THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING
ISSUE 3 - 2014
5 President’s Page
10 Redhead Demolition 16 Forshaw Demolition 24 Cawarden Co.
30 DDS Demolition
36 Comley Demolition
42 NFDC Convention 2014 50 Micor Demolition 54 A R Demolition
58 Walters Demolition 62 Armac Demolition 74 The Big Interview
76 Northeast Demolition 78 Classifieds
CONTENTS
12 R Collard
Demolition & Dismantling Magazine is designed and produced by
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e: louise@demolition-nfdc.com t: 01442 217144 National Federation of Demolition Contractors
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PRESIDENT’S PAGE MESSAGE FROM NFDC PRESIDENT WILLIAM SINCLAIR
If you ask a demolition man the
TIMES ARE A CHANGING... question “how’s business?” you may think that you had in some way breached the official secrets act, as the response is usually reserved, cautious and understated. However looking at the work being carried out by NFDC members featured in this edition of Demolition and Dismantling, business certainly appears to have picked up significantly from the same time a year ago. The market remains incredibly competitive, but there is generally a quiet confidence, and relief, with the quantity and quality of enquiries – maybe, just maybe, the times are changing.
In the past weeks I have received numerous notes of thanks and congratulations from delegates who attended our Annual Convention at the Interalpen Hotel in the Austrian Tyrol. The true thanks and credit must go to the NFDC Convention Team, who along with our main sponsors Liebherr, organised and managed a superb event. I would like to take this opportunity to again thank the entire team for all their hard work, not only in Austria, but at
Resurgam House dealing with all the reservations and arrangements leading up to the event.
The NFDC is a progressive and professional organisation with quality staff members that handled the organisation of this years Convention like seasoned pros and on behalf of all the delegates – Thank You ! At the Convention we heard that Mike Taylor, Executive Director of the National Demolition Association (USA), was retiring following 25 years distinguished service to the NDA. Mike and his wife Nancy have been attending our Conventions for 25 years and quickly became a true and dear friend to the NFDC. Mike and Nancy, on behalf of the NFDC, we wish you a long and happy retirement.
The Convention was a great success, and we are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their generous support. In particular I would like to note my personal thanks to Liebherr, our main sponsors for the past two years. When I met with Peter Mayr (former MD of Liebherr UK) and Darren Bennet (National Account
Manager Liebherr UK) at Hillhead, we shook hands on a two year sponsorship deal for the NFDC. At that time the UK was still officially in recession, so I was very grateful to receive such considerable support. To Peter and Darren and all at Liebherr – Thank You.
William Sinclair. NFDC President.
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
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Demolition Awards 2015 The Dorchester, Park Lane Friday 13th March The Demolition Awards 2015 will be held once again at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane on Friday 13th March 2015. The awards will be held after our Annual General Meeting with a guest speaker to be announced! We have updated the awards categories with the introduction of a Corporate and ISP Innovation Award along with Asbestos Removal Operative. Nominations papers will be available soon, but for more information please visit our website: www.demolition-nfdc.com
Award Categories Demolition Operative Demolition Plant Operative Demolition Manager Demolition Innovation - Corporate Demolition Innovation - ISP Demolition Training Commitment Demolition Achievement Investing in Skills for a New Generation Asbestos Removal Operative
EMBASSY DE EMBASSY DEMOLITION GETS A
sprawling shopping centre on the outskirts of North London is in the final stages of being demolished by Federation Member, Embassy Demolition. Oriental City in Colindale was originally home to a large supermarket, a food court with different foods from South East Asia, several restaurants, the largest Japanese bookshop in Europe as well as other retail outlets such as tailors and hair dressers. The centre also served as a focal point for the oriental community hosting events that celebrated different cultural identities of South East Asian countries Having lain dormant for several years, plans to flatten the shopping centre and replace it with a mixed development of residential and retail units were recently approved and Embassy Demolition subsequently tasked with demolishing the shopping centre, clearing the site and removing the slab foundations.
EMOLITION
by David Barnes
A TASTE OF THE ORIENT
The 18 week project began with the demolition of the centre’s three story car park, located at the rear of the premises, before moving towards the front of the site whilst retaining the building’s perimeter walls until the end of the works.
Noel Flanagan, Embassy Demolition’s project manager explains further about the demolition work, “Because of an adjacent supermarket and the close proximity of residential dwellings, we elected to retain the perimeter walls of the structure in order to keep any dust or noise generated from our work within the site’s boundaries”.
The project gave Embassy Demolition the opportunity to deploy some of its newest and largest machinery including a recently delivered Volvo EC480D high reach demo rig. Capable of utilising a 3500kg attachment at a height of 26 metres, the new Volvo proved ideally suited to assist with this task, “Having the Volvo high reach on hand meant we could dispatch the first building, a three storey car park at the rear of the site, safely and quickly thereby affording us more room to process material and dispatch the remainder of centre’s structures”, remarks Noel.
