Counts says. Central to the department’s ethos is community engagement. “Part of our problem in the very beginning was addressing significant mistrust in the community,” Counts says. “They didn’t believe anything we said.” To foster trust and transparency, the department initiated extensive outreach efforts, engaging residents through block club meetings, virtual gatherings and city council sessions. These interactions aimed to dispel misinformation, clarify the demolition process and allow residents to voice concerns while providing updates on the status of multiple properties. In April 2023, the department hosted Detroit Demolition Week, inviting the public to witness demolition processes first-hand. This initiative not only educated residents but also aimed to enlighten city

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Detroit Demolition Department Director LaJuan Counts (left) with residents

council members and various departments, fostering a deeper understanding of the department’s operations and the community’s needs. “At the end of the day, we want everyone to know as much about demo as they can,” Counts says. “That goes to our transparency; we have nothing to hide here.” The department collaborates intentionally with organisations like

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NDA and plans to engage younger demographics by introducing construction and demolition opportunities to middle school students. Counts’ vision focuses on diversifying the industry, ensuring representation and opportunities for minority groups historically underrepresented in construction. Regarding the workforce, while the department contracts demolition work, it has encountered challenges

in finding skilled labourers and operators. Counts highlights the importance of fostering a positive work culture and inclusivity, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with past convictions. Notably, the department’s commitment extends beyond demolition; it aims to support Detroit-headquartered businesses, prioritising contracts for companies with majority Detroit resident employees, encouraging equitable participation and economic development. Counts’ personal commitment to empowering future generations, particularly young African American women, resonates deeply. Her dedication to showcasing opportunities in the construction industry echoes a broader mission to bridge gaps and provide avenues for under-represented individuals. “When I was offered the position, I took it solely based off of wanting the next generation of LaJuans to know that [this industry] is a possibility for them,” Counts says. Counts hasn’t heard of many other cities doing what Detroit is doing, but she’s aggressively looking. “Usually, when we encounter other cities, their demos are not for the same reasons,” she says. “They’re doing demos so that they can make room for higher end or custom homes. Our demos are much more geared to public safety in nature. They’re more blight-driven than for high-end development.” The Detroit Demolition Department serves as a beacon of community engagement, fostering transparency, inclusivity and economic development. Its initiatives not only demolish physical blight but also nurture a collaborative, empowered Detroit that other cities might be able to learn from.

DemolitionHUB Magazine | 25

finger on the button

The winds of change by Howard Button

The demolition sector is once again in the spotlight and with the demise of some prominent and well established companies, questions are being asked in the trade press with some journalists suggesting this is the end of demolition. I beg to differ. Yes we are all facing extremely hard times, reduced margins and an influx of non-core demolition companies entering the market. Is it time that we as contractors adopt the same approach and diversify further into the groundworks and refurbishment markets, a move that several large companies have already adopted? We have the foundations a skilled and dedicated workforce thanks to the vison and foresight of Sidney Hunt Senior in establishing the NDTG. This dedicated training 26 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

organisation delivers industry specific cards from labourer to contracts manager in partnership with CSCS together with a dedicated CPCS Demolition Plant card encompassing the particular needs of our industry. Despite all of the skills and training provided it is disappointing to see far too many clients looking at the bottom line of a tender submission rather than truly analysing the values provided by experienced demotion contractors. Thankfully I am starting to see a slow change while carrying out pre-demolition audits, with some clients insisting on fully accountable recycling and more importantly reuse of demolition materials to ensure they meet their carbon footprint commitments. These targets can only be met by ensuring a competent contractor with a fully trained and qualified workforce is duly appointed. The demolition industry is key to the survival of the construction sector with greater emphasis paid to redevelopment of brown field sites rather than green field or green belt development. We must face up to the reality that, longer term, the nature of demolition will change as more sites are developed for housing these buildings are far less likely to be demolished. I recently took a long hard look at the tower blocks going up in Canary Wharf and the thought struck me then, will these buildings ever be demolished? With the multiple

leaseholders involved the legal fees alone would add considerably to any further redevelopment. Are we looking at more repurposing of these structures – it’s certainly worth consideration. Where do we go next? I firmly believe that embedded carbon will be a key factor on all future demolition projects and consideration of planning applications. We need to embrace this and work together to clearly show our clients and those opposed to demolition that we can and are working towards reducing our carbon footprint. What other industry can boost 96% recycling of its arisings? The re-use market is expanding rapidly with some large players entering the market – steel, computer access flooring, carpet tiles and of course the old favourite bricks and tiles. We just need to tell everyone. I hope this article has given you all food for thought and we can move our sector forward. I may miss the next issue as I am booked in for a prostrate operation in early June. I won’t go into details in print but if anyone ever wants to talk about prostate cancer, I am always here.

If you have something to say and would like to submit a column for publication in Demolition Hub, please email: toby@chambers.media DemolitionHub.com

NATIONWIDE DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR WITH OVER 25 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE • Residential & Industrial Demolition • Collaborative Project Management • Committed to Demolition Excellence DEMOLITION | REFURBISHMENT | SPECIALIST CUTTING | ASBESTOS REMOVAL | AGGREGATES SUPPLY | REMEDIATION

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interview

DEMOLITION DISCUSSION

Interviewee: Matt Phillips Role: CEO Company: Downwell Group

Q Matt is the founding director of Downwell Group, establishing the business in 2003. It was his energy, determination and attention to detail that drove the business forward, and it is his ‘Strategy for Growth’ that has been the template for the company’s development. Matt oversees the activities of all Downwell Group companies, including Downwell Enabling, Inner City Scaffolding and Inner City Environmental, ensuring the group maintains a single standard across all brands, which is to exceed client expectation on every project that it delivers. 28 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

How did you start out in the demolition and dismantling industry? What attracted you to it? My introduction to the demolition industry was as a labourer/mattock man when I was seventeen years old. What attracted me to the industry? Earning £35 a day. I progressed to a machine driver, eventually being offered my first job on a price. My big break came when I demolished a hospital in Folkstone, where I managed to purchase my first machine, a pivotal moment in my career. From there on, I became a sub-contractor to some of London’s foremost demolition contractors. The progress of Downwell has come from determination, hard work and a love of the industry.

How did Downwell Group start? How has it evolved in size, scope and range of services? I got to the end of the road as a subcontractor, recognising the need to find my own work. Seeing a gap in the industry, I established Downwell Demolition in 2003. Since then, the company has changed name and is known as Downwell Enabling Ltd, under the Downwell Group. This recognises the far greater diversity and extent of services now offered by the business.

Tell us about your working culture. Is there a company philosophy or ethic? Downwell Group has a family company ethos, with daily hands on involvement. It has grown and DemolitionHub.com

interview

developed as part of the Strategy for Growth that I implemented in 2022, with new personnel at all levels bringing transferable skills and proven delivery experience that benefits all of the Group brands – Downwell Enabling, Inner City Scaffolding and Inner City Environmental.

What kind of projects do you work on most frequently and how broad is the range? Downwell Enabling has first and foremost been a demolition company since 2003, however as part of the Strategy for Growth we now deliver civils enabling works i.e. remediation, decommissioning, groundworks, piling, utilities and complex basement works, inclusive of RC elements within. A further development in the business is our continuing growth in sectors such as industrial and setting up our first regional office, located in south Wales.

What are the standout projects from Downwell Group’s history? Did they pose any particular challenges? There have been a number of pivotal projects over our 20-year history, but notable examples include the civils enabling works completed on behalf of Rainham Steel – a £5m project without an ounce of demolition – DemolitionHub.com

and the works we delivered within data centres – demo, stripout, civils enabling, complex deep drainage and hard landscaping. Another standout project was the demolition of HM Prison Holloway. The project was worth £3.8m and involved the demolition of all the low and medium height structures that made up the prison, inclusive of all asbestos and hazmat removal. All projects offer challenges that need to be overcome. The positive manner in which we, and our teams, respond to such situations has been the reason why we have so many repeat customers; they like what we do and we like working with them. We also use these learnings as part of our Training and Tool Box Talk initiative so that we are constantly upskilling the Downwell team.

What makes Downwell Group different? We actively seek client feedback, we offer client solutions, we constantly invest in new plant and we look to ensure best value. We’re not the cheapest, we don’t wish to be, we want to be the client’s partner of choice, with this decision based on trust and a willingness to work together to get the job done. Moving with a sustainable approach in all things we do is also at the forefront of our delivery approach.

How do you gain business and spread the word about your services? We talk to clients, we listen to their challenges and we develop unique delivery plans solutions that ensure we meet and ideally exceed their expectations. If we get this right, clients and members of the design team will look to use our services again and again. We are also actively engaged across our social media, developing a group marketing strategy creating synergy across all the businesses. This includes proudly highlighting projects we work on, our social value initiatives and key milestones for our staff.

What memberships or accreditations do you or Downwell Group have? We are members of the NFDC, Arca and NASC in term of trade associations, in line with being accredited to all the relevant industry standards. It is of paramount importance that we hold appropriate HSQE qualifications to prove to our clients that Downwell offers a sustainable service. Sometimes clients require us to have a particular accreditation, which may be sector specific, and as we hold a portfolio of SSiP certification e.g. Safecontractor, CHAS, Achilles, this is usually quite a simple process. DemolitionHUB Magazine | 29

interview

How you source new talent? Do you have any apprentices? We have always looked to develop our staff and we have a number of demolition apprentices starting with us shortly. We have a female apprentice starting shortly and it is always exciting to see the continued diversity within our workforce. She came to us via a recruitment event we were exhibiting at that offered the opportunity for those looking to get into the construction industry to actively engage with employers. We met with her and were massively impressed with how she conducted herself. She was very committed and I know she will be an asset to the business. This comes as part of our social value engagement strategy, actively seeking to work with the communities within which Downwell Group is working and giving back where we can.

Do you undertake ongoing training? We are constantly developing the competency of all members of the Downwell team to ensure that we are at the forefront of knowledge 30 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

within our industry. Our Training Manager undertakes Training Needs Analysis with all Downwell team members, tracking their training and competency levels and working with them to deliver their personal development aspirations.

also donated a variety of demolition inspired toys and high-viz vests to a nursery based in Colchester. This donation aided the nursery in winning a “Spring Has Sprung” award, developing a new play area in the garden for the children.

Tell us about any engagement Downwell Group has in the community We support food banks, not only in giving but also in volunteering. We also use the Downwell Recycling Challenge to educate school children in the importance of recycling; it’s a game in which children use remote controlled bulldozers to sort shapes into groups. The feedback from the kids, the teachers and clients has been great. On a recent project we supported the local community and the client Circular Economy requirements through the donation of office furniture to local good causes. As part of our social value strategy, we actively encourage our team to seek opportunities to engage with the community, giving back where possible. As part of our Richmond project, we donated parquet flooring to be restored and reused. We have

What measures is Downwell Group taking in regard to the climate crisis and sustainability? We are investing in new plant that meets ULEZ requirements and are using electric cars in our vehicle fleet. We are promoting Circular Economy protocols on our sites and delivering Pre-Demolition Audits to assist clients in understanding the extent of project arisings that could have an onward re-use.

How do you see the demolition industry developing over the next few years? The industry is not in a great position at present and the recent failure of a number of demolition companies does not send out a positive message. We are, however, confident for the future; we are investing in our personnel and plant and predicting growth for Downwell both DemolitionHub.com

interview commercially and in capability, especially as clients seek to cluster more and more enabling associated packages together.

What technological developments do you envisage will be the future game changers? Technology and industry equipment is moving on in leaps and bounds and how EVs will become increasingly involved at site level is a constant topic of discussion; indeed we were recently commissioned by a client to assess how EVs could benefit its future demolition programme.

AND FINALLY What do you do for fun? Spend time with my family and making memories What gets you out of bed in the morning? There’s always something to do What’s your ideal weekend? Ibiza

Do you have any notable projects in progress or in planning? Yes, but we have singed NDAs so cannot tell you about them as yet. All I can say is watch or subscribe to our socials for regular updates.

Do you have any regrets over the years? The only regret I have is employing the wrong staff over the years, which has held the business back in certain aspects. We now have in place a team of technically competent and experienced pre-construction and delivery personnel who are focused on who we are and what we do, and as the business continues to grows, so will our team.

How do you envisage Downwell Group in five to ten years? I see our growth continuing yearon-year, in both financial terms and delivery capability, with the company becoming the client’s delivery partner of choice and a recognisable UK-wide enabling contractor.

And what about you in a few years? I have no end goal except to keep pushing hard and see where the journey takes me. DemolitionHub.com

DemolitionHUB Magazine | 31

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Case study

Project: Francis Scott Key Bridge explosives truss separation plan Structure: Partially collapsed steel arch continuous through truss bridge Site: Patapsco River Contractor: Controlled Demolition Inc, of Phoenix, Maryland USA Client: Resolve Marine marine salvage corporation Significant stakeholders: US Army Corp of Engineers, Skanska Completion date: May 2024 Techniques: Explosive separation

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case study

When the MV Dali container ship lost power to its propulsion system and subsequently ploughed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the early hours of 26 March 2024, it made world headline news. Demolition Hub spoke with explosive demolition pioneers Controlled Demolition Inc about its work to separate the bridge’s truss from the ship, which the section of bridge was weighing down. See Demolition Hub #7 October 2021 for our interview with Controlled Demolition Inc’s President and owner Mark Loizeaux about the company’s explosive demolition of Miami’s Champlain Towers South after its partial collapse.

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The MV Dali vessel had been pinned to the bottom of the Patapsco River since the total collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland on 26 March. The US Army Corp of Engineers (USCOE) is responsible for clearing debris from the main channel; Skanska was responsible for clearing debris outside of the main channel; Resolve Marine was hired by the MV Dali Ownership and Operations company to remove the vessel and return it to port for offloading of undamaged cargo and removal of final bridge debris from the bow before being towed to a shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia for repairs. Controlled Demolition Inc (CDI) was hired by Resolve Marine as an extension of its contract with the ship Owner/Operator and their insurers. CDI’s task was to separate the truss from the MV Dali to permit Resolve Marine to refloat it

for transport to the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore for offload of cargo. CDI’s plan was to use explosives charges to isolate structural members in a 18-metre wide portion of the fallen bridge truss on the port side of the vessel, to remove the load imposed on the bow of the MV Dali vessel by the 180-metre-long section of fallen truss. The presence of combustible materials in the damaged containers on the bow prevented CDI from placing explosives charges in that area to sever truss elements completely. This resulted in a plan that would leave some truss elements on the bow of the vessel and some of the truss elements draping over the port side of the bow for subsequent removal with cranes. Given the damaged and twisted condition of the fallen DemolitionHub.com

case study

truss, extensive investigation and engineering design was required before precutting for placement of explosives charges could be safely performed by CDI personnel. Once that precutting was completed, placement of explosives charges and some at-source protection was conducted as wind/weather conditions permitted safety of explosives loading. Resolve Marine placed fireretardant blankets and a fire suppression water mist over the bow of the ship during detonation of the separation charges as a precautionary measure, given the presence of flammable materials. CDI detonated the explosives on schedule at 17:00 Eastern Time (22:00 BST) on Monday 13 May, just before low tide. CDI’s linear shaped charge separation system worked exactly as planned, removing the weight of the truss from the bow DemolitionHub.com

of the MV Dali, creating the needed separation that permitted Resolve to refloat the vessel on 20 May. CDI’s calculated peak air overpressure from the detonation of charges was consistent with that recorded on the vessel at the time of truss separation. There were no reported damages to either the vessel or its cargo as a result of CDI’s explosives separation. While CDI personnel detonating the charges remained on the fan tail at the stern of the vessel during the detonation, the crew of the MV Dali was isolated below decks in a soundproof room at the stern of the vessel during the explosives operation, without incident. One hundred and fifty-one pieces of linear shaped charge explosives were placed at 52 cut points in the truss. The linear charges were connected with a non-electric initiation system, which eliminated

concern for the high powered marine radios on the salvage vessels working at the bridge collapse site or risks associated with thunderstorms if an electric system were used. The total quantity of explosives detonated for the entire truss separation operation was approximately 142 kg. That quantity was detonated over 9.6 milliseconds to ensure initiation of all the linear shaped charges to sever the steel truss members, as needed, to accomplish total separation of the truss from the MV Dali.