The utilisation of so many Volvo machines on one project is no coincidence, with Embassy Demolition running a near all-Volvo fleet of excavators, “It’s the build quality and reliability we like about the Volvo machines. They are robust and well specified for this sort of application”, say Noel. Such is the company’s allegiance to Volvo it also purchased 4 EC220D excavators at the same time as the EC480D high reach.
With the car park successfully flattened, work began on the shopping mall itself, a task that involved eight demolition spec excavators either working on dismantling the structure or segregating the arisings which included scrap, concrete, wood and insulation material. Such a diligent sorting operation was essential to ensure a high recycling rate as Noel explains, “During the demolition we elected not to soft strip the retail areas of the shopping centre, but instead sort through material as the complex was being demolished. A strategy that has saved time and pushed recycling rates above ninety five percent.
A sizeable on-site crushing operation was established on site in order that concrete, rubble, brickwork material could be crushed and stockpiled on site. A considerable volume of ballast sand was also discovered in various apertures beneath the buildings, all of which had to excavated and stockpiled. The shear volume of inert material that required handling meant a Volvo L120E loading shovel was also deployed to the site in order to stockpile material. Meanwhile material that required recycling off-site was taken to a state-of-the art recycling facility in Edmonton owned by Embassy Demolition’s parent company, J O Doherty Haulage Ltd. With the building’s perimeter walls retained until the very end of the project and a majority of the demolition arisings recycled on-site, the entire operation made very little impact on the surrounding community, “Using modern, low emission machines to demolish the centre in a manner that kept noise, dust and vibration to a minimum has meant the local community have not been adversely affected by the works, something we strive to achieve in every project we undertake”, surmises Noel.
As well as the company’s tallest machine, the project also called for its heaviest excavator, a Volvo EC700B to be utilised on site. Equipped with a fixed pulveriser attachment, this 70 tonne machine made short work of munching through high volumes of shattered reinforced concrete generated during the car park’s demolition. Eradicating the foundations of the car park fell to a third Volvo machine, an EC360C, equipped with a 3 tonne MSB Hydraulic Breaker. DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
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REDHEAD DE ‘WALLY WORLD’ GETS WRAPPED UP A complex and challenging
dismantling project at a former water park in the middle of Hemel Hempstead has recently been completed by Redhead Demolition.
Built in 1991, Jarman Park originally housed 3 nightclubs, a bowling alley, ice rink and water park. A majority of these have since closed down with only the cinema and ice rink still operating. The 160,000 square foot complex is currently undergoing considerable refurbishment under a new corporate owner, a process that includes the removal of the swimming park’s water slides and frontage. Redhead Demolition was tasked with removing the water park’s flume tower, frontage and heating chimneys. A raft of equipment was deployed to site, which included telehandlers, crawler excavators and mobile cranes, alongside an experienced team of demolition operatives.
Amongst the staff on site was Bruce Redhead, company director and veteran of the industry with over 50 years experience dispatching unusual structures such as power stations and cement works. Bruce’s experience would prove invaluable during the project.
Initial work focused on removing 23 chimneys at the rear of the site. At a height of 11 metres, each chimney was dismantled with the assistance of a 14 tonne Doosan excavator and telehandler working in conjunction with demolition operatives wielding cutting torches.
Approximately 11,000m2 of cladding and associated rails, guttering and clockwork was then removed from the front of the building. This task fell to one of the company’s Komatsu PC210 excavators complete with VTN shear attachment and operatives utilising a boom lift access platform.
In order to dismantle the tallest and most unusual structure on site, the 45 tonne flume tower, Redhead Demolition erected a scaffolding inside the tower in order to access the flume’s supporting girder beams. Two apertures were cut in the roof of the flume tower to allow lifting chains from a 250 tonne mobile crane to be lowered in and secured to facilitate the lifting the top section.
Having carefully assessed the flume tower’s structure, Bruce Redhead carried-out several strategic cuts to the supporting girders beneath the flying saucer-shaped tower top, thereby allowing it to be hoisted aloft by the mobile crane. Once free, it was repositioned to a point in front of the aqua park and delicately deposited back on terra firmer. The Komatsu PC210 was then utilised to process the UFO-like structure, snipping it into manageable pieces that were then loaded into hook-bins and sent for recycling.
The second portion of the flume tower, weighing slightly less at 22 tonnes, was also secured to the mobile crane, cut free at its base and hoisted skywards before being brought down to earth and dispatched in a similar fashion to the tower top.