If you have a case study you would like to submit for publication in Demolition Hub, please email: toby@chambers.media DemolitionHUB Magazine | 35

07990 007 538

Neil Fryer

07551 613 747

nfryer@ward.com

Case study

Project: Fareham MSCP multi-storey car park Scope of works: Demolish and clear site for groundwork stabilisation and construction Future use: Surface car park Contractor: HWM Group Client: Neilcott Construction Other significant stakeholders: Fareham Borough Council Start date: February 2024 Completion date: May 2024 (demolition), moving to groundworks Demolition techniques: Reducing Lift Slab sections between columns from centre of the building out, retaining strong points Groundworks: Constructing surface car park with fast charging points

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DemolitionHUB Magazine | 37

case study

“Being a multi-disciplined contractor in demolition, civil engineering and contaminated waste handling, HWM Group was ideally placed to undertake this type of demolition project” The multi-storey car park in Osborn Road, Fareham was constructed in 1970 using lift slab construction and it has presented its challenges for HWM Group over the course of the demolition project. All were foreseen, scrupulously identified and mitigated through modelling and calculation scenarios with specialist engineers. Demolishing multi-storey car 38 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

parks constructed using the lift slab method presents unique challenges compared to traditional construction techniques. Lift slab construction involves assembling precast concrete panels on the ground, then lifting them into place using hydraulic jacks on to columns to create the building’s structure. While this method offers efficiency during

construction, it introduces weakness and instability complexities during demolition. Being a multi-disciplined contractor in demolition, civil engineering and contaminated waste handling, HWM Group was ideally placed to undertake this type of demolition project. From the initial stages of bringing our group project teams together with all stakeholders, to planning how our own plant and waste handling services were coordinated, this ensured that the project ran smoothly, safely, on time and on budget. In addition to the demolition phase, HWM Group will stay on site to complete the groundwork construction of the new surface car park and installation of vehicle fast charging points. This work is due to start at the end of May and be completed by the end of August 2024. DemolitionHub.com

case study

Key challenges: Structural integrity Lift slab structures rely on the interconnection of precast panels and temporary supports during construction. The concrete is generally heavily reinforced with rebar. Demolishing these structures requires careful planning to maintain structural integrity and prevent premature and uncontrolled collapse. Working with specialist demolition engineering consultants, C&D Consultants in Liverpool, HWM Group was able to model critical load path transmission scenarios to ensure that structural integrity was maintained at every stage of the deconstruction process. Disassembling the lift slab components including the support columns in the correct sequence is essential to avoid compromising the DemolitionHub.com

stability of the remaining structure. Normally, the strongest part of the building is located in the middle, however, with the Fareham MSCP the strongest points were located in other areas such as lift shafts and stairwells located at the sides of the building, leaving the identified weaker points more vulnerable as demolition got under way. The engineering modelling provided a clear path to execute the demolition from the centre of the building by driving in to the middle and working outwards. Noise and disruption Demolition of multi-storey car parks generates significant noise, vibration and dust, impacting surrounding businesses, residences, and public spaces. Behind the Fareham car park site is a large shopping centre with retail unit delivery access via a service road at the side of the demolition site. There is a well-used

public library and a construction site adjacent to the multi-storey demolition site, together with access roads and residential properties opposite. Safety was paramount within such close proximity to live public and highway spaces. Scaffolding reinforcement and screening was erected on these busy public access boundaries with visual lookouts posted at critical stages as the demolition worked its way out towards the perimeters. HWM Group’s planned approach was to enter from the front of the car park, work in to the middle and demolish column sections from the inside-out in a horseshoe shape. Using pulveriser attachments with rebar cutters and a Komatsu PC390 high reach excavator, the concrete slabs were effectively munched away from the columns in sections to ensure that the perimeter walls of the car park remained sturdy during DemolitionHUB Magazine | 39

case study “This project sets a benchmark for responsible and efficient urban decommissioning of lift slab multi-storey car parks and the safe future development to enhance public spaces and services for the future” the works. Columns were removed only after the next interconnected section was deemed stable. This approach had the additional benefits of containing and reducing both dust and noise emanating from the site. Debris and environmental impact management Lift slab construction produces large quantities of concrete debris, precast components and metals that require careful handling and disposal. Efficient debris management strategies, such as crushing on-site and repurposing concrete aggregates were used along with our own waste handling division for scrap metals, wiring and plastics. HWM Group has its own recycling, hazardous waste and contaminated soil centre with a fleet of tipper and roll on/off hookloader vehicles, so around 97% of all materials were recycled or repurposed. Repurposing the concrete materials and segregating hazardous waste helped minimise disposal costs and significantly reduced the environmental impact of more vehicle movements to and from the site. Demolition activities on this scale can’t escape the release 40 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

of dust, debris and pollutants into the air and while contained within the outer structure for most of the demolition, effective dust suppression measures were deployed throughout to further reduce the impact on business users, shoppers and local residents. Collaborative teamwork In navigating these challenges, HWM Group worked closely with Fareham Borough Council and its client Neilcott Construction, collaborating in the planning and strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations. Demolition teams must collaborate closely with engineers, environmental consultants and regulatory agencies to ensure the safe and successful demolition of multi-storey car parks constructed using the lift slab method. HWM Group Director, Adam Blake, said: “The decommissioning approach taken by HWM Group for this multi-storey car park demolition stands as testament to HWM Group’s expertise, commitment to sustainability and dedication to minimising the impact on the local community. “As Fareham town centre undergoes transformation, this project sets a benchmark for

responsible and efficient urban decommissioning of lift slab multistorey car parks and the safe future development to enhance public spaces and services for the future.” With a new theatre development adjacent, built by Neilcott Construction, the old multi storey car part will become a surface car park with charging points providing parking for both the Fareham Shopping Centre and new arts facility. To watch videos demonstrating the progress between the third and tenth week of the project, scan the QR codes below.

If you have a case study you would like to submit for publication in Demolition Hub, please email: toby@chambers.media DemolitionHub.com

SCRAP MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE LOWEST OPERATIONAL COSTS HIGHEST RELIABILITY

interview

SUPPLIER TALK Interviewee: Role: Company:

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Amber Geggus Director of Renewables New Era Energy

Give us some background on New Era Energy The company began its journey in 1919 as an oil and lubricants company. Over the years, it has significantly evolved and expanded its focus. Today, New Era Energy is a prominent distributor of various fuels, including Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable diesel alternative. HVO stands out for its impressive environmental benefits, notably reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90%.

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What makes New Era different? New Era focuses on new, creative solutions while ensuring these solutions are environmentally responsible and contribute to a sustainable future. This year we added to our FuelBox range – an eco-friendly refuelling alternative to traditional fuel cans and jerry cans. In January we launched the 500L BlueBox – 500 litres of AdBlue® in a box. This packaging is significantly more sustainable than traditional IBCs, which are often discarded at sites and end up in landfill. Our dedication to sustainability is further demonstrated by our fleet, which runs on HVO, a renewable diesel alternative. By using HVO, we not only reduce our own carbon footprint but also help our customers lower their Scope 3 emissions. At New Era Energy, we truly practice what we preach, setting a high standard for environmental responsibility within the industry.

Tell us about your accreditations Our company is highly accredited! We’re proud to say that we’ve been awarded both FORS Gold and the latest ISO certifications, 9001:2015, 14001:2015, 45001:2018. Working with a fully accredited fuel supplier with highly trained and professional delivery staff will enhance the profile of customers’ businesses. New Era Energy is a proud participant in the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS), managed by Zemo Partnership. As a member, New Era Energy contributes to verifying GHG savings and ensuring the sustainability of renewable fuel sources for heavy-duty vehicle operators and fuel distribution. This underscores our commitment to supporting the transition towards low-carbon transportation solutions.

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interview

How do you gain business and spread the word about your services? We primarily gain new business through word of mouth. This organic growth is a testament to the trust and confidence our clients place in New Era Energy.

Tell us about apprenticeships at New Era We’re proud to offer apprenticeships that are designed to provide handson experience and professional development. Our commitment to apprenticeships has allowed us to be recognised, winning the Investors in People Apprenticeship Gold Award.

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Our dedication to nurturing talent was highlighted recently when the then MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon visited our site, engaging directly with our apprentices and witnessing our commitment to their growth and development.

sell to their colleagues. We chose to support this charity because one of our drivers participated in a fundraiser by swapping his bed for a sleeping bag to raise vital funds and awareness for over 6,000 homeless veterans in the UK.

Tell us about any engagement New Era has in the community At New Era, we are dedicated to community engagement by actively organising workplace events to support charitable causes. For instance, we recently held an Easter Charity Bake Sale in honour of the Royal British Legion, where employees baked sweet treats to

Tell us about your team and working culture Our team is our biggest strength. We cultivate a friendly, collaborative and fun work environment. Our employees are encouraged to share their ideas, take initiative and constantly seek ways to improve; all while enjoying a vibrant and engaging workplace.

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interview

Tell us about the products and services you provide With over 100 years of excellence within the fuel, oil and lubricant industry, we are proud to be the fuel solution for thousands of businesses across the UK. New Era Energy supplies diesel, HVO, GTL, AdBlue®, kerosene, oils and lubricants for fleet, commercial, plant, machinery, agricultural and marine applications. Our primary objective is to provide an unrivalled, nationwide next day delivery network for our customers, helping them achieve their sustainability objectives by facilitating the transition from diesel to HVO, a seamless replacement that requires no modifications. We’ve tailored our services to be able to give customers the best fuel solution for their needs. Our dedicated team are equipped to answer any question with extensive training and knowledge handed down by our board of directors. HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), is a fossil-free, paraffinic fuel made from 100% renewable materials. Produced from waste fats and vegetable oils, these are transformed into biofuel by hydrogenation. It is a direct drop-in replacement for standard diesel and can be used in all diesel engines, including in vehicles, plant and industrial generators as a more sustainable alternative. It is a cleaner fuel than regular diesel and importantly, is free from FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester – biodiesel) and therefore complies with EN15940 and ASTM D97 5 standards. Unlike biodiesel it does not deteriorate over time and can be used in temperature extremes. It has an extensive list of benefits and its versatility means it can be used across multiple applications, making your fuel transition simple and fuss free.

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AND FINALLY Who or what would you be in an alternative life? If I was good enough, a dancer Who do you most admire? My dad What gets you out of bed in the morning? Coffee What do you do for fun? Reformer Pilates, seeing friends and travelling where possible When and where were you happiest? Going to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand in 2019. Best day ever What’s your bucket list activity? Going to South Africa and going on a safari What’s your favourite food/cuisine? Thai food, always

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interview

Art meets tech with The Artful Badger by Toby Wilsdon

I recently sat down with Simon Skelton, better known as The Artful Badger, to explore his journey from welding and HGV driving to creating bespoke, plasma-cut, diamondengraved artworks of heavy machinery in polished aluminium. We chatted briefly about Artificial Intelligence and the potential rise of the machines – which he considered almost inevitable – but as we moved on to the main subject of the interview what truly stood out was his passion and pride in his intricate aluminium creations

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interview “Everybody and their dog thinks it’s no good because it’s free, but Inkscape is phenomenal, it’s a joy to work with” Badger, as all but the taxman and close family “when I’m in trouble” know him, learned the art of welding soon after leaving school and pursued a career in this as well as HGV driving. But with the Covid pandemic, things changed. He’d bought himself “a really cheap” Computer Numerical Control (CNC) plasma table about three years previously for simple jobs like cutting washers for welding to screening buckets. At that point, anything more than washers was purely a hobby for Badger. But it was when he cut a Mercedes logo, took it to work and to his amazement a colleague offered him £15 for it that he began to think about the possibilities. “We took the table to its limit. It wasn’t fast, it didn’t have all the bells and whistles that my latest table’s got.” When he was furloughed for six weeks, while many said they would learn a language or redecorate the house without getting quite as far as they’d hoped (mea culpa), Simon really did put his time to good use. “The other half said to me, ‘You’re not sitting indoors, find yourself something to do.’ So I went and built a workshop and imported one of only three, I think, Starlab CNC plasma tables in the UK.” His use of this “very expensive” machine, imported from Minnesota, soon developed and he found himself being asked to draw machines. “We were drawing these

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machines, all basic on mild steel, and it was all plasma cutting, no engraving. “And then people started to ask me if I could add more detail. I found a company in Canada that would supply a diamond tip engraver – which was not cheap. So I had that sent over and the attention to detail was second to none.” Badger uses the free, open source program Inkscape to create highly detailed bespoke line drawings machines from clients’ original photos of their machines in situ, outputting infinitely scalable vector images. “Everybody and their dog thinks it’s no good because it’s free. But Inkscape is phenomenal. It’s a joy to work with.” What look something like technical drawings are actually perspective images drawn by eye, point by point. “There could be

600,000 points on this,” he says. “You don’t realise you’ve sat there for a week and done 600,000 points.” The vector images are then input into Sheetcam, the Computer Aided Manufacturing package that interprets the drawings for the CNC table. “You tell it the parameters, the thickness of the metal and dimensions, whether you’ve got things to be cut or engraved on different layers, and then you click on a button that says generate G-Code.” It is the G-Code that tells the CNC software which way to move the plasma cutter and diamond engraver in three dimensions. Badger tells me about the positive human experiences he has had along this journey. Back when he was using the original, more basic table, he was making a couple of Caterpillar D9R dozers for Robbie

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interview Hunter of Hunters Plantweld to give as Christmas presents. It was a demanding job and the table suffered some technical issues. When he phoned Robbie to tell him that he wouldn’t be able to get them done in time for Christmas, Robbie’s first thought was to ask him how he could help him fix the table. “And I thought, you don’t know me from Adam and you’re willing to do what it takes to help me fix my machine. Not necessarily so he got his artwork but because I think he could see that there was someone, probably akin to himself, that started from nothing. Someone had given him a hand and so he said ‘Here let me help you.’” As a welder, Badger takes a keen interest in other people’s work online and in the flesh. “Weld porn, they call it. People look at welds and critique them. “For the first time in ages, the missus and I went on an anniversary trip to Paris. And what was I doing in Paris? Looking at the welds, rivets and decay on the Eiffel Tower. I was saying to the bloke, ‘When this gets hot on one side, does it move?’ And he looked at me as if to say, ‘No one asks me that, but yes it does. It pulls in the heat of the summer, and then it moves back.’ “If we go to a theme park, I’m looking at the welds on the rides and thinking I could have made a better job of that myself.” When customers receive their work, they are absolutely blown away by the detail, Badger says. Photos and videos can never do it justice, not least because as he tells me, “With a mirror finish, you’re always taking a picture of what’s in that mirror.” People say to him, “Badger, your work is fantastic, but we can’t tell it’s fantastic until it turns up. We unwrap it, we look at it, and then we go back to it again and find another detail that we hadn’t seen before.” Badger had a similar experience when he visited Hillhead last year, he