Given the project was completed alongside the facility’s ongoing refurbishment programme without disruption, Bruce Redhead is justifiably proud of the company’s performance, “Redhead Demolition has proved once more that it can bring-down the most unusual of structures safely, quickly and without adversely affecting those working or living nearby”.
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DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
EMOLITION
R COLLARD DE
EMOLITION
by David Barnes
PERFORMS CLINICAL DEMOLITION AT SURREY HOSPITAL
Federation member R Collard Ltd is in the final stages of completing a demolition project at Milford Hospital in Surrey which, with the exception of asbestos material, will see nearly 100% of the resultant demolition arisings recycled. Key to this impressive statistic is the company’s latest Materials Recovery Facility in the neighbouring county of Hampshire which has proved adept at receiving and recycling demolition waste.
Opened in 1929 as a sanatorium, Milford Hospital has undergone a number of name changes reflecting its different uses over the years, these include Surrey County Sanatorium, Surrey Smallpox Hospital and Milford Chest Hospital. The hospital was saved from closure in 2010 following a long campaign by local residents to ensure it remained an NHS centre for excellence.
As well as the varied and important role it played in providing healthcare to Surrey residents during the last 84 years, the hospital also witnessed the birth of the British sitcom, nursing patients Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, who wrote the scripts for
Steptoe and Son and Hancock whilst staying there.
More recently plans were approved for a portion of the hospital to be sold for redevelopment. This process will see 120 new homes built on the site, with 48 of these designated affordable homes. As part of this redevelopment, 25 of the hospital’s buildings are being cleared away, a task R Collard is on target to complete within the allotted 14 week time frame. The main undertakings, which include asbestos removal, demolition and site clearance, are being carried-out adjacent to the hospital’s care and rehabilitation facilities.
Mark Bailey, R Collard’s contracts manager explains some of the key challenges associated with the project “As well as the outright demolition of hospital buildings, some structures require only partial demolition and structural alteration with the remaining portion allocated for use as part of the new housing development.
There are also a number of bats and birds nesting in the condemned buildings which, along with only one access point at the far end of the site, has meant a carefully
choreographed order of demolition and in addition working closely with ecologists. The close proximity of the functioning hospital is also something we have taken in to account, however, because we always strive to minimise disruption on all of our projects, the overall methodology of the demolition work is not dissimilar to that on any other R Collard site”.
Prior to demolition the buildings had all asbestos material removed and were then stripped of soft fixtures and fittings. Demolition of the structures commenced at the southern end of the site, a point chosen because of its close proximity to the site’s dedicated entrance and also because it was furthest away from the active hospital.
Utilising a selection of demolition specification excavators, both standard and high reach equipped with grapple and pulveriser attachments, the buildings were brought down one at a time. Amongst the fleet of equipment deployed by R Collard was a new Hitachi Zaxis 470 excavator, purchased specifically for the hospital project. “We are continually upgrading our fleet of plant equipment, and the use of low emission excavators that are quieter and faster than older models really makes a difference on a project such as this”, says Mark. Although a majority of the buildings were single or double storey in height and could therefore be dispatched by conventional excavators, the hospital’s 25m high water tower called for a taller machine to be utilised. For this job, the company deployed one of its high reach demolition rigs, a Komatsu PC450, to bring the tower down safely and efficiently.
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
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Throughout the project material was segregated with concrete and rubble stockpiled and crushed on site with the resultant material earmarked for use on the construction phase of the development. Other material including wood, metal and plastic has been transported to R Collard’s recycling facility in Eversley, Hampshire. At the heart of the facility is a newly acquired recycling plant designed and manufactured by BlueMAC. Thanks to the consummate work undertaken by R Collard during the project and the recycling of the resultant arisings, many hundreds of tonnes of waste have been successfully diverted from landfill and a redundant part of the NHS made ready for transformation into new housing.
FORSHAW DE
OUT WITH THE OLD IN WI
Forshaw Demolition from
Westhougton, near Bolton, has recently been involved in the demolition of one of the largest bridges spanning the M56 motorway in the North West of England. Situated near Manchester Airport, the bridge carried Thorley Lane over the motorway.
The existing Thorley Lane Bridge had deteriorated over many years and had been assessed as being too weak to carry road traffic to current Highways Agency standards. A restrictive weight limit had therefore been imposed on the bridge to the detriment of the local road network. It was decided that the bridge should then be demolished and re-constructed in order to maintain a safe local route over the M56. The installation of the new bridge will also open up
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the possibility of constructing up to 5000 much needed new homes in and around the vicinity of Manchester Airport.
Forshaw won the task of demolishing the bridge by competitive tender for a regular client with the proposed demolition date of the end of August. With that date approaching, Forshaw were asked to mobilise their plant and equipment early, as a change in program meant the project could be completed earlier than first thought. While many contractors would not have been able to cope with such a change in program, the Forshaw team were able to mobilise their large plant fleet to enable the job to take place. Before any works were started Forshaw’s Contracts Manager
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
George Steele ran the team through the detailed work plan for the demolition, with the operation due to last until the early hours of Monday morning before the motorway was to be reopened. The demolition was due to commence on the 1st August and the preceding week saw Forshaw starting to mobilise plant, attachments and ancillary items to the site in readiness for a 10pm start on the Friday evening. With traffic management in operation and the motorway shut, the company set about removing the central reservation and commencing the installation of a protective matting below the bridge structure to enable the tarmac surface of the road to survive the oncoming onslaught.
EMOLITION TH THE NEW Forshaw employed fourteen excavators from their extensive fleet along with four hired in units. With operating weights from 34 tonnes up to 60 tonnes the excavators quickly and effectively commenced the removal of the 90m long, 2,000 tonne structure. Equipped with a variety of attachments including concrete pulverisers and hydraulic hammers the team of excavators quickly made in-roads into the sub-standard concrete of the bridge. Commencing the demolition operations at 10pm on the Friday evening, the team operated ten excavators on the carriageway with five on each side of the structure and one each on the abutments. As with any time sensitive project, Forshaw ensured that there were a number of spare excavators along with an array of spare attachments
available should any of the front-line equipment suffer an unexpected breakdown. Hammer equipped excavators on the abutments commenced the breaking of the road surface to pare the bridge away from Thorley Lane and it quickly became apparent that once the road surface had been removed, the structural integrity of the bridge was seriously lacking.
With an allocated time span of up to 55 hours to complete the project and re-open it for traffic, the Forshaw team quickly set about the removal of the structure, The two teams of excavators made quick inroads and within a matter of hours, the first sections of the bridge adjoining the abutments to the central columns had been brought down making the ongoing processing easier. The concrete construction of the bridge meant
by Paul Argent
that there were large amounts of reinforcing bars to deal with and these were effectively dealt with by excavator mounted multi-processors which quickly dealt with their removal, cutting to size and balling up for recycling.
As the teams progressed with the demolition the arising material was removed from the job site and returned to the large holding area adjacent to the motorway where it was to be stockpiled and then crushed during the following week.
Although the total demolition and clean-up was supposed to take up to 55 hours, the Forshaw team efficiently and safely removed the structure in circa 30 hours enabling the authorities to reopen the motorway around a full 25 hours ahead of schedule.
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
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777 DEMO
OLITION
by David Barnes
SCORES A DOUBLE WITH TWIN TOWER BLOCK DEMOLITION
Croydon-based 777 Group has
successfully demolished two giant tower blocks in North West London, an undertaking which is part of a £600m regeneration project for the area. The demise of the two blocks will assist with the programme’s planned target to re-build approximately 1,200 new homes for tenants of The South Kilburn Estate, as well as offer 1,200 new homes for sale. Once cleared, the site will see a new development comprising 229 flats set in four perimeter blocks of between six and seven storeys surrounding a central courtyard podium, with parking beneath and a pedestrian link to Kilburn Park Road. The redevelopment work is expected to be completed by 2016.
The structures demolished by 777 Group consisted of Bronte House and Fielding House, two 17 storey monoliths built in the 1960s housing 271 units made up of one and two bedroom flats. Adjoining the pair of tower blocks was a sprawling underground garage
With the residents of the two blocks rehoused, 777 Group initially concentrated on removing the subterranean garages in order to improve on-site access and ensure stable terrain for the forthcoming use of heavy duty demolition equipment. The garages were demolished using conventional excavators complete with breaker and pulveriser attachments, with the resultant voids backfilled using crushed concrete.
Preparation work also involved protecting six electrical sub stations on site, with each tower block housing three stations in their respective basement. The contract stipulated these stations were to remain live during the project so 777 Group covered them and their associated underground cabling with steel sheeting and concrete crash mats to ensure they remained intact and functional.
The first tower block earmarked for demolition was Fielding House, with initial work focusing on stripping the structure of asbestos and soft fittings. This task took eight weeks and, once complete, left the building configured for conventional demolition. With the asbestos and soft strip crew
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
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re-deployed to the adjacent block, Bronte House, one of the company’s giant ultra-high reach demolition rigs was dispatched to the site to dispatch the now forlorn looking Fielding House. Taking three low loaders to transport to the South Kilburn site, minimal time to assemble, the EX1200 had to utilise almost all its 52m reach to access the tallest portions of the tower block. Working alongside the demo rig was a significant amount of dust suppression equipment which included a dedicated dust boss unit, water hoses mounted on an access platform and also the Hitachi EX1200’s own on-board water cannon. 777 Group’s Business Development Director, Daryl Pearce explains further about the array of dust-busting equipment, “The area immediately surrounding Bronte House and Fielding House consisted of high density housing. To this end, it was imperative we utilised the full spectrum of dust suppression equipment we had at our disposal”.