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says. He took a couple of examples of his work, including a Volvo 220, and was walking into the top marquee when he suddenly began to feel self conscious, aware that everyone was looking at him. “You’re not registering that you’re carrying this big bit of metal. I was thinking, ‘What is it, have I left my trousers undone?’ “I walked up to the Volvo stand and a senior executive approached me. ‘Where d’you get that?’ he asked. ‘I made it,’ I replied. ‘But who drew it?’ he said. ‘I did,’ I replied. “And I’m thinking I must be in trouble, it’s probably copyright or something. Not so. ‘This is amazing,’ the exec said. ‘I’m taking your details, I’ll be in touch.’ “So I walked out of there walking on air. It took a while, but he got in touch in the autumn wanting six more within a month or so.” Still a sideline to his day job at this point, Badger took a week off work to get the job done before Christmas and personally delivered them to Warrington, at the other end of the country. His contact came out to his van and took one look

and asked him to cover it up again, explaining that he wanted to repeat the reveal for a colleague. “When the manager came out he said, ‘Oh boy, you said they were good, look at the detail, that’s amazing. Who did that?’ Here we go again, I thought.” After Badger had explained that he did it all himself, the man looked at him and said, “Badger, I’m about to upset you – I need another six.” Although Badger already has the computer code to make repeat orders at this point, it’s the preparation of the metal that takes the time now. “Even when you buy new aluminium it still goes through the grades of the sanding process, finally buffing to a mirror finish. You could be working on a sheet for, maybe, three hours. It’s a lot of time.” The fine detail is both one of Badger’s selling points and his source of pride. “I absolutely love detail. With hydraulic lines I’ll alter the pitch, the angle, the distance between the lines. It’s less obvious on the small ones but on the big ones it absolutely comes to life.” When he was asked to reproduce

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interview

a 1920 road-going steam engine called Solitaire (see first page of this interview), Badger tells me how, halfway through the cutting process he’d noticed a line that was a few millimetres out. Faced with a half-cut sheet of aluminium that would be no use to anyone, he let the cutting process play out, put the error right on the drawings and started again with a fresh sheet. “No one would ever have noticed,” he said. “But I would have known.” He took both copies to the client, showed him the first and he was over the moon. “That’s not yours,” Badger said. “But that’s, that’s the steam engine, that’s Solitaire,” said the client. “No, that’s a second,” said Badger. “Why’s it a second?” the client asked. “I can’t see what’s wrong.” Badger carefully pointed out the error and the client said, “You could have sold me the first one, I’d never have known.” “Yes, but I know it’s there,” Badger said, “and I can’t go with that.” It is his desire to take his work to the next level and put the

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artwork in front of the big players that has led Badger to pay out for a stand at this year’s Hillhead. Until clients and potential clients see his work in the flesh, they cannot know just how impressive it really is. Not least because of the difficulty of taking pictures of fine detail on a mirror finish. So if you’re interested in reproducing your own machine in brilliant aluminium, whether for a corporate headquarters, a gift for a client or a present for a friend,

or you simply wish to see (and be impressed by) The Artful Badger’s work, get yourself down to stand PA45 at Hillhead.

Prize draw:

Win a 20-inch-high Volvo EC380 Follow Badger on Instagram, artfulbadger67, tag at least three friends, add the hashtag #demohub and you will be entered in the draw

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recruitment

Since being established in 2012, Romax Solutions has set a high standard when it comes to recruitment. Finding the best candidates is our driven desire and passion, we aim to meet the recruitment needs of a diverse range of clients within the construction industry. Being based just outside of London gives us easy access to service all clients throughout Essex, London, Kent and surrounding areas while also having the capabilities to support and service nationwide projects and clients. With a depth of knowledge, our experienced and trusted staff are on hand to deliver a bespoke service to each and every client, supplying reliable and talented staff of all levels both nationally and locally. Romax Solutions

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is fully accredited by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the National Federation of Demolition Contractors. These accreditations have enabled us to work alongside other NFDC members to meet their scope of needs on multiple projects. These projects range from small scale strip outs to large scale power station decommissions. We are also always keen to add new talent to our current pool of candidates nationwide. These include those from management level downwards, including skilled demolition operatives and even those just starting out their demolition careers. We work effortlessly to ensure all candidates are fit for purpose, including using accredited training providers to upskill our operatives.

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recruitment CCDO LABOURERS REQUIRED Oxford Circus, central London

360 OPERATOR (D90) REQUIRED Victoria, south-west London

Role: CCDO LABOURER needed for demolition works, soft stripping a project Rate for the CCDO LABOURER: £16 – £17 p/h, 9.5 hours paid

Role: 360 Operator (D90) required for a demolition project Rate for the 360 OPERATOR (D90): £21p/h, 9.5 hours paid

Requirements for the CCDO LABOURER: • CCDO Green / Red Card • Face Fit prepared (if required) • Full PPE (Safety Boots, Hard Hat, Hi-Vis, Goggles, Gloves) • Previous experience within construction / demolition • Good time keeping and willingness to work

Requirements for the 360 OPERATOR (D90): • Blue CPCS (Nvg Lvl 2) + D90 Class • Full PPE (Safety Boots, Hard Hat, Hi-Vis, Goggles, Gloves) • Experience as a 360 Operator and within demolition • Good time keeping and willingness to work

What we offer: • Ability to work through CIS / Self-employed • Weekly payments • Assistance in regards to progression within construction / demolition industries • Ongoing work for the right candidate For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353

What we offer: • Ability to work through CIS / Self-employed • Weekly payments • Assistance in regard to progression within construction / demolition • Ongoing work for the right candidate For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353.

CCDO BURNER REQUIRED Oxford Circus, central London Role: CCDO BURNER needed for demolition works taking out lift shafts and other works Rate for the CCDO BURNER: £21 p/h, 9.5 hours paid Requirements for the CCDO BURNER: • CCDO card and Oxy-Fuel Cutting certificate • Face Fit prepared (if required) • Full PPE (Safety Boots, Hard Hat, Hi-Vis, Goggles, Gloves) • Minimum of six months’ experience within construction as a CCDO Burner • Good timekeeping and willingness to work What we offer: • Ability to work through CIS / Self-employed • Weekly payments • Assistance in regards to progression within construction / demolition industries • Ongoing work for the right candidate For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353

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DEMOLITION SUPERVISOR REQUIRED Southwark, south-east London Role: DEMOLITION SUPERVISOR needed for an internal soft strip project to work as a topman supervising and completing works Rate for the DEMOLITION SUPERVISOR: £22 to £24 p/h, 9.5 hours paid Requirements for the DEMOLITION SUPERVISOR: • CCDO Blue Topman and SSSTS • Full PPE (Safety Boots, Hard Hat, Hi-Vis, Goggles, Gloves) • Previous experience supervising demolition projects • Good timekeeping and willingness to work What we offer: • Ability to work through CIS / Self-employed • Weekly payments • Assistance in regards to progression within construction / demolition industries • Ongoing work for the right candidate For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353.

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opinion profile

Expert tree care solutions for your demolition projects On all demolition sites it is important to consider safe and efficient tree care or clearance. Whether it’s dealing with large trees, protecting remaining trees during construction, or considering tree planting postproject, a professional tree surgeon can help. Depending on the nature and location of your demolition project, the specific tree services you require may vary. Here are some examples of the work that might be needed:

Arboricultural consultation: a professional may need to assess the health and stability of trees on the site, providing recommendations for their management or removal as required,

Efficiency: utilising advanced equipment and techniques, to minimise downtime on the demolition site. These efficiencies help keep the project on schedule and within budget,

Tree planting and landscaping: Following demolition, new trees and landscaping features may be desired to enhance the aesthetics and environmental sustainability of the site.

Preservation and restoration: protecting trees that remain on site or undertaking post-construction planting initiatives, they can help you maintain environmental balance and enhance project sustainability.

Tree removal: large trees may need to be removed entirely to clear space for demolition activities or to eliminate potential hazards,

No two demolition projects are the same. Each project presents unique challenges and requirements. Partnering with a professional arboricultural contractor for tree work on site can contribute to the overall success of your project. They can provide:

Southern based, Artemis Tree Services specialises in providing expert aboricultural solutions tailored specifically for the demolition industry. They work closely with demolition teams to ensure minimal disruption and maximum efficiency. Aaron Walsh, Commercial Director at Artemis, emphasises the importance of entrusting the tree care aspect of your demolition project to professionals. “While you concentrate on your core activities, our team can expertly handle tree work on your site. Let Artemis take care of your tree care needs, allowing you to focus on your project’s success.” Artemis Tree Services is an

Tree protection: safeguarding trees that are to remain on-site during construction to prevent damage, Tree maintenance: pruning or trimming trees for safety and amenity, ensuring they don’t interfere with construction activities, ensuring a safe working environment, Stump removal: after tree removal, stump grinding may be necessary to fully clear the area and prepare it for construction or landscaping, 52 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

Expertise and safety: to ensure that trees are removed safely without posing risks to workers and surrounding structures, Compliance: an understanding of local regulations and compliance standards to ensure that all tree work adheres to relevant laws and regulations, preventing potential legal issues and fines,

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profile opinion established arboricultural company that operates within London, the Home Counties and the south-east of England. It provides a one stop shop of tree management and specialist arboricultural practices which cover all aspects of tree felling and maintenance. Services include: Artemis can work on day rates or on a contract basis. It has a flexible workforce and can cover smaller, one-team jobs through to large-scale site management projects. Services include: • Site clearance • Tree surgery • Tree removal • Arboricultural consultancy • Tree reports and site surveys • Traffic management • Stump and root removal • Tree management contract • Risk assessment • Wildlife assessment

A little bit about Artemis In 2023, Artemis celebrated its 25th birthday. Founded by Simon N’Jie, the company has grown from humble beginnings to become a trusted and respected name in the tree care industry and today has over 30 employees. They were also proud to achieve 10 years of being an ARB Approved Contractor – only 2% of those in the industry achieve their gold standard for arboricultural contracting throughout the UK and Ireland. The company has also held CHAS Accreditation at Advanced Level for the last 10 years. CHAS is a trusted provider of health and safety (H&S) assessments, and is a widely recognised and trusted scheme, demonstrating that the company maintains the highest standards of risk management. The company works with high profile commercial and construction clients such as The Careys Group,

Barratt Homes, Balfour Beatty, Mace and J Mould. They also work closely with local councils such as Three Rivers, Harrow and Ealing as well as many schools, hospitals and housing associations. 100% Recycled As an environmentally aware company, Artemis respects the surroundings it works in and maintains an effective environmental management system that meets the requirements of ISO 14001:2004. It removes and recycles 100% of all resulting brushwood and logs as biofuel, firewood and compost. The Artemis Academy Artemis also runs the Artemis Academy, set up to set up as a strategic response to the challenges of recruiting skilled individuals. The Artemis Academy twoyear apprenticeship scheme was established in 2019 to train a new generation of tree surgeons to its own high standards. With practical on-the-job experience, classroom instruction and crucial qualifications recognised across the industry it produces some of the best newly qualified arborists in the business.

Why not talk to Artemis about your next demolition project and how they can support you with their expertise. Go to the Artemis website at www.artemistreeservices.com, call directly for a quote on 0808 389 9418 or email office@artemistreeservices.com DemolitionHub.com

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waste & recycling

Demolition Recycling Solutions A joint venture by Ben Chambers & Howard Button I think it is important to begin the story of DRS with the start of my relationship with Howard Button. It was always a genuine pleasure to see Howard at an industry do, which probably happened a good half-dozen times each year at one awards do or another, exhibition or conference. Howard is always quick to mention something away from demolition and out of left field, bringing a laugh as well as then discussing the current demolition industry talking point. It is safe to say we had a pleasant enough relationship while he was CEO of the NFDC. I couldn’t then have referred to him as a friend, but he is immensely likable, helpful and knew who we were even from the early days of Demolition Hub. But there was not a lot more than that in terms of a working relationship; almost all NFDC queries went through marketing and apart from a well-mannered Christmas letter, those meetings were the extent of our dealings.

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It is safe to say that our relationship has somewhat ramped up upon Howard leaving his position as the CEO of the NFDC, brought about by me targeting him to come and write for us. He was my number one target to join our industry experts, his decades of demolition knowledge, respect from the global industry and likeability making him the must get contributor to this magazine. With his third successive column in this publication, this initially reluctant industry stalwart and oracle of demolition opinion continues to be a part of what we are doing. Through his work with us over the past six months we have met up more than ever, with planned meetings in both Kings Langley and Worthing rather than the former ad-hoc encounters. We like and trust one another and from this the basis of what is now Demolition Recycling Solutions came to fruition. Howard, like me, is an ideas

man and we have plenty of scribbled-upon pieces of paper that we have discussed; do not expect his writing in Demolition Hub and DRS to be the end, merely the beginning. To ensure the demolition sector meets and exceeds its climate change commitments, Demolition Recycle Solutions is the ideal platform to help contractors quickly and easily find outlets to reclaim, recycle, or if necessary, dispose of waste. Use DRS to identify the most efficient and eco-friendly waste solution for all demolition debris. Use our technology to locate the nearest recycling centres using simple post code search for almost any material. In case we have missed anything, there is also an option to recommend additional materials and further outlets. Together we can reduce waste to landfill at the same time as cutting demolition contractors’ transport and disposal costs, ensuring the future of the demolition industry is fully sustainable.

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waste & recycling

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waste & recycling

WASTE & RECYCLING FEATURE Total WM

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Total WM specialises in the recycling and recovery of all types and differing compositions of ferrous and nonferrous metals. We are passionate about ensuring that each of the waste streams that we handle on behalf of our clients are managed

in accordance with the upper and more sustainable end of the waste hierarchy as well as providing a service which limits any wider environmental and carbon impact. We offer all clients a bespoke and individually tailored service designed

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waste & recycling to fit your material and specific requirements including providing the right containers for the job and site constraints. We provide a fully maximised financial return through the development of unique, highly efficient, and innovative solutions to meet your needs and project requirements. This includes timed delivery and collection of bins, skips and ROROs designed around your project timescales and the sensitivities of the local residential community. In addition to the above we also offer full peace of mind that the scrap metal tonnage given and loaded to us at pickup remains at exactly the same weight on arrival at any of our sites. All of our vehicles are equipped

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with live GPS tracking systems, which allows the transport office to monitor their location, routes, movement and stationary downtime throughout the day. Front, rear and side facing cameras as well as in the driver’s cab ensure that any material cannot be displaced before it enters our facilities without the company’s knowledge. To provide further material security our vehicles now have onboard and fully calibrated weighing systems that allow the driver to weigh the load and provide a printed ticket to personnel on site before leaving the demolition project location; this ensures that the tonnage picked up on site is identical to that unloaded at our recycling and processing facilities. In spring 2023 we became one of the first scrap metal recycling companies operating in the UK to purchase and install a fully electric shear marking a significant transition away from the use of fossil-based diesel plant and machinery and the main cause of our Scope 1 carbon emissions. At a cost of around £3m the new Leimbach 1400 can cut through large volumes of scrap metal quickly and efficiently, processing upwards of 500 tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals per day without the noise and carbon emissions generated by our previous shear. For our demolition clients this new shear now enables us to process a wealth of material, irrespective of shape and size, that we may have previously been unable to treat. The vast array of capabilities offered by the new electric shear as well as the wide range of services that we offer enables us to provide unique solutions to every demolition project whatever its scale, complexity and constraints. At the end of April 2024 we achieved FORS GOLD status, becoming one of only a handful of scrap metal and waste management companies throughout the UK to achieve this accolade.

This achievement cements our commitment to higher operational standards and safer working practices not only throughout our transport and logistics fleet but throughout the whole of our working practices and environmental sustainability objectives.

As you can see, Total WM offers the demolition sector fully bespoke, secure and auditable solutions to all demolition projects regardless of their size and complexities having developed our service and business to suit the sectors specific needs including: • Site surveys (FOC) prior to collection to classify the material – no hidden downgrades • Calibrated on-board weighing systems • Printed tickets detailing tonnage and material types prior to leaving site • Live GPS tracking on all vehicles • 360° cameras including within the driver’s cab • Full range of containers including – skips, bulkers, ROROs and flatbeds • Timed collection and exchanges • Bespoke reporting • Dedicated account handler • FORS GOLD certified company

Please give us a call on 0800 888 6825 or email info@twm.co.uk – we look forward to hearing from you. If you can demolish it, we can recycle it. Let’s do it together.

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waste & recycling Anglian Waste Recycling

East Anglia’s fastest growing waste management company and metal recycling facility Anglian Waste Recycling is helping businesses across the region to reduce costs, recycle more and improve their environmental credentials. The Anglian Group has been associated with the waste sector for more than 17 years, based on its heritage in the demolition industry which has a natural synergy with waste disposal. Today, the group includes Anglian Demolition and Asbestos, Anglian Waste Recycling, Anglian Scaffolding, Anglian Earthworks and Remediation, Anglian Metal Recycling and Anglian Skip Hire. Anglian has always been mindful of how much waste the company itself produces and aims to recycle

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as much debris and waste from projects as possible to reduce the impact on the environment. Over the last five years Anglian has developed a dedicated waste division, which operates from a licenced 10-acre site in Attleborough, Norfolk. Alongside processing materials generated by the business’s demolition division, the facility provides a total waste management solution for clients, enabling them to dispose of commercial waste responsibly and without it going to landfill. Ryan Marshall (left), Waste and Recycling Director at Anglian, said: “Anglian Waste Recycling has grown significantly in the past five years, from just processing waste from our own Anglian projects to now providing commercial waste collections for hundreds of businesses across the region. Expansion into this area has seen us grow our service offering to include everything from wheelie bins and cardboard compacters to skips and ROROs, enabling us to take all waste streams and in any volume.” Anglian Waste Recycling also includes a metal recycling division, which specialises in buying, processing and selling over 20,000 tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals each year. By recycling waste or transforming it into raw materials and resources to be looped back into the circular economy, Anglian is committed to helping significantly reduce the impact of commercial waste on the environment. The waste process at Anglian is transparent and traceable, enabling the company to show clients exactly where it goes. Within each client contract, Anglian provides live

information on collections, as well as regular reporting to highlight how much waste has been recycled, and the levels of bio-energy and RDF generated. These reports provide an opportunity for clients to review progress, set new targets and identify additional ways to recycle more, which can ultimately also help to reduce costs. Education is another key part of Anglian’s dedication to helping clients to maximise their recycling, with dedicated training and signage provided as bins are rolled out to help segregate as much waste as possible directly at source. The company has also set up and operates a green scheme for local schools to engage with and educate the next generation of business owners. Anglian prides itself on providing a local service, with each client given a dedicated contact within the business who provides help and support throughout the contract. Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses looking to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce the impact of waste on the environment and save money. To find out more, see: www.anglianrecycling.co.uk.

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waste & recycling HWM Group HWM Group is a Hampshirebased company providing a comprehensive, full cycle range of demolition, waste handling, contaminated soil and groundworks contracting services. HWM Limited was set up to handle the requirements of the group’s busy demolition and groundworks business, which was mainly involved in brownfield development with contamination a factor in almost every job. Waste material that needed to be treated before it could go back into the recycled aggregate supply chain would often end up in landfill or had to travel almost 100 miles to a treatment facility. Setting up HWM’s own soil treatment facility was the logical solution to ensure that as much concrete and soil waste coming from its demolition and groundwork sites was recovered and that an absolute minimum went to landfill, enabling clients to achieve their own sustainability objectives. Fifteen years on, HWM Ltd is providing soil treatment services to a solid client base across many sectors including other demolition companies, civil engineers, MOD and spill response, to name a few. HWM Director, Adam Blake said “Our bespoke treatment facility for contaminated concrete and soils is in a ‘one of one’ class in the south of England and offers an alternative to landfill for contractors for whom TPH or heavy metal contamination is a problem. “The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has caused an increase in enquiries from local councils on the demolition side

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of the business. This, in turn, has led to an increase in the enquiries we have received as developers start to make the vision a reality. “Regeneration is what provides the most contaminated material for our soil treatment facility. Landfill is no longer the only option and we are proud to be offering a service that clears approximately 9698% of material into the recycled aggregate sector”. HWM’s waste soil facility HWM Ltd’s soil treatment facility is located in Hampshire, close to the M3 motorway, for processing soils impacted with heavy metal and hydrocarbons. Once the material has undergone HWM’s unique treatment process it is redeployed into the construction industry in accordance with the WRAP Protocol. The facility has a full Environment Agency (EA) Permit and is regularly

audited to ensure compliance. HWM’s in-house chemist and TCM ensure that material coming in for treatment is acceptable. HWM’s specialist equipment has been expertly designed to achieve ‘end of waste’ status for material in order to avoid unnecessary disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous soils in landfill. The process begins with soil testing and analysis. HWM Ltd offers soil investigation services – providing a range of analyses including hydrocarbons, phenols, asbestos identification, volatile organic compounds and metals. WAC tests for leachate can also be provided as per the Landfill Directive. Under the EU Waste Framework Directive, all soil removed from a site is classified as waste, even if the intention is to return it to the site. The identity of any hazardous properties needs to be considered

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waste & recycling

in order that the waste can be classified. To establish if the waste has any hazardous properties, it must be subjected to robust chemical analysis and waste can only be classified as either Hazardous or Non-Hazardous. As part of its seamless Contaminated Soil Service, HWM has its own fleet of tippers for transporting waste to its facility, which gives clients added confidence and control. HWM provides full waste transportation documentation and meticulous record-keeping as standard. Soil treatment Due to legislation and rising landfill costs, industry must become cleaner and more efficient. HWM Ltd achieves these goals by reprocessing and re-using soil, whatever its origin. It is committed to sustainability, treating and

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re-using surplus and technically inferior soils that in the UK would be sent to landfill at considerable cost to the environment and the client. It recovers, re-uses and recycles contaminated materials and 20232024 figures show 98% has been successfully recycled. These services are environmentally relevant to brownfield sites, spill response and all projects with contaminated land. HWM Ltd offers a full soil and land remediation service as part of its comprehensive contracting service, always seeking out the best option for providing cost-effective solutions. The golden thread running through all its processes is firmly based on the principles of sustainable development to protect and enhance the environment. HWM Group offers its soil treatment expertise both as a standalone waste handling service and as an integral part of its demolition

and civil engineering services. The company has recently gained CHAS Elite Accreditation, the UK’s leading provider of compliance and risk management solutions, by demonstrating compliance across 13 risk management areas, including health and safety, equality and diversity and modern slavery. Demolition and civil engineering services Key management staff ensure full regulatory compliance with fully integrated management systems in place throughout. Registration with National Quality Assurance (NQA) training, National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) training and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ensure working practices are fully compliant with demolition industry and waste handling standards.

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waste & recycling Machines on the Market Richard Cross, owner of Machines on The Market.com has always been passionate about machinery. After an eight-year career in the Grenadier Guards, Richard moved into the waste industry in 1998 and through a variety of positions became Contracts Director for Cheshire West and Chester Council, running the refuse and waste department. The position saw Richard overseeing around 800 staff and 500 vehicles. Richard’s interest in recycling took him to develop and create his first company, Future Recycling, in 2000. The company was one of the first in the UK to start exporting waste around the world. This involved different waste types, including PET and production waste. Future Recycling introduced Richard to the forestry side of recycling and saw him moving to work for Vermeer UK, before moving to a multi-brand UK dealership, to handle the sales of large machinery. It was during his time here that he met Louise

Louise Bradshaw-Black

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Richard Cross

Bradshaw-Black, who was at the time the Marketing Manager. Louise is a noted industry marketer, having developed the UK image of international brands such as Pronar, Anaconda, SANY and Bandit Industries to name but a few. After a substantial time in the waste and recycling industry, with experience of a multitude of machine types, Richard saw a gap in the market where his expert knowledge could be put to use. Richard says: “I looked at various business models that were live in the sector and thought there was a better way of doing it, a more transparent way so that both the customer and purchaser retain the true value of the machine, as well as providing a way to move machinery on as fast as possible. Machines sat in a yard waiting to be sold can cost a company as much or more than machine down time.” In 2021, Machines on The Market (machinesonthemarket.com) was created. The website offers one of the most diverse selections of machinery available and caters for all customer requirements. From tyre recyclers, all the way through to customers who recycle WEE, washing machines or fridges, there is machinery available that will help and if ever something isn’t on the website, a phone call to

Richard will see him pull together contacts to provide the machinery needed. Richard says: “We are constantly looking to help our customers sell

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waste & recycling their machines in the worldwide marketplace and ensure our customers get best price for their machines, more than they would get for a trade in and considerably more than if they sent the machine to auction. We are always on the lookout for new machines and continually endeavour to match buyers with sellers, ensuring the sales turn around is as fast as possible.” In August 2023, Louise joined Machines on The Market in the role of Creative Director. Louise says: “I was delighted to join Richard and develop what was already a very successful waste and recycling company. Both of us saw the huge potential to open up additional divisions so we introduced six new categories, as well creating a whole new look and rebrand for the company. Construction and

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demolition has been a huge part of my career and something I was passionate about expanding, as well as introducing other areas such as crushing and screening, which go hand in hand with the construction side. We want to help both brands and sellers. By coming to us instead of sending a machine to auction, we are creating a stable residual value for brands.” The last few months has seen the company grow at a rapid rate, gaining an impressive reputation in the industry. The company has gone from £14m of stock to £34.5m, with spring 2024 alone having seen around 500 new machines being added to the website. Richard says: “Having Louise on board has taken us to the next level and we are hungry to keep on growing. We want people to think of

us the minute they want to buy or sell and our aim is to be the largest UK machinery reseller within the next 12 months. We are often moving machines so fast that they don’t even reach the website, it’s sold with just a phone call.” Louise says: “The passion for machinery that Richard and I share reflects in our success. Because we cover all machinery sectors, we are literally a one stop shop. Whatever the requirements or budget, we can fulfil and we also never stop. Customers can reach either of us 24/7, regardless of it being weekends, Christmas or bank holidays. That level of service and commitment is unrivalled elsewhere.” The company offers free evaluation, diverse and wide markets for all sorts of niche machinery, regardless of condition or age.

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waste & recycling The Collard Group The Collard Group is celebrating its 30th anniversary year. Having been established in 1994 as a sole trader business it has grown into one of the largest privately owned demolition companies in the UK and waste management businesses in the south of England. Central to this success is our adoption of circular economy practices, which result in us diverting around 98% of construction, demolition, industrial and domestic waste from going to landfill sites. In demolition it works like this: we demolish a building and prepare the remaining land for future development. Meanwhile, we transport the demolition waste to one of our nine recycling centres and urban quarry, turn it into premium recycled aggregates and awardwinning ready-mix concrete and return it to the same site for reuse in construction. We refer to this circular economy approach as ‘recycling the past for the future’ and it permeates everything we do.

done in-house to minimise waste, maximise recycling rates and achieve our zero-waste-to-landfill goal. Our nine recycling centres in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire can process one million tonnes of waste annually, with over half of that being construction and demolition waste. Robert explained: “We demolish buildings, process the arisings and return materials in a different format for alternative use. This approach ensures high service and quality standards and reduces costs for our customers as they don’t have to buy virgin materials. It also allows us to track the entire journey of our customers’ waste from start to finish, which helps them measure and reduce their impact on the environment.”

tonnes of ready-mix concrete annually using around 20% of the 600,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste processed at our nine recycling centres. We were one of the first companies in the UK to produce a range of BSEN206 8500 standard ready-mix concrete using recycled aggregates, and we were externally recognised for this at the National Recycling Awards.

The role of technology Technology has provided us with advanced data collection, analysis and reporting tools. We gather information at every stage of the Where it all began waste journey so our customers can Our founder and MD, Robert Collard, understand, demonstrate and reduce was exposed to the merits of making their carbon footprint. waste useful again from an early Our vehicles – and those driving age. The Collard family was active Investment is the enabler them – are equipped with innovative in farming in the 40s and 50s and We typically invest around £8m yearly software and devices that record routinely collected food waste from in fleet, plant, technology and training all interactions, from logging vehicle high-end restaurants in places like to enable us to bring our circular journeys and accurately weighing Park Lane in London to reuse in economy ambitions to life. waste to automatically issuing waste animal feed. One of our most significant recent transfer notes. Although the term circular investments was a multimillionRobert concludes: “Commercial economy was probably not used back pound, state-of-the-art recycling developers are under greater then, this early exposure to circular plant at our Reading site. This plant pressure to demonstrate that economy practices led Robert and harnesses sophisticated waste they reduce their environmental our team to create an end-to-end segregation technology to extract impact when demolishing sites and closed-loop proposition where we more from the waste we recycle. redeveloping land. By providing an collect, transport, segregate, process We’ve also invested in a 250,000 innovative, end-to-end recycling and repurpose our customers’ waste tonnes per annum purpose-built solution, we can show commercial so it can be made useful again. wash plant and a 90m3 per hour developers how much of their Almost everything we do across capacity concrete plant. These enable demolition waste has been made the circular economy journey is us to make just under 120,000 useful again.”

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waste & recycling Reston Waste

Reston Waste, a leading independent skip hire and waste management company has invested in machines worth more than £2m – making its fleet exclusively JCB. The new models include JCB 427 Wastemaster wheeled loading shovels, 131X and 140X tracked excavators and a JS20MH materials handler. The machines have been put straight to work at Reston Waste’s transfer site in Wimbledon. The wheeled loading shovels are used to pile materials, load bulk aggregates on to articulated lorries and load the trommel, which separates the waste before it reaches the picking line. The excavators perform a range of roles including pre-sorting the larger items from the waste before it goes on the picking line and loading the hopper belt for the picking line through the picking station.

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Reston Waste Transfer Station Manager, Josh Reston said: “The main thing when running a waste transfer station is minimising down time. We work our machines relentlessly and they are operating in a harsh environment, so we need ones which are up to the challenge. The performance of the new JCBs is of a very high standard, with next to no down time. They have all our required safety features, which make each operator’s job as protected and efficient as possible. “We inherited some JCB machines when we took over a previous company and our operators were more than happy when the JCB models came on site. Across the product range they rate the comfort and performance of JCB machines very highly. It was as a result of their recommendation that we made the decision to move the fleet over to be

solely JCB – and we haven’t looked back.” The Stage V JCB 427 Wastemaster wheeled loader is fully loaded with a powerful and efficient Stage V Cummins engine, choice of loader arms and axle options, fuel saving auto engine shutdown feature. The unique five-speed gearbox comes as standard and the 427 boasts one of the most operator friendly cabs on the market featuring two power modes for added versatility. Reston Waste is a skip hire and waste clearance company based in Wimbledon. Operating throughout London, including west, south-west, south-east and central London, the company employs up to 150 people at its two transfer sites, with a third opening shortly in Epsom. Reston Waste is proud to divert 100% of its waste away from landfill.