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During the demolition phase of Fielding House, 777 Group’s Hitachi would periodically cease munching the building in order for fallen material at the base of the structure to be segregated and cleared away. A vast majority of this consisted of shattered concrete which was resized by the firm’s tracked jaw crusher. The resultant crushed material was stockpiled in preparation for the new development’s construction where it will be used to form piling mats.
By the time the Hitachi had completely felled Fielding House, Bronte House had been internally stripped of fixtures and fittings and made ready for demolition - a milestone which enabled the demolition rig to simply reposition itself at the foot of the second tower block and repeat the demolition process.
Throughout the project, 777 Group liaised closely with stakeholders including nearby residents and businesses, ensuring they were informed of the works and able to communicate any concerns or complaints freely.
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
Taking a total of 7 months to complete, the demise of these unloved and aesthetically disagreeable tower blocks mark the first step in regenerating this site which will house a more sympathetic development that is in keeping with nearby mansion block terraces.
It is hoped the new development will also increase the standard of housing in Brent and greatly improve quality of life for the wider Kilburn community.
MCGEE GROUP On the 29th July, McGee held a
WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY TO HELP KEEP CYCLISTS SAFE Cycle Safety Event which took place on our demolition site at One Nine Elms in Vauxhall, London. The event, which was supported and attended by the Metropolitan Police Cycle Task Force, London Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance and Havebike, gave cyclists extra insights and valuable tips intended to keep them and their bicycles - safe.
This drop-in event gave visitors the opportunity to ‘exchange places’ with an experienced driver and meet a member of the Metropolitan Police Cycle Task Force team for an ‘in-cab’ safety briefing to get a better understanding of what a lorry driver can and can’t see; and also a demonstration of where vehicle blind spots exist. The event was well attended by cyclists, as well as some pedestrians. Feedback was very encouraging with all visitors who completed the feedback questionnaire saying that as a result of attending the event, it increased their awareness of the issues when cycling near lorries and in some way, they would change their cycling habits after
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getting behind the wheel of our truck. One cyclist said: “Getting in the cab gives you a new perspective”.
Emma Attwood, event organiser said: “Even if just one person said the event has helped them gain a better understanding of cycling road safety awareness, then the event still would’ve been incredibly worthwhile. But, it could not have happened without the support and involvement from the Met Police, London Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance and Havebike, so I would especially like to thank them for getting involved and for working with McGee to make the event a success.” Commenting on the event, Havebike’s John Mackessy said: “The havebike team were happy to be involved with McGee and the Metropolitan Police’s ‘Exchanging Places’ event at the Nine Elms site on Tuesday July 29th. It is wonderful feeling to be able to combine work you are passionate about with a great cause. “Of the cyclists who stopped for a safety-check and chat we were glad we could direct so many to McGee’s freshly liveried tipper with the bold new Cycle Safety Awareness graphic on its sides.”
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
To ensure as many people as possible got to hear about the event, 3,500 people in the local neighbourhood were emailed with details of the event. Leaflets were also sent to local bike shops, along with posters displayed on the site’s hoarding.
Marc Byrne, Head of Neighbourhood Liaison, said: “The response from the local cycling community has been excellent and this has encouraged us to roll out our campaign in other boroughs in which we work.” Free bike markings and registrations were also carried out by the Metropolitan Police Cycle Task Force. Free cycle safety checks and maintenance were offered by premier bicycle maintenance provider, Havebike, and the St John Ambulance Cycle Responders also gave first aid advice and information on what to do in an emergency situation.
The McGee team handed out cycle safety information leaflets and hi-visibility vests to all visitors who stopped by the event.
CAWARDEN C
COMPANY
by Paul Argent
CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT While many NFDC companies
solely rely on demolition for their income, there are many with other facets to their business that compliment the demolition side of operations and offer their clients a full scope of works. Midlands and Welsh members Cawarden are one such company that can offer the in-house ground remediation and site clean up and Demolition and Dismantling went out to see them as they were undertaking a very ecologically important project for their client Bolsover Properties in Kirby-inAshfield, Nottinghamshire.
The land was once home to the former Summit colliery and when it was demolished in the mid 1960’s the buildings were simply knocked to the ground and left where they fell. William Crooks, Cawarden Managing Director explains; “There were no requirements to recycle materials in the 60’s and the job was probably undertaken by the colliery workers.”
The company have been on site for over 12 months with the job being undertaken in phases. While the land reclamation is a major concern for the client, the site is also a major location for species of plant and insects that are conservation importance and the contract has called for Cawarden to undertake some very interesting work alongside their more usual site remediation works.