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waste & recycling Ward

Ward is a fourth-generation familyrun business that collects, processes and recycles metal, which is sold to a global market. The business also offers a complete waste recycling package to customers on a national basis. Processing over one million tonnes of materials annually, Ward recycles products such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, glass, cardboard, wood, textiles, soils and hardcore as well as hazardous wastes to ensure our customers, including householders, local authorities, construction and demolition businesses, fulfil their environmental regulations and commitments. Its core business (around 80% of turnover) is the processing and recycling of metals from a variety of sources, including demolition projects. Working with demolition contractors As a business, Ward has dealt with demolition contractors for decades championing their requirements to expand the services that it offers. Whether that be deploying their own large modern FORS Gold accredited fleet to make timely collections, through to further enhancing its inhouse hazardous waste offering, so the firm can now genuinely say it is able to deal with pretty much every waste found on a demolition site. Operating in a very collaborative way with contractors, Ward continually looks for enhancements and improvements that benefit both businesses. Extensive experience in demolition environments Working in partnership, Ward has extensive expertise in many different demolition and decommissioning environments. From supporting contractors that may be working in new environments or dealing with a specialist waste stream such as a

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nuclear facility through to advising on removal of materials from areas and sites with restricted access, Ward can draw on previous experience to advise, assist or suggest alternative solutions for materials which often can save time or money, or both.

the plant carbon neutral, to again ensure that demolition contractors can demonstrate to their clients that they are trying to reduce their carbon footprint by working with them, as well as recycling their waste effectively and responsibly.

Investment and innovation Ward has recently completed an overhaul of its site in Ilkeston creating a new, state-of-the-art waste recycling plant in the Midlands. This is a significant investment for the business and it will be one of the largest and most technologically advanced plants in the country. The investment ensure that the firm can offer up-to-the-minute routes for waste materials so that almost no residual materials are going into landfill. It is working towards making

A qualified and accredited demolition partner The business is committed to highquality and compliant services for all our customers. As an upper-tier licensed waste carrier and licensed scrap metal dealer, Ward has the necessary environmental permits to transport and process waste across multiple sites. The team works hard to maintain all the relevant certifications and accreditations to be able to operate in almost all areas where demolition contractors are working.

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As a company it is ISO accredited, is an Authorised Treatment Facility for licenced waste handling and DVLA approved Depollution Centre for end-of-life vehicles. Members of the Ward board also have active and long-standing relationships with the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), the British Metal Recycling Association (BMRA), European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC), the BIR (Bureau of International Recycling), ARCA, East Midlands Rail Forum, the CIWM and the Institute of Directors. In 2022, Ward was presented with Queen’s Award for Excellence in International Trade for outstanding growth in overseas metal sales and has recently been Highly Commended in the 2024 Awards for Excellence as Metal Recycling Business of the Year.

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events

Enter the 2024 British Demolition (and Asbestos) awards

Number crunching… Believe it or not this year marks the sixth staging of the annual celebration of all things demolition with us returning to London for the second successive year for

the 2024 British Demolition and Asbestos Awards. The event, ever-present since 2018 (barring the 2020 COVID lockdown), has become one of, if not the biggest celebration

and gathering of demolition professionals in the world. Last year, almost 400 industry professionals from the asbestos removal and demolition sectors came together at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Over the seven years more than 1,500 participants have made the annual pilgrimage across the country to each venue. Should our annual extravaganza ever slip too far from my memory vaults, I am often reminded of our event when I go to see a contractor and they have their metaphoric silverware on display, or as it was very recently with Downwell Group in Essex – glassware, which was gleaming from reception on my arrival. Successful winners proudly show off their gongs having been won so deservedly over the years and that’s what this is all about – industry recognition. With all awards judged independently by our esteemed panel of judges, this allows deserving contractors and suppliers to be acknowledged by their peers, clients and the wider construction industry. Since 2021 we have added in an entire event to run concurrently; the British Asbestos Awards form a large part of the evening, awarding colleagues in demolition’s sister industry of asbestos removal with, now in 2024, a five further awards. To enter this year’s awards please go to: www.britishdemolitionawards. com/enter-the-awards. To attend please do contact me: ben@globalnews.media

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BRITISH DEMOLITION AND A

Award Category Demolition Contractor of the Year

2018

2019

The Erith Group

Tender Submission of the Year

Metro Deconstruction

Downwell Group

Training Innovation of the Year

AR Demolition

Pirtek

Risk Assessment/Method Statement of the Year

Downwell Group

Metro Deconstruction

Safety Innovation of the Year

Pirtek

Santas

Trainee/Apprentice of the Year

Patrick Crighley, Rye Demolition

Gemma McNamara, Skanska

Demolition Innovation of the Year

Arden Equipment

Fireward

Demolition Contract/Project of the Year

Collard Group

The Erith Group

Red Knight 6

Scudder Demolition

Supplier of the Year

Demolition Project of the Year Under £1m Demolition Project of the Year Over £1m Environmental Innovation of the Year Health & Safety Innovation Waste Provider of the Year NFDC Special Award Asbestos Removal Contractor of the Year Asbestos Operative of the Year Asbestos Industry Supplier of the Year Asbestos Removal Project of the Year Asbestos Industry Trainee/Apprentice of the Year

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ASBESTOS AWARD WINNERS

2021

2022

2023

Cawarden

Clifford Devlin

Cawarden

LiuGong

Kocurek Excavators

LiuGong

Shirrin Travers, Tilley and Barrett

Sarah Stockley, The Erith Group

Jack Brown, Brown & Mason Group

Tilley & Barrett

Brown & Mason Group Colemans Brown & Mason Group

Dragon Equipment

Cawarden

Colemans

The Erith Group

Fhoss

Alert Technology

O'Donovan Waste Disposal

Ward Recycling

Windsor Waste

DSK Environmental

Clifford Devlin

Adam Thornton, Clifford Devlin

Ross Cressingham, Clifford Devlin

SMH Products

Assure 360

Aspect Contracts

Shield Services

Aaron Davis, Keltbray The Erith Group

Sydney Budenbender, DSK Environmental

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Snapshots of Ben and the Demolition Hub team’s activities between issues

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OUT and ABOUT

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OUT and ABOUT

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N OTe i s

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N OTe i s

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N OTe i s

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events

Hillhead makes the connected site and autonomy real for all Hillhead is a unique show because its location, a quarry in Buxton, means that it can bring real job site applications to life like no other event. From 25 to 27 June, visitors will witness an autonomous truck in action for the first time as part of the biggest range of demonstrations in its history. The immersive nature of the show will blend digitally connected sites and technologies with the sector’s ongoing alternative fuel transformation. Richard Bradbury, Managing Director of event organisers The QMJ Group explains: “When we open the show this year, visitors will be met by 600 exhibitors in a sell-out event. Demand from exhibitors has been unprecedented and we have already blasted a huge amount of material, creating a demonstration experience that will be our biggest yet. It will incorporate a squared off quarry face area with two large elevated levels, making more demonstrations possible throughout the day. “These will include a full range of combined equipment displays with excavators, wheel loaders, ADTs, crushers, screeners and much more. Big display highlights will be a 100-tonne excavator from Hyundai and the all-electric stand of Volvo Equipment with dealer SMT GB, while Hitachi will be showcasing both machines and their fully connected site solutions. “For this show, we have also recognised the continued importance of showing visitors how our industry

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is progressing. For example, our autonomous truck demo with Bell Equipment will be a real eye opener this year. We are also a showcase for a lot of electric powered machines this year, some of which will feature in our live demonstrations for the first time. “Personally, I think the real impact of Hillhead is in our ability to educate the industry. Yes, we have the wow factor with the big machines, but we also have the tech factor when it comes to the digitalisation of our sector. “From telemetry solutions to machine control, drones, AI-driven safety, and the latest advanced 3D site management and modelling, the connected site will really come alive this year. And thanks to our continued investment in the WiFi connectivity on site, we will have

live data feeds even from our demonstrations on site. “Visitors will also notice a big change in our layout, as we have extended the indoor pavilion by more than 30%. In addition to this we have recognised the importance of Hillhead as a meeting place, which was highlighted in feedback from our last show in 2022. “With this in mind, this year we are creating the Big Hillhead Cafe and food court as an outdoor hub for visitors and exhibitors alike. This will be supported with more permanent welfare facilities and we will also have new water hydration stations around the site with cold filtered water available for free. Encouraging visitors to bring their own water bottles will be a great addition, especially if the weather is kind to us. “And for those big picture social media moments, our enlarged viewing platform will definitely give visitors that selfie opportunity. “So this year, Hillhead will continue to be the place where visitors can keep up to date with what is going on and in particular, use their time to understand the transition the industry is undergoing as we embrace digitalisation and alternative fuels in our drive to be a low carbon, sustainable sector.”

Autonomous Bell B40E articulated dump truck

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events Brokk Stand V17 Among Brokk’s latest generation of industry-leading demolition robots are the Brokk 170 and Brokk 200+, which will be on show at Hillhead 2024, where attendees will discover how Brokk SmartPower+ and its many features offer significant improvements in endurance, operating experience, and intelligence. Brokk’s new range of SmartPower+ robots offer unmatched endurance by increasing operational uptime with consistent power delivery over time, resulting in unmatched performance. Expertly engineered with rugged components, this newest generation is resistant to shock, temperature, and vibration – with all new robots and

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control boxes protected to an IP65 equivalent for outstanding reliability regardless of the work conditions. Brokk’s SmartPower+ generation also includes a noteworthy 87% reduction in cables and connectors, reducing weak points while also facilitating servicing and troubleshooting. Brokk SmartPower+, which revolutionises the operating experience for both seasoned professionals and new operators alike with more precision, better response times, and greater ease of operation, introduces a new and improved lightweight control box weighing less than 3 kg, which contributes to more enjoyable and comfortable work shifts. The new ergonomically designed control box features tilted joysticks, easier-to-reach features and faster dual charging. The control box also includes the innovative Brokk QuickSwitch and intuitive settings for an improved operating experience, making it easier than ever to operate a Brokk robot and, in turn, easier to find and train operators. With Brokk’s new range of SmartPower+ robots and state-of-the-art features, operators can perform the demolition task at hand without shifting their gaze from the machine between commands, and as such, without compromising on performance or safety. CEO of Brokk Group, Martin Krupicka said: “With nearly five decades of experience, Brokk understands the challenges many

industry professionals face in finding skilled operators to get the job done right. This is precisely why we are committed to creating solutions for both seasoned professionals and new operators alike, setting a new benchmark in the demolition landscape.” This new generation of robots elevates the operator-machine interaction, focusing on added intelligence for the benefit of the operator. Visual status updates through incremental light indicators allow the operator to focus their attention on the demolition work at hand while simultaneously monitoring the status of the machine. A two-way communication system communicates the status back to the operator in real time, while customised features enhance the operating experience. Brokk’s SmartPower+ generation is much smarter too, alerting the operator about any unwanted power supply or machine statuses, further contributing to an increase in uptime and overall reliability. Moreover, Brokk SmartPower+ is enabled for future over-the-air upgrades to always be at the forefront of the industry. Fast and simple settings, an increase in sensors as well as the addition of individual tool presets all contribute toward a more user friendly and efficient operator interface. Martin Krupicka said: “We are thrilled to introduce Brokk SmartPower+ and a new generation of demolition robots that redefine the demolition landscape. This innovative advancement reflects Brokk’s dedication to pushing the limits and providing operators cutting-edge machines that surpass expectations.

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events CASE Stand X10 CASE will have a wide range of new and improved equipment on display at Hillhead, both static on the stand and working in the exhibition’s waste and recycling area, the secondary rock handling area and in Crusher Alley, where blasted rock will be processed. Equipment on the working displays will include the CX250E and CX210E-S crawler excavators, along with the 651G, 821GXR and 1021G wheel loaders. Static machinery on the stand will include the latest CX15EV and CX25EV electric mini excavators, plus the electric compact wheel loader 12EV. The battery-powered 12EV will join the company’s electric mini excavators in a growing zero emission CASE lineup, with the first CASE full electric compact shovel also on display. Models from the latest mini and

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midi excavator lineup, the larger crawler range, wheeled excavators, loaders and compact wheel loaders will also be represented. Much of the focus will be on the new CX210E-S tracked excavator. This “essential” excavator retains all of the power and performance of the standard CX210E, yet boasts an increasingly competitive price point and a simplified list of options. Built with heavy-duty components throughout, the machine delivers all of the performance, operator comfort and productivity that customers expect. Customers looking for a premium wheel loader will be drawn to the new 651G Evolution. Built to sit between the proven 621G and the 721G, the 651G boasts increased loading performance, thanks to reinforced front and rear chassis sections, plus heavy duty axles as standard with a

choice of locking differentials. Other wheel loaders will be on display, from the largest models to the latest compact loaders. CASE’s equipment lines will be backed up by the full range of parts and service solutions, along with CNH Capital financing services, plus undercarriage products from CASE’s partner, Sampierana. Product specialists will be able to walk you around CASE’s latest machinery, innovations and technologies answering all your questions, while keen operators may take part in the popular Operator Challenge, with a range of prizes throughout the exhibition. Olivier Buschino, Business Director for the UK and Republic of Ireland said: “Hillhead provides a unique opportunity for our customers and the media to see our machinery in action and to take a closer look in detail on the stand. “We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to the stand and having the opportunity to show the very latest technical innovation and engineering excellence on show from CASE Construction Equipment.”

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events CDE Stand A11 CDE, a leading supplier of sand and aggregate wet processing solutions for the waste recycling and natural minerals processing sectors, returns to Hillhead with a major product showcase at 10.30 am on Tuesday 25 June. The wet processing experts will shine a spotlight on equipment from the CDE product range, which is improving productivity and delivering consistent performance in the quarrying, construction and recycling industries. The company will also debut its most efficient water management solution to date, which it says promises greater functionality,

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David Kinloch

improved maintenance access and safety, speed, automation and material versatility to offer best value per tonne processed for operators. Located at stand A11 beside the registration pavilion, CDE will present its AggMax 252SR scrubbing and classification system, which combines pre-screening, scrubbing, organics removal, sizing, stockpiling, fines recovery and filtrates removal on a

compact chassis. Also on display will be the latest generation of FreeFlow, the fully-mobile washing solution for aggregate and sand classification. Designed and built onto the bed of a semi-trailer for optimal mobility, the plant helps achieve maximum in-situ material recovery and boasts integrated water storage and recycling. Commenting on the company’s latest product reveal, CDE’s David Kinloch, Director of Business Development, UK and Ireland (above), said: “We see the world through our customers’ eyes and we engineer practical, scalable and proven solutions that address real-world problems, from the big picture issues concerning global sand shortages and the industry’s waste burden, to the everyday needs of our customers. “Our plans for Hillhead this year really reflect our commitment to innovation and our desire to elevate the industries and sectors we operate in. Alongside the AggMax – the backbone of the CDE process and the driving force behind countless natural processing and waste recycling solutions around the world – will be the latest generation of our FreeFlow and the global reveal of our newest product innovation. “We look forward to hosting the global product launch at the Showground at 10:30 am on Tuesday 25 June.” CDE will be joined at Hillhead by strategic partners Molson Washing, the specialist materials processing division of Molson Group, as well as Siemens Financial Services, to provide customers with expert guidance to support their investment in the latest wet processing technology.