The site, since its demolition, has gradually been built around and this last portion is the final piece in the jigsaw. Bounded by industrial units, housing and a railway line the site will eventually be developed for industrial use. Cawarden’s on-going contract calls for the removal of demolition arisings from the former colliery buildings and the remediation and consolidation of the land in readiness for development. The site is currently home to some uncommon plants and including Common Spotted Orchids, Bee
Orchids and Dingy Skipper butterflies, which is scarce in Nottinghamshire and the company has been requested to relocate these rare species from their current locations on the site to the periphery of the development. The site is currently at the Northern edge of the Dingy Skipper’s territory in the UK and is therefore represents an important site and one that ultimately needs to be conserved.
Unlike a more traditional restoration scheme where the land is put back as good as possible to encourage vegetation to grow, the Summit colliery site has had areas specifically designed for the relocation of both species. Chief ecologist for the project, Mark Woods, explains the reasoning behind this; “Orchids and butterflies require open ground and low nutrient habitats, which are unfavourable for many plants and insects to flourish so a poorer ground than is usually requested on remediation works is required.
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
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Typical ground conditions are found along railway lines and in neglected industrial areas and we are trying to replicate this at Summit.” While the poorer ground conditions are favoured for the endangered species, Cawarden are removing the poor soils and arisings before back filling and compacting the site for the future development.
Before the reinstatement of the land can commence, the populations of Orchids and Dingy Skippers are located throughout the site and with the aid of expert excavator operators, the turfs containing the orchids and butterfly larvae are relocated in the dedicated receptor sites. The ecologist and excavator operators carry out the translocation one bucket at a time, carefully uplifting the turf so that disturbance to the butterfly larvae and orchid spikes is minimised during the translocation. To aid in the relocation, Cawarden have brought in some of their new fleet of JCB machines, a JS220LC demolition specification excavator
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undertakes the majority of the turf lifting and relocation while brand new 533-105 tele-handler fitted with a bucket assists in the task of moving material used to fill the gaps between turfs. The material being used to infill is a mix of 6F2 crushed rubble and a black mineral, infertile soil that has been screened and processed on site, which provides an ideal substrate for orchids and bird’s-foot trefoil, which is the food plant of dingy skipper larvae. The material will enable the plants to spread from the translocated turf and provide an opportunity for increasing the size of the butterfly and orchid populations. Once the area has been cleared of both species, the excavation and crushing team are able to commence their operations to remediate the site. Working alongside the two Cawarden owned machines was an example of the updated JCB mini digger range. Local dealers TC Harrison have kindly supplied the 85-Z1 to assist in the preparation of the 6F-2 bund in readiness for the relocation. The newcomer, as with the existing JCB fleet is
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
claimed by the company to offer excellent value for money and superb fuel economy and reliability. “We have a large fleet of Komatsu machines, yet the JCBs can easily undertake exactly the same operations at a fraction of the cost” explains Lead Estimator Oliver Crooks. “The staff at JCB have been very helpful in assisting us with our purchases and particular thanks go to our dealers for supplying the smaller excavator to help us again this season.” While there are no firm plans for the redevelopment of the site in place, the current remediation project will stand the developers in good stead for future use whilst the relocating of the flora and fauna will maintain the presence of orchids and dingy skipper in the local area.
Such has been the success of the project to date that both orchid and butterfly populations have survived the translocation. Translocated orchids have reappeared and flowered and a generation of butterflies have been recorded on the translocation site.
WINDSOR WASTE WORKING WITH BROWN AND MASON Earlier this year, new NFDC
Industry Service Provider Windsor Waste Management (WWM) was commissioned by member Brown and Mason to provide a total waste management service on a demolition site in Hampshire.
In April 2014, Brown and Mason, one of Europe’s largest demolition, dismantling and decommissioning companies, completed the demolition of a former aerospace jet engine testing facility in Farnborough. One of the largest testing sites in the world, the facility was used for Concorde, Harriers and Tornados before the site closed down in 2000 to be redeveloped into the Hartland Park business centre. Brown and Mason had segregated the wastes as far as possible and required a reliable and trustworthy waste management company to provide a total waste management service, ensuring compliant disposal of all waste streams with full audit trails to provide to their customer.
Windsor Waste Management (WWM) provided a cost effective collection and disposal services for over 50 different types of hazardous waste as well as a number of non-hazardous wastes. In line with their policy to minimise carbon footprint, WWM employed the services of local service providers, supporting local communities and also reducing transportation costs.
The non-hazardous waste included hardcore, mixed construction and demolition waste, plastic and rubber. WWM provided further segregation, where possible, to offer a full diversion from landfill and recycling rates in excess of 85%. The hazardous wastes included fluorescent tubes and other waste electrical and electronic equipment as well as fuel contaminated soil and sand, oil slurry, waste oils, hydrochloric acid and other acids, paints, silver nitrate and batteries.