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events DEVELON Stand Z4 The static display on DEVELON’s stand will include the DX530LC-7 53-tonne crawler excavator, the DL420-7 wheel loader and the DA45-7 articulated dump truck (ADT). In the demonstration area, further products for the quarry face that will be showing their faces include the DX420LC-7 43.5-tonne crawler excavator, the DL550-7 wheel loader and the DA30-7 ADT. Among products being shown for the first time are the new DX140RDM-7 22.5-tonne demolition excavator and the new DD130-7 dozer. Demolition excavators The DX140RDM-7 is the latest addition to the company’s range of demolition excavators and the only one of its type on the market. Like the

DEVELON DX55R-7 Crawler Excavator

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larger models from 31 to 61 tonnes, this new 22.5-tonne excavator offers multiple configurations, providing a complete, flexible solution that allows customers to use the same excavators for multiple applications on site. The DX140RDM-7 offers even more choices, starting with a unique Monolithic variant featuring only a demolition arm without any possibility of interchangeability. Alternatively, the DX140RDM-7 is available in a dual format with a modular boom design and hydraulic lock mechanism, allowing the user to change arms for demolition and digging using the same machine. DX-7 crawler and wheeled excavators The DX420LC-7 and DX530LC-7 are part of DEVELON’s large crawler excavator range that also includes the DX800LC-7 80-tonne and DX1000LC-7 100-tonne machines. The DX-7 range of excavators from 14 to 100 tonnes combines enhanced comfort with the latest features to boost fuel efficiency,

uptime and return on investment, with a focus on increased power, robustness and agility. Wheel loaders The DL420-7 and DL550-7 are two of the four biggest standard models in the DL-7 range of wheel loaders, which also includes the DL480-7 and DL580-7. With redesigned buckets offering up to 7% more capacity, these DL-7 wheel loaders provide easier and faster loading with maximum bucket capacities from 4.5 to 6.4 m3. The eleven DL-7 wheel loaders in the range with bucket capacities starting at 2.0 m3 provide increased productivity for a wide range of material-handling applications. Articulated dump trucks The DA30-7 and DA45-7 ADTs offer payloads of 28 tonnes and 41 tonnes respectively. These models feature an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie ensures equal distribution of weight to each wheel and guarantees permanent six-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and excellent performance particularly on difficult terrains such as soft ground, uneven surfaces, very steep slopes and tight turns. The DA30-7 and DA45-7 6x6 ADTs are complemented by a new 4x4 version of the DA45-7 ADT intended to compete with rigid dump trucks (RDTs) in the 40-tonne class. The front truck and cab unit is the same as in the 6x6 model, with modifications on the rear dumper unit only.

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events EvoQuip Stand L4 EvoQuip will run live working demonstrations of the brand-new Bison 220R jaw crusher at Hillhead, also displaying the Caiman 150 shredder. Bison 220R jaw crusher The EvoQuip Bison 220R boasts an impressive 820 mm x 550 mm jaw inlet and has 240 MPa compressive strength to process a wide range of applications. Its efficient hydrostatic drive system not only optimises fuel efficiency but also enhances performance, complemented by the ability to run the chamber in reverse. The optional R section (recirculating conveyor) enables the required product specification to be achieved, with oversize material either being recirculated back to the crusher or stockpiled. The ability to quickly detach the complete afterscreen system, including the oversize conveyor, allows the option of either running the machine in standard mode or transporting separately.

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The Bison 220R also features a 2.4 x 1.2 m single deck screen on the R section for efficient screening. Operators have the flexibility to raise and lower the product conveyor, facilitating smooth material handling. With quick setup times, simple intuitive operation, easy maintenance and transport capabilities, the Bison 220R stands out as a versatile and user-friendly solution for various crushing applications. Caiman 150 shredder The EvoQuip Caiman 150 shredder offers efficient material reduction for diverse applications such as construction and demolition, asphalt, skip waste, green waste, wood and household waste. The heart of the Caiman 150 is its compact 1.5-m twin shaft shredding unit. This produces up to 80,000 Nm torque per shaft, allowing highly efficient material reduction making it a versatile choice for a wide range of waste materials.

Along with the ability to quickly change shafts, this allows the end user to swiftly change from one application to another. Further flexibility comes from the option to operate the shredder with either synced or independent shafts, along with other design features including a robust track sub-frame with bolton tracks, catering to both track and track/hooklift versions. This adaptability empowers users to tailor their approach to deal with various application requirements and processing challenges, ensuring optimal results every time. Finally, the Caiman 150 features a robust tracking system and hydraulic chassis for smooth operation and diagnostics, complemented by user-friendly controls and remote functionality, with the added benefit of containerised transport capability for efficient shipping solutions.

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events Finlay Stand L3

Finlay is set to unveil new electric variants of the I-120RS impact crusher and the 883+ scalping screen at Hillhead. These models will be showcased in the working demonstration area, featuring electric-powered technology that enables operation from either a mains electric power supply or a secondary source such as a genset. The live demonstrations will be powered by the new Finlay TG500 Genset, driving both machines efficiently and sustainably. With a legacy of engineering excellence spanning over six decades, Finlay is proud to demonstrate a commitment to carbon emission reduction and sustainability through technological innovation. The electrification of these industry leading machines represents an ongoing effort to offer environmentally friendly solutions – without compromising on performance or reliability. “We are excited to unveil our latest electric equipment,” said Matt Dickson, Business Line Director for Finlay. “The features integrated into these electric machines will

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empower customers to achieve their sustainability objectives while maintaining the mobility and ease of movement that are hallmarks of our equipment. The electric Finlay I-120RS provides the flexibility of a mobile impact crushing and screening plant on one platform. The on board innovative quick detach 3.66 x 1.53-m two deck screen ensures a quality cubical product. For applications not requiring recirculation of materials for further processing or stockpiling the complete screening and recirculating system can be quickly detached from the plant. The electric Finlay 883+ heavyduty scalper is designed to work in primary and secondary screening applications such as quarry and mining, iron ore, construction demolition waste, sand, gravel, compost, topsoil and coal. Throughout the development process for the electrification of these products, input from the Finlay distribution network and their customers underscored the importance of retaining the familiarity and adaptability of mobile

machinery, allowing for relocation across sites with minimal effort. In response, both machines feature an on-board engine primarily dedicated to mobility while all operational components – feeders, crushers, screeners, and conveyors etc – are powered by electricity. An additional measure is the introduction of Finlay gensets, which provide electricity to connected Finlay equipment when a plug-in connection to the grid is unavailable. “By adopting electric-powered mobile crushing and screening equipment, customers not only achieve environmental benefits but also gain financial and operational advantages as well,” said Dickson. “It also futureproofs their investments as the industry moves towards more sustainable practices – making them a forward-thinking and responsible choice for operators.” Visitors to the Finlay booth will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of the new electric machines, interact with product experts and learn more about the benefits of transitioning to electric-powered equipment.

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Structural Testing Swantest can provide a wide range of test solutions for all aspects of a project. This can include structural tests on the superstructure, substructure and geotechnical tests on the substrate of any project. Our range of structural tests include: Load Capacity Tests: Used for determining the load capacity of various structures, fixings and materials. We can load test structural slabs, marine structures, lift beams, pile foundations and more. Anchor Tests: We can carry out pull tests and shear tests on all types of bolts, fixings and fasteners. From small fixings supporting a few kilograms up to large diameter bolts supporting significant loads. Geotechnical Tests: In-situ site tests for verifying pile mats, formation layers, subgrades and other materials. These include; Plate bearing tests, CBR tests, shear vane tests, dynamic cone penetrometer test and light drop weight tests. Balcony and Barrier Tests: Various types of horizontal load tests to check and verify the safe use of; Balcony handrails, balustrades, insert panels, sports ground barriers, bridge parapets, edge protection systems and more.

For more information call us on 0370 950 7707 Website: www.swantest.co.uk Email: info@swantest.co.uk 52-54 St. John Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 4HF

events HD Hyundai Stand Z5 HD Hyundai Construction Equipment will display its biggest machinery on the biggest stand at this year’s Hillhead. • HX800A L and HX1000A L excavators weighing 80 and 100 tonnes • HL985A takes HD Hyundai into the 7-m3 loader class • HRB silenced hydraulic breakers launched on UK market • HX-A compact excavators on show for first time in UK Prime movers HD Hyundai will launch its biggest Stage V crawler excavators so far in the shape of the 80-tonne HX800A L and the 100-tonne HX1000A L. Both of these heavy-duty machines have been designed for quarry and bulk earthmoving duties. The HX800A L is powered by a 403 kW Stage V diesel engine, driving two 504 lpm hydraulic pumps, while the HX1000A L uses a 469 kW diesel engine, powering three 523 lpm pumps. These heavyweight excavators will take HD Hyundai into a new sector in the UK and Europe, providing a highly productive digging and loading

solution for mines, quarries, bulk earthmoving contractors and heavy civil engineering sites. The HX800A L is suitable for use with 4.25-5.24 m3 buckets and the larger 100-tonne machine will be able to work with 5.4-6.8 m3 buckets. The company will also unveil its biggest wheeled loader, with the launch of the HL985A. This 35-tonne shovel will be capable of working with 7.0 m3 buckets, making it an ideal digging and rehandling machine for the mining, quarrying and heavy civils sectors. Powered by a 321kW diesel engine, the HL985A boasts a bucket breakout force of up to 28,400 kg and a full turn tipping load of 22,950 kg in standard configuration. High impact HD Hyundai recently added a range of HRB silenced hydraulic breakers to its lineup. The six breakers, which can be ordered in varying specifications, have been designed to work with carrier

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machines in the 1.2-26-tonne sectors. The larger models are offered with automatic greasing and anti-blank firing technology. All of the breakers feature silenced box housing designs, keeping noise to a minimum and making the breakers ideal for use in urban areas. Full range The company will have a full range of equipment on show, including wheeled and crawler excavators, along with additional models from the A-Series wheel loader lineup. HD Hyundai will also demonstrate three of its popular quarry models, including a large crawler excavator, a large wheel loader and an articulated dump truck on the working demonstration area that surrounds the showground. Visitors to the HD Hyundai stand will get the best view of the machines at work as the company has moved to a new location directly in front of the demonstration area. At 1,220 m2 the display will include two viewing areas, along with a range of hospitality including Hyundai’s now famous pie machine making a welcome return to the show.

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events INMALO Stand A42 Established in 1946, INMALO has been a leader in providing hydraulic attachments and dust control systems to construction, demolition, waste and quarrying industries for over 76 years and it will be showcasing its cutting-edge products on its stand. Focusing on customer service and support with stock availability for sale or rental, Inmalo is at the forefront of excavator attachments for demolition, waste recycling and quarrying with the Mantovanibenne dealership leading in innovation, power output, and productivity. We boast a comprehensive range including Montabert breakers, GI-DA Hydraulic Magnets, and Rock.Zone Rockcrusher bucket attachments, alongside an extensive selection of dust suppression systems including the Motofog and BM Dust Cannon range. MBI MCP-IT Concrete Pulveriser is a non-rotating, fixed head, hydraulic pulveriser offering great crushing power and is designed for secondary demolition of large concrete structures. It has rebar cutters in the throat allowing you to separate the scrap from the concrete further increasing profits. The RP-IT range has the interchangeable split jaw plates which are the most robust design of replaceable wear parts on the market. Models range from the RP07 (660 kg) up to the hugely powerful RP80IT (8,200 kg) concrete pulveriser covering any size of demolition project. The MBI Eagle 3 shears have been designed to be market leaders for power and reliability. The new shears

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outperform competitors with new, larger cylinders offering 25-30% more power than the existing shears with redesigned cylinders that can work at 380 bar pressure higher than the industry standard of 350 bar. With replaceable armoured plates and a stronger piercing tip, the Eagle 3 range covers machines from 20 to 150 t. MBI MSGR Grapples offer heavy-duty demolition and sorting capabilities, renowned for their power, precise handling, and new hydraulic systems enhancing strength across 1.5 to 50-t excavators. Montabert Breakers, are renowned for their reliability, minimal maintenance and this is further underlined by the new breakers coming with a full two-year warranty to ensure you have peace of mind. The larger breaker ranges offer variable speeds, ideal for demolition and quarrying projects as they are equipped with an energy recovery system, overflow protection and blank firing protection. The range consists of the Heavy Range, Variable Range, SD Compact Range, Medium Range and XL Range, ensuring you have the ideal tools for every job. Rock.Zone Crusher Bucket by Rokla Gmbh enables on-site crushing and recycling, producing reusable crushed backfill material with a consistent aggregate size for stability. Rockcrusher reduces transportation costs and promotes sustainability, with a unique hydraulic Quattro movement and reverse function for quick material jam ejection. Our GIDA HMG excavator magnets are designed to clear large areas quickly with the purpose of clearing ground of dangerous materials and recovering and recycling waste metals. The internal hydraulically generated power unit plumbs directly into the breaker circuit. The HMG-T range has raking teeth to rake ground and unearth hidden metals.

Motofog Dust Suppression range provides on-board power solutions with a twin jet spray system. These units have throw ranges from 15 to 55 m and are compact and highly manoeuvrable. They just require a water supply. MB Dust Control provides possibly the widest range of robust dust cannon systems and power/water/ mounting configurations available in the UK with throw ranges from 5 to150 m.

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events JCB Stand D6 At Hillhead 2024, JCB will showcase its biggest and most powerful X Series tracked excavator yet – the 370X. Headlining on the JCB stand and in the show’s demonstration area, the 370X is a heavyduty earthmover that brings its industry leading levels of productivity, durability and reliability to the 35-40 tonne sector. Powered by a Stage V/T4F 240 kW diesel engine delivering 14% more power, the 370X can move 4.5 tonnes more material per litre of fuel than competitive models. It features the new JCB UX user interface, with 10-inch colour touchscreen display and controls, increased hydraulic pressures boost performance in hard digging and extended service intervals for improved total cost of ownership. The new model will be joined at the show by an extensive lineup of JCB machines for the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors including JCB’s new Dual Drive backhoe loader, new Hydradig with Raptor tiltrotator and the prototype backhoe loader powered by JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine. Further products from the manufacturer’s Loadall telescopic handler, backhoe loader, tracked excavator, wheeled loading shovel, site dumper, compaction, power generation and compact equipment ranges will be shown across the stand, demonstration area and at the quarry face.

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events MB Crusher Stand A32 MB Crusher will be on stand A32, demoing a grapple and a padding bucket and delivering immersive demonstrations that highlight the capabilities that set MB Crusher apart. The booth will feature units from both the compact and heavy line, presenting a diverse range of products tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Having the right tools can make all the difference in efficiency and productivity and now MB Crusher, a leader in innovative crushing and screening solutions, offers two game-changing attachments – the Padding Bucket and Sorting Grapple.

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Streamlining material handling MB Crusher’s Padding Bucket redefines the process of handling materials on the site. Its versatility ensures that it can be seamlessly integrated into any fleet, providing a customisable solution for different projects. The Padding Bucket is a versatile asset that adds value across a spectrum of applications – MB Crusher’s unique system allows the operator to purchase one unit and several interchangeable shafts. Having just one tool that can carry out different task means streamlining operations, which translates into seamless workflow, minimised downtime and maximised productivity on site. Efficient material handling In the modern day fast paced environment we all need an extra set of hands. The Sorting Grapple from MB Crusher is a game-changer

when it comes to efficient material handling. Designed for precision, this grapple allows operators to pick, sort, and place materials with ease. Its robust construction ensures durability, making it a reliable tool for demanding job sites, while each unit can be accessorised to satisfy any type of job. Meet the team MB Crusher’s knowledgeable staff will be available to discuss the features, benefits and applications of MB Crusher’s latest offerings. This interactive engagement aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how MB Crusher can significantly improve their operations.