All hazardous wastes were collected and disposed of by specialist hazardous waste contractors. All paperwork required for the collection and disposal of the waste
streams was provided in line with current waste regulations. This was made available via WWM’s online customer administration service, within 48 hours of the completion of each collection.
WWM delivered a professional and reliable service, reacting quickly to Brown and Mason’s requests and meeting all service requirements.
Nathan Christian, Company Buyer, Brown and Mason says: “Windsor Waste Management were fantastic. They provided a good value and environmentally responsible service with fast turnaround and full compliance, ensuring we could in turn meet all our client’s requirements”.
Lee Brown, Project Director, Brown and Mason says: “Windsor proved extremely reliable and efficient. On a number of occasions we needed them to meet tight timeframes and they managed to turn quotes around and get service providers in to site within 24 hours, we couldn’t ask for any more”.
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DDS
DISPATCHES
DEMOLITION
KING’S CAR PARK Demolition and dismantling
specialist DDS Demolition has recently completed the demolition and redevelopment of a car park facility in the centre of Maidstone, Kent. The original multi-storey car park on King Street was built in the 1970s and, despite offering 213 parking spaces, was suffering from extensive structural erosion.
Facing a refurbishment bill of approximately £700,000 the local council elected to have the building demolished and replaced with a surface car park. Although the surface car park will offer significantly less spaces than the original building, the town currently has a surplus of spaces and the removal of such an ugly
by David Barnes
and overbearing structure is seen by many as an improvement.
Spread over six storeys, the condemned car park was flanked by the Maidstone’s busy city-centre road network to the front and one side, a busy tenpin bowling centre to the other side and a selection of offices and houses to the rear. A disused retail space made-up the ground floor of the building. For DDS Demolition, the first phase of the project involved securing the site and wrapping the structuring in a scaffold and tarpaulin surround. Because the top part of the structure was pre-cast and unstable the company elected to demolish this section using the top down demolition
technique. This ensured that no material would fall outside the perimeter of the site. Once removed, the rest of the structure, which was more stable, could be dispatched by the company’s Komatsu PC340 high-reach demolition rig.
In order to achieve the top-down portion of the demolition, a number of mini- excavators and skid steer machines were craned onto the roof of the structure. This part of the demolition was not without its challenges, “As with all top-down demolition work, the load-bearing capacity of each floor has to be carefully considered. In this instance we elected to insert extra steel support beams underneath
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each floor as the added weight of machinery may have been too much for the building. Because of the severe lack of space around the exterior of the structure we also established a system whereby demolition arisings were deposited down purpose built well holes cut through the slabs and cleared away at ground level”, says Wesley. Another consideration was that of the noise and dust generated during the work, and again DDS ensured such side-effects were minimised, “The scaffold and tarpaulin surround ensured a majority of the dust and noise was contained whilst carrying-out the top-down portion of the work and the use of hydraulic breakers was always accompanied by some form of water-based dust suppression”. It was during this phase that DDS deployed a brand new 7.5 tonne Hitachi midi-excavator.
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A key feature of this machine was its ability to host a dedicated hydraulic concrete pulverizer attachment. This allowed certain sections of the building to be demolished without the use of hydraulic breakers, therefore keeping noise to a minimum.
With two-sides of the car-park demolished floor by floor, the rest of the structure was rapidly dispatched using the firm’s Komatsu PC340 high-reach. Again, keeping noise and dust to a minimum was of upmost importance and the high-reach’s built-in water spray alleviated a majority of the dust generated. Operating on support of the high-reach was a conventional 15 tonne excavator which was used to diligently segregate the arisings. With the site cleared, DDS Demolition could begin the second phase of the project which included
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breaking-out certain sections of the original structure’s sub base as well as overseeing specialist sub-contractors who constructed the new ground floor car park complete with street furniture, parking meeting and landscaping. “The combination of the structure’s close proximity nearby buildings and the town’s high street coupled with the added dimension of being the principle contractor for both demolition and redevelopment phases presented a unique set of challenges. These in turn offered DDS Demolition an opportunity to prove not just our demolition capability but also the ability to manage sub-contractors and oversee the project from start to finish. Suffice to say the client was happy with results, namely expeditious and safe fulfilment of the entire project”, surmises Wesley.
GROUND BREAKING INNOVATIONS The return of the Rammer brand was never meant to be a final destination; it was merely the first step on a path to further innovation. The latest step on that journey is the new Rammer 5011 hydraulic hammer, an important new model that benefits from a new operating principle to deliver class-leading levels of performance, productivity and power while plugging a gap in the Rammer range. Suitable for carriers from 43 to 80 tons, the Rammer 5011 can be purpose-matched to individual applications and materials. Rammer is not just back. It is back and hitting harder than ever.
Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy / Lahti, Finland / +358 205 44 151 / rammer@sandvik.com / www.rammer.com
HUSQVARNA THE DXR 140 FOR TIGHT AND CONFINED SPACES
Some demolition work requires
operating in some of the most awkward spaces. These sorts of jobs require a lightweight and flexible machine. The DXR 140 is ideal for these types of situations; its compact design is a powerful partner to reckon with for demolition work in cramped spaces and where conditions require a lightweight machine . The DXR 140 is the lightest model in Husqvarna’s range of demolition robots. Despite its low weight the DXR 140 packs a strong punch. It weighs only 985 kilos and has an output of 15 kW, with a width of only 77 cm this robot is easy to manoeuvre and transport.
The arm system can be rotated 360° without restriction, making it ideal to remotely access restricted areas and confined spaces. The DXR 140 can past through most doorways, goes up stairs and can fit into lifts or onto small trailers. Its low-slung body gives the user a clear view over the machine, making his work more efficient and safer. Furthermore its out-riggers can be controlled individually, giving it good stability and facilitating work on uneven areas or close to walls. The baseplate of the DXR 140 is cast in a single piece for optimum weight distribution and balance, it also ensures that the operator can utilise 100 per cent of the breaker’s force.
Equipped with an efficient electrical fan and the same cooler as the larger DXR 310, this machine has a highly efficient cooling system.
The electrical proportional control of its hydraulic pump means efficient pressure and flow regulation. The result is a machine of high efficiency with minimal thermal losses.
The remote control with Bluetooth technology is the easiest to use on the market, with a clear plain text display showing when it is time for various servicing jobs including oil refills and oil filter changes.
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COMLEY DEM NEW
MOLITION
by David Barnes
EXCAVATORS PROVE A SMASH HIT Farnham-based Comley
Demolition has recently dispatched Stone Court, the former home of pop group Five Star, with the assistance of a new Hitachi Zaxis excavator.
Located in Sunningdale, Berkshire, the 7 bedroom mansion was purchased by the group during the height of their success in the late 1980s. Within the sprawling 12,000 sq ft property, which included a double garage and steam room, a dedicated recording studio was used to produce hit singles which resulted in over 10 million albums being sold around the world. The ownership of Stone Court, along with Ferraris and Lamborghinis, was part of the band’s affluent lifestyle which was well-documented by the media
during the 1980s. Although the band sold the mansion over 20 years ago, the property remained synonymous with the five piece group, so much so that Denise Pearson, the band’s lead vocalist made a visit to the house during the demolition work.
With the 1.3 acre site earmarked for redevelopment, Comley Demolition were tasked with levelling the mansion and associated out buildings. Initial undertakings saw the company remove asbestos insulation and reclaim doors, fireplaces and roof timbers. Following this work and a full soft-strip of the mansion, conventional demolition took place using a twenty five tonne excavator. The machine used, a Hitachi Zaxis 225 is one of two recently acquired by Comley Demolition.
They are the first Hitachi-sourced machines and also the first reduced tail swing excavators the company has purchased.
Toby Comley, company director explains further about the latest purchases, “Although we have traditionally sourced our machines from one manufacturer, the need to replace two ageing excavators in the fleet prompted us to look closely at what was on offer from other suppliers. The increased safety and flexibility that reduced tail swing excavators offer in the demolition sector meant they were of interest to us. Hitachi’s offering proved the most attractive and they subsequently supplied us with two latest-generation Zaxis 225 reduced tail swing excavators. Along with being competitively priced, extras such as servicing packages at five
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hundred hour intervals also influenced our decision, as did new fuel saving features such as auto shut down and clean burning, fuel efficient engine”.
The Hitachi Zaxis 225 US LC model is the largest reduced tail swing excavator Hitachi offers, weighing just over 25 tonnes. At the heart of the machine is a Isuzu engine with a rated power of 164hp. Coupled with Hitachi’s new TRIAS hydraulic system with 3 variable displacement axial piston pumps affords the machine 141kN of bucket digging force. Being a short tail-swing excavator the upper structure’s rear has been trimmed by 1.2m compared to the conventional model, thereby making it ideal for carrying-out demolition work in confined spaces. “The two Zaxis machines are the first reduced tail swings we have bought. They offer a great deal of flexibility when compared to normally configured excavators, especially in confined urban areas. This feature is something we were keen to realise the potential of”, says Toby.
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Mark Folland, one of the Hitachis’ operatives was happy to share his experience of the new machine having spent over 1000 hours at the controls, “I previously operated one of the company’s Doosan DX225 excavators and there is very little difference in stability, even when working across the tracks. The