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EXPERT SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS, NATIONWIDE Zero-to-landfill Our unique capability to repurpose virtually all construction and demolition waste from site helps our public sector, local authority, commercial and residential clients achieve zero-to-landfill targets. Demolition Structural alterations Site clearance Soft strip Asbestos management Remediation Earthworks & civils Temporary works

LEADERS IN DEMOLITION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT Demolition & Enabling Works

Waste Management

Aggregates & Concrete

events MDS Stand L5 MDS, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty rock trommels and conveyors, will feature the M412 and M515 track trommels on its stand at Hillhead. The compact yet powerful M412 represents performance and durability, having been engineered to screen the most challenging of applications from demolition waste to quarry overburden. Its capability to handle material as large as 600 mm makes it a versatile asset, equally at home in a quarry or at a construction and demolition site.

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As well as the M412, MDS will feature the M515 mobile track trommel in the designated demo area. Capable of processing the largest of rocks, up to 800 mm in size, the M515 is robust to tackle the toughest applications, regardless of weather conditions. The M515 also offers enhanced stockpile capacities and ease of transportation, thanks to its fold-out stockpiling conveyors and four hydraulic jacking legs. Conor Hegarty, General Manager at MDS, said: “We are excited to exhibit at Hillhead again this year and showcase the finest products in our range. At MDS, we are well-known for setting new benchmarks in trommel technology. What sets us apart is not just our innovation, but the toughness and durability embedded in every machine we create. We invite

attendees to visit MDS at Stand L5 and see first-hand how our solutions can tackle the toughest of quarried aggregates.” With more than 25 years of experience in the aggregate handling, quarry, mining, construction and recycling sectors, MDS specialises in producing heavy-duty rock trommel screens and conveyors renowned for their ability to thrive in the harshest of environments. Visit the MDS Stand L5 at Hillhead to speak with the experienced team and learn more. For more information on MDS products visit: www.terex.com/mds

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events Paragon Bank Stand X15

Paragon Bank is an FTSE 250 financial services company, supporting businesses and individuals to achieve their ambitions through innovative financial solutions across SME lending, buyto-let mortgages and development finance. The SME Lending division puts small to medium-sized businesses at the heart of everything it does. It works alongside SMEs, suppliers and intermediaries to find the right funding solution for the business and support them on their growth journey. The division is composed of three teams – Specialist Lending, Broker and Vendor. The Vendor team, in attendance at Hillhead, is headed by

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Terry Lloyd and works directly with SME businesses looking to purchase plant and machinery through asset finance, as well as with the suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate the purchase. The vendor team serves a range of different sectors including construction, manufacturing and agriculture, to name a few. Paragon can finance various plant and machinery assets used in quarrying, demolition and building, as well as funding green assets. Paragon is a regular exhibitor at Hillhead and will be in attendance for all three days at Stand X15. The Vendor team will be ready to meet with existing Paragon clients and suppliers, as well as those looking to

finance a new piece of equipment or refinance an existing asset. For those looking to finance a new or used piece of equipment, Paragon is delighted to be running a Crack the Code competition. This will enable any visitors going to the Paragon stand to have a go at guessing the five-digit combination to win a £10,000 deposit towards an asset finance agreement with Paragon.* If you’re at Hillhead and a new piece of equipment has caught your eye or if you simply want to have a go at cracking the code, visit stand X15 and the Paragon team will be happy to assist. The Paragon team looks forward to seeing you there! *Terms and conditions apply

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events Powerscreen Stand L6

Powerscreen, a leading provider of mobile crushing, screening and conveying equipment, will once again exhibit at Hillhead. The Powerscreen team looks forward to educating customers on decarbonising their crushing and screening operations on Stand L6. Commenting on the upcoming exhibition, Sean Loughran, Powerscreen Business Line Director and General Manager said: “As our mission towards net zero continues, we are excited to meet with likeminded companies to discuss how Powerscreen crushing, screening and conveying equipment can help crush their carbon footprint. Our latest

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collaboration with CATAGEN, as part of the UK’s Red Diesel Replacement scheme (RDR), is a prime example of our commitment to research and innovation in this field.” Based in Northern Ireland, CATAGEN is a catalyst testing expert that develops new technologies in green hydrogen and e-fuels. Powerscreen and CATAGEN are currently working on a joint project to deliver a decarbonised end-to-end demonstration of a Powerscreen Premiertrak 450E crusher and Chieftain 1700XE screener, powered by green hydrogen and e-diesel at a working quarry site in Northern Ireland later this year.

As well as helping companies reduce carbon emissions in crushing and screening, Powerscreen will show off its new 1300X cone crusher in the demo area. Neil Robinson, Powerscreen Product Director said: “At the Powerscreen World Dealer Conference in Italy last year we launched our latest jaw crushing technology with the Premiertrak 450, along with our next generation impact crushers with the Trakpactor 480 and 480SR. It’s now time to replicate these advances with cones and we are looking forward to showcasing its full capability in the demo area.”

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events SMT Stand Y5 SMT will champion sustainability with the UK public debut of the 23-t Volvo EC230 Electric excavator, alongside solutions to optimise and decarbonise sites with existing machines, as well as machine rebuilds, used parts and used equipment. At both stand Y5 and in the renowned Hillhead demonstration zone, SMT will shine a light on the latest Volvo machinery and SMT solutions to help transform customers’ operations for lower emissions, greater efficiency and less waste. UK public debut for Volvo’s first mid-sized electric excavator SMT will officially introduce the new Volvo EC230 Electric excavator to the UK market. This 23-t machine is Volvo CE’s first fully electric model in the mid-sized excavator category, opening up the benefits of zero-exhaust emissions and quiet operation to a broader range of construction applications. Visitors will be able to see the EC230 Electric in the demonstration zone and experience its advantages first hand. Working alongside the Volvo L120H Electric Conversion wheeled loader and a fully electric truck from Volvo Trucks, this trio showcases Volvo’s commitment to cleaner, more sustainable working. CO2 reduction for diesel machines SMT will offer visitors an immersive experience to help them understand the full range of SMT solutions to assist in the transition to job sites of the future.

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John Lawrence, SMT’s Product Manager for Site Solutions said: “We are committed to helping our customers work towards and achieve net zero – and we believe that journey starts today by optimising your current site and fleet. With our range of customisable solutions for your site and operators, SMT can assist in continuous improvement across your operations. By targeting key areas that affect cost and emission output, we can help you reduce your carbon footprint and help you achieve your sustainability targets.” Among these solutions, SMT will showcase Site Simulation, which uses advanced drone technology to create a digital twin of a customer’s site. This replica can then be analysed to suggest a bespoke step-by-step plan. In addition, by combining Site Simulation with other solutions such as operator training, SMT can help optimise a customer’s site at every level, maximising efficiency and productivity. Fully rebuilt wheeled loader on display In light of the evolving industry, SMT recognises that options to increase machine service life and reduce costs are increasingly significant. SMT’s machine rebuild, used parts and used equipment services are integral to its circular economy. SMT

will showcase a fully rebuilt wheeled loader at its stand to exemplify the level of care and support the team provides to extend the life of construction equipment and offer sustainable fleet maintenance solutions. Q&As with Unicontrol machine control experts Machine control systems have been another invaluable development in recent years, bringing new levels of productivity, efficiency and precision while contributing to greater safety and sustainability. SMT has offered Volvo Co-Pilot with Dig Assist – Volvo’s proprietary machine control system – for a number of years. The dealer also offers Unicontrol, a retrofittable 3D machine control system that can fit seamlessly into contractors’ existing fleets. Representatives will be on hand to showcase Unicontrol’s latest offerings and answer customers’ machine control queries.

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events Sunward Europe Stand Y2

Leading plant and equipment manufacturer Sunward Europe has announced its lineup for Hillhead 2024, with the 21-tonne SWE 215F-5A excavator on demonstration showing off the company’s unique mix of quality and value. The SWE 215F-5A is the perfect fit for large construction, quarrying or demolition work. Designed to be versatile, durable and have a long lifetime, the SWE 215F’s masterful design, Cummins EU Stage V B6.7 engine and enhanced hydraulics system deliver power, smooth operation and high productivity. Also available from Sunward is the SWE 335F 33-tonne excavator. This heavy-duty machine delivers 209 kW making it one of the most powerful excavators in its category with a

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comfortable cabin and easy operation as well. It excels in many respects including digging reach and depth, bucket breakout force and maximum loading and cutting heights. Sunward’s nine-tonne SWE 90UF2PB compact excavator was launched at the end of 2021 and remains the shortest nine-tonne short-tail excavator (by almost 20 cm) available on the market. Developed especially for Europe, it combines a compact size with heavy-duty performance. Its very short tail swing and two-piece boom allow it to work in a wide variety of urban tasks, including operating in confined spaces and along walls. On the static display, two excavators will make their UK debuts – the SWE 50UF mini and SWE 60UFED compact.

Sunward launched the SWE 50UF mini excavator at Intermat and the response justified the company’s claims it is set to be a game changer, building as it is on the success of Sunward’s zero tail range which earned an iF Design Award. This fivetonne model, positioned between the SWE 35UF and SWE 60UF, features a zero-tail swing that makes it ideal for constrained spaces. Boasting a Kubota D1803-T engine, its user-friendly design ensures efficient control and easy maintenance. The SWE 60UFED is a six-tonne electric compact excavator featuring a high-torque permanent magnet synchronous motor to ensure exceptional efficiency, minimal energy usage and emission-free operation. Complementing Sunward’s static display are the 2.5-tonne SWE 25UF mini excavator – the zero-tail version of the SWE 25F. Its unique zero-tail compact design makes it the perfect option for tight job sites where power is required and its light weight makes it exceptionally easy to transport. Also on the stand will be Sunward’s 1.2-tonne SWTL 4538 compact track loader, which thanks to its suspended undercarriage system and tracks, offers excellent performance with outstanding drawbar power for operation on rough terrains like mulch, rock or dirt. It is also compact and versatile enough to be easily manoeuvrable in small spaces. The other electric machine on Sunward’s stand is the two-tonne SWE 20FED – its first electric mini excavator. Based on the bestselling SWE 20F, the cabbed/canopied SWE 20FED combines durability, reliability, performance and easy maintenance with exceptional value for money.

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events Tele Radio Stand PD15 Tele Radio is one of the market leaders in the design and manufacture of radio remote-control solutions. Providing end-to-end product solutions and services in the field of wireless equipment control and machine communication, its goal is to provide products that will add value to your business while at the same time providing impeccable support when required. With a broad range of products, from small transmitters to big joystick platforms, Tele Radio offers a bespoke service to adapt products to suit the customer’s needs. The company’s experts are dedicated to developing products that improve the way you work, with a central focus on building strong customer relations that extend beyond the sale. Exhibiting at Hillhead for the first time in 2024, Tele Radio will be showcasing a range of products at the event from simple push-button controls to complex, customisable, proportional hydraulics and camera feedback systems. Tele Radio’s industrial remote controls are designed to improve efficiency and safety in the quarrying and

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construction industry, providing precise and easy-to-use control for machinery and equipment. One of the products on display will be the new SupraTEQ TW78 waist transmitter. With a much larger colour screen than the company’s other models and even smoother images, the SupraTEQ TW78 meets the increasing demand for better interaction when operating large machinery, installations, cranes, winches, etc. The SupraTEQ TW78 has been specially developed for demanding environments, where screen size is often important for showing detailed feedback information. Also on display will be the Tele Radio Tiger remote control, capable of providing feedback from your machine, displayed on

the transmitter’s LCD screen or alternatively using LEDs situated next to the transmitter’s function buttons. The lights on the transmitter are programmable, for instance to indicate whether a function is activated/not activated. Tiger offers maximum safety for complex industrial applications. It is Tele Radio’s strongest system and is independently certified to SIL3, PLe. With safety as a central focus, Tele Radio puts great effort into making its products as safe as possible, ensuring that it meets the highest possible standards. The company’s products are not only safe, but also robust and can withstand rugged operations. Tele Radio cares about the environment and is certified according to the ISO 14001 standard.

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opinion

The times they are a changing by Dr Terry Quarmby Just as in the words of Bob Dylan’s song, each year brings change to both industry and the environment. The socio-economic impact of industry on our everyday lives massively dictates how we live and spend our leisure time. Concerns for our environment equally impact on how we perceive and progress industry. Today, much is made of addressing the impact that modern living has on every aspect of our lives. At the inception of the NFDC 83 years ago, the greatest challenge facing the UK population was achieving some kind of normalisation after the declaration of war with Germany. What we have ended up with is a vastly different UK where change has occurred on so many fronts, at times so quickly that getting used to one was impossible as the following change quickly rolled over it. People have changed; perceptions, notions and ideas have advanced; equipment, tools and machinery 106 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

have evolved to such an extent that anyone waking from suspended animation would have great difficulty recognising their surrounding people and environment. This year the National Federation of Demolition Contractors is 83 years old and it’s fair to say it bears little resemblance to the organisation that started in London in 1941. However, some of the early problems appear to be similar. A federation meeting in 1949 attempted to address the need to facilitate a faster utilities disconnection process. Oh, how we all wish this had been achieved as the problem still confounds us today. Sadly we have no living NFDC members who could recount the early days and regale us with the experiences, good and bad, of those times. I imagine at best we may have members who remember what the industry was like in the 1950s through to this day. My own experiences only go back as far as 1964 when as a fifteen-year-old I was thrust into works dismantling by my

employer, a scrap metal dealer in West Yorkshire. Even then, some 23 years on from the foundation of the Federation, the business end on site was a scary place where muscle power was a prerequisite of a successful career and those who lacked the muscle very quickly had to learn to graft hard to retain a job. What many of the talented youngsters who work and manage our sites today would make of this period one can only guess but it’s clear that muscle power, for the most part, has been replaced by hard edged machinery and innovative tools. I think I can speak for most in saying that those changes have been more than welcome and have had a marked effect on efficiency, safety and cost. However, we can also attribute many changes in our work and thought processes to the inception of the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), which was founded DemolitionHub.com

opinion

in 1976. In a little less than two years the IDE will be fifty years old, a celebration that’s sure to be marked as a milestone in bringing a professional image to individual practitioners. If the NFDC can be regarded as the glue that joined demolition companies together, the IDE must be regarded as the light that illuminated an industry’s professionals and changed the perception of demolition as a black art into a truly scientific process. In the beginning On 2 January 1941 the US began building its ‘liberty’ ships to support the war effort in Europe. Four days later US President Franklin Roosevelt gave his “Four freedoms” speech (freedom of speech, of worship, from want and from fear) and on those same liberty ships, presumably, the US sent over cranes, vehicles and specialised plant that was immediately put to work on clearing the war damaged buildings and structures from our towns and cities. From the early mechanised aids used to demolish and clear the millions of tonnes of damaged structures and resultant rubble, the workers of that period could never have envisioned the sparkling array of equipment available to today’s demolition contractor. Those early contractors and their workers, one DemolitionHub.com

imagines, were held in high esteem by members of the public, the heads of local authorities and the government departments as they toiled relentlessly in the quest to make Britain a safer place. However, over the subsequent decades the public standing of our industry sector has taken a few blows and has been the butt of more glamorous sectors to the point where we were largely dismissed as an inconvenience to be tolerated, particularly by the construction sector. Our skills were denigrated and at best described as an art rather than a science or valued enterprise. It seemed to many that we had hit rock bottom and that we needed to build on the foundations started in 1941 to change people’s perceptions, opinions and mindsets. Without the NFDC and the IDE in place it is debatable as to whether the situation would have changed and, if so, how much progress would have been made towards achieving the standing that our industry sector currently enjoys. The future Let’s not kid ourselves that we are by any means the finished article, there is still a long way to go to reach the dizzy heights that some of our more illustrious cousins in the construction sector have reached. We still lack the academic sophistication of, say, the

Institute of Civil Engineers but we did manage to develop two degree courses and to be publicly backed by a large and influential university. The NFDC as a trade body, more than holds its own especially when it comes to lobbying government for changes to legislation and the production of specific industry guidance. The NFDC has singlehandedly been responsible for providing a medium for debate, consultation and training and has dutifully proffered accountability for the actions of its members. From the five founding members in 1941, there are now one hundred and twenty member organisations, whose share of the UK demolition market is around 95% of annual turnover totalling around £2bn. The IDE is a unique organisation that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Its 400 members comprise the top echelon of demolition practitioners. Many of those members are the principals and senior management of NFDC member companies and are ideally positioned to comment on and influence the work undertaken by the Institute. Despite declaring we are not the finished article, great strides have already been made in the advancement of educating the workforce and management. Both organisations have played their part DemolitionHUB Magazine | 107

opinion in this effort through the schemes managed by the Training Group for site operatives and the degree courses for management, managed by the Institute. There is always room for improvement and it’s clear that the Chairman and President of these proud organisations continuously call for more action. Perhaps referring to the NFDC merely as a trade body is unfair because it is so much more than that. We, as corporate members, tend to look towards the federation for the interpretation of legislation and regulation that affects our operations; we assume that our rights, privileges and legal concerns will be addressed by the federation on our behalf. We rely on the federation to represent our interests on socio-economical, environmental, health and safety and training matters. But most of all we know that federation membership unlocks doors and provides a degree of comfort to potential and current clients. Without the NFDC our industry sector would still be struggling to be heard in the corridors of power. As individuals we are free to join other organisations such as the IDE and many of us do just that, whether it’s to further our education, meet like-minded people or gain accreditations. The reasons are varied. In general, organisations like the NFDC and IDE need a collective and that collective has to be united to be strong. That’s where the NFDC and the IDE have consistently proved to be a force to be taken seriously by industry, government and NGOs alike. We are united through central governing committees that provide a strong voice and an equally strong lobbying power. While we are aware of the Institute’s and the Federation’s pasts and their achievements to date, the question is what about the future? While membership grows slowly, that’s not a reflection of poor marketing or management; it’s a 108 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

direct result of the intensity and cost of starting a new business or expanding from a small enterprise. The present memberships of both organisations, as alluded to earlier, are made up of the top performing and top earning demolition companies and individual practitioners operating in the UK today. If the expansion of member numbers is constrained by external forces, it should have no consequence on the expansion of technology, innovation and learning. The NFDC and IDE members have, for the most part, been instrumental for the rapid advancement in demolition plant, equipment and methodology. The spending power of the members sees no abatement in the desire to renew or replace old and or inefficient machinery and as long as this continues, we should expect that manufacturers of these goods will continue to innovate and build ever better models. Should we continue to believe that bigger, higher and heavier is the way forward, then it appears that our appetite is being sated. The UK demolition industry has for many years been at the forefront of demolition machinery innovation and its practitioners give continuous feedback to manufacturers and suppliers. We are therefore fortunate that in the main, improvements in technology and innovation made by plant and equipment manufacturers, generally improve our image and our efficiency to work better and increase our earning potential. We are in other words, in a very strong position to exert some influence on other sectors as well as government and NGOs.

answers. So much so that we cannot hope to channel the enormous amounts of waste produced annually through present facilities or those likely to come online between now and 2030. As practitioners dealing with this problem on a daily basis we are acutely aware that the majority of modern building products are neither reclaimable nor recyclable and that disposal costs continue to spiral upwards. Designers and manufacturers of the built environment need to get their heads together and start the process of healing rather than being in denial. The NFDC, as a strong lobbier with spending power can bring about change in other directions. Several years ago, IDE members were introduced to the power of microwave technology through a presentation given by the Faraday Institute in which we witnessed how microwaves cracked and or shattered concrete to leave the reinforcing bars clean and an aggregate product that looked

The challenge of waste The NFDC and the IDE are aware that waste, reclamation and recycling is a critical concern to the UK, in particular, but also the wider world. With the predicted end of landfill in the UK we are far from finding all the DemolitionHub.com

opinion as though it had been processed through a crusher. Could this new technology be an answer to one of the conundrums facing our world? After all, we could cut health and safety issues for hand-arm vibration, working at height, manual handling, cuts, abrasions etc. The list goes on. We could even reclaim modern bricks laid in hard mortars because the moisture in the mortar would be broken down. We could literally drop the concrete off the rebar where it stands and reduce the need for heavy plant. While this is only one notion, it certainly is not outlandish or impossible to achieve if we can harness and control the power. It is never a wrong or inopportune moment to decry the lack of infrastructure or development of waste management solutions. The

UK government has known about the problems of a growing waste dilemma for years yet has done very little to alleviate the need for waste solutions such as incinerators, waste for energy plants and biomass works. Nor does it seem to consider that what we put into the built environment will at some stage in the future need to be taken out and disposed of. Is it disingenuous to blame the government entirely? Perhaps one could apportion some of the blame on the Construction Products Association whose members make a plethora of products and materials that would never lend themselves to reuse or recycling and are invariably hazardous by nature. Or should we blame the architects and developers who design and build using cheap and inherently hazardous materials,

knowing full well that reuse and recycling is improbable. One thing is certain. Unless there is a major step change in how we build and what we build with for the near future and beyond, the amount of waste created will become impossible to manage. When that time arrives one can envisage that the disposal cost will be significantly higher than the build cost. That is one problem that the NFDC or the IDE cannot be expected to solve.

If you have something to say and would like to submit a column for publication in Demolition Hub, please email: toby@chambers.media

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DemolitionHUB Magazine | 109

opinion

How to dismantle a chemical plant for reconstruction on the other side of the world by Richard Vann

While a decommissioning project may represent the end of a chemical plant’s life for one operator, there are occasions when assets can be carefully salvaged, dismantled and reassembled elsewhere. Richard Vann, MD at RVA Group, explores the intricacies involved of such a complex assignment

The chemical engineering market continues to pose new pressures and opportunities for operators worldwide. The number of decommissioning projects being planned on an international scale is therefore vast and varied. Upon reaching the end of their design life, some plants pose inefficiencies and safety risks due to ageing, making their continued operation unsustainable. Others reach a natural conclusion due to evolving compliance standards, so must be ring-fenced if operators are to remain on the right side of the law. As we’re witnessing across multiple industries right now, fiscal 110 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

challenges have a significant part to play too. However, while a facility may have reached the end of its useful life for one chemical manufacturer, it may still have operational potential elsewhere. A second-hand plant may be used as a stop-gap measure by a client to get to market quickly, for example, while a more efficient plant is being constructed. Often, there is also an additional driver to move production closer to the enduser, to mitigate unit cost, time and environmental impact. The sequential dismantling of these hazardous facilities is inherently complex, with multifaceted variables affecting whether the project can be executed safely, while ensuring environmentally and commercially viable outcomes. But it is possible. Devising the plan Before any decommissioning project commences, a bespoke feasibility

and option study should be conducted – providing an objective, clear and realistic view of the project’s true liability or opportunity. As well as gleaning plant-specific insights from the operator, this process considers the EHS, commercial, and financial factors associated with the site. Essentially, it ensures the decommissioning exercise isn’t entered blind. This means assessing achievable costs, the quantity and location of residual materials, metallurgy and exotic material content, contamination levels, other potential hazards and risks, permit surrenders, the availability of drawings, closure processes, waste management obligations, required resources, relevant legislation and programming constraints. The route map will vary from one site to another, ranging from the selective removal and retrofitting of assets to complete ‘flat slab’ clearance or extensive mothballing. DemolitionHub.com

opinion

Often, the selected route may not have been considered or even deemed possible by the client, but the studies will aid data-driven decision making. Ideally, this exercise would begin long before the plant has even closed, although this is not always possible.

Some may also be sent to specialist companies for refurbishment and certification. Plus, providing accompanying drawings aids reassembly at the destined location, while careful transportation ensures the integrity of materials during shipment.

The decontamination challenge Auditing the type and level of hazardous material contaminations, as well as the cleanliness and structural integrity of the assets, is crucial. This helps to ensure that appropriately skilled personnel – equipped with the necessary PPE – are appointed to undertake the decontamination exercise, with minimum risk. The objective should not be to overclean materials. Instead, the goal is to take assets to a ‘known state’ that removes uncertainties and satisfies compliance requirements. If they are to be demolished for scrap, for instance, decontamination should at least meet regulatory requirements and prevent hazardous materials from entering recyclable waste streams.

Geographical complexities Irrespective of geography or the specifics of the assignment, safety and environmental considerations are paramount in projects involving international plant transfer. While most countries adhere to similar ethical and legislative benchmarks, there are naturally international and even regional nuances. Considering standards set in both the plant’s origination and destination locations is therefore crucial, although legislative parameters should set only the bare minimum criteria – the responsible decommissioning professional should vow to achieve the highest possible EHS standards.

Carefully considered disassembly Deploying a high degree of manual dismantling techniques allows for the precise disassembly – and reassembly – of assets. Once cleaned, components should be match-marked with unique codes for ease and accuracy of reconstruction. DemolitionHub.com

Finding a plant buyer While dismantling equipment for re-erection elsewhere is a possible route map, it’s not always commercially feasible – not least if a prospective end user is not immediately apparent, and/or a third party is sought to buy the assets. It’s often easier to transfer the facility to an operator within the same group, if possible. During such transitions,

ensuring compliance with local regulations while adhering to global benchmarks for EHS regimes and technical methodologies is key. To combat cultural and language differences, effective personnel relations, awareness training and communication must also be adopted from the outset. Pursuing external buyers may be inherently more complex – introducing significant decommissioning, refurbishment and relocation costs. This, coupled with the view of decommissioned plants as old technology, is why completing a mutually-attractive deal is rare in these cases. And holding costs incurred during negotiations will only eat into profit margins. Sale for reuse should therefore be considered as a plan B route map. The bottom line The goal for any chemical facility should always be to maximise the return on assets where possible and safe to do so. However, factors such as plant age, former processes, recovery cost, testing, market forces and commercial competition, will all form part of the decision as to what should happen next. If you have something to say and would like to submit a column for publication in Demolition Hub, please email: toby@chambers.media DemolitionHUB Magazine | 111

opinion

Are you chasing the Net Zero badge? by Richard Dolman

Carbon footprint; Carbon impact; Net Zero; Carbon offsetting. Have I lost your interest yet? When we hear these phrases are we thinking “how much?” or “is this really making a difference?” We’re all busy doing our part in running our businesses, making decisions to ensure we stay ahead, gain new business and weather the economic changes. But are we correct to simply tick a box or make a token gesture towards reducing our carbon usage or are we simply chasing a badge to demonstrate to our supply chain and peers that we have done the right thing? Are we really doing the right thing? There are so many ways we can have a positive impact without going to the expense of investing in offsetting or costly alternative power 112 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

when we are being told it will take about 15 years to see the return on investment. We recycle and reuse every day. So, is this it…we’ve done our part? To make a real difference we should be engaging more with our supply chain to explore all reuse options. At AR, where I’m a director, we open the conversations with our clients at the earliest opportunity to fully understand the potential savings both in costs to our client and carbon reduction for our environment. Spending a little more time retrieving valuable steel for its reuse later in the project or baling on site to save time, emissions and fuel travelling for this service, is doing the right thing. We should also be having these conversations with our end users to ensure when we can salvage a reusable element of the structure, the parties involved are prepared to warrant the items for reuse. This largely applies to the steel reuse market, we need to create the market for it and encourage our clients, architects and other parties in the supply chain to be interested in these reusable products, the same way we did for recycled aggregates. AR recently joined forces with the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) and two other sustainable supply chain contractors to deliver a webinar on how to procure sustainably, talking to our clients about how we as an industry can help them deliver their carbon reduction targets on their journey

to net zero. We encouraged them to talk with their demolition contractors about increasing recycling, the reuse options and about the innovations in demolition methods to extract materials more easily. How we can help during feasibility to influence programme, material recovery and ultimately carbon savings for our clients. We have the innovative kit available to us to positively impact our supply chain carbon footprint from the demo rigs through to water efficient dust suppression and wash plant. Let us show that we don’t just talk about being sustainable, that we truly are positively contributing to the net zero targets. If we’re going to talk about this badge we all like to wear, let’s make those conversations valuable and make an impact – talk to our supply chain about the tools and methods we have available to them on every project, our impressive recycling/reuse rates and the kit we have that reduces our combined carbon footprint. Increasing productivity, becoming more efficient, innovating and early contractor engagement allow us as an industry to lead the way in sustainability. Then we truly deserve the badge.

If you have something to say and would like to submit a column for publication in Demolition Hub, please email: toby@chambers.media DemolitionHub.com

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opinion

Making up for lost time

by Terry Lloyd, Head of Vendor in the SME Lending Division at Paragon Bank

In my last column, I discussed the excitement in the industry as we headed into spring. With the weather getting warmer and days becoming longer, the construction industry can get back onto site after months of bad weather and delays to work. This is more true than ever as the good weather has now largely returned and the industry can make up for lost time, especially after the most recent figures on construction and housing, which shows the industry’s challenge. It will be disappointing for many to hear that the construction figures for the first quarter of the year declined by 0.9 percentage points. Especially after the reported growth 114 | DemolitionHUB Magazine

in January that had indicated a positive start to the year for the construction industry, following a difficult 2023. However, it’s important to note that despite it being a decrease in overall construction activity, the Office for National Statistics pointed to anecdotal survey evidence suggesting it is due to poor weather conditions, which many have faced over these past few months.1 The winter months are often difficult for the construction industry due to adverse weather conditions and the start of 2024 has seen storms and severe flooding across many regions, which will have impacted construction and the ability for teams to be on site. The poor weather, among other external factors, has also impacted house building generally. The National House Building Council (NHBC) reported that new housing completions were down 13% in the first quarter of 2024 in comparison to 2023, in addition to new home registrations also being down 20% in the same period.2 These conditions have affected the industry on a macro level as well as affecting companies and individuals. It will have a huge impact on their ability to keep up with the

running costs of their business, with companies still having to cover labour costs as well as business running costs. For many this will likely include the repayments for their equipment and machinery if they have used asset finance to purchase them. Despite work slowing down, construction companies will still need to repay their lender each month, among other costs. Therefore, lenders must offer support to these companies and enable them to have honest conversations, to see how they can help if they are struggling because of the slowdown in work at the beginning of this year. As we enter the spring and summer months, construction work will likely increase with bad weather conditions much less likely to hinder projects. We hope this will give the industry a chance to recover some of the work they may have lost out on earlier this year. 1 2

Office for National Statistics National House Building Council

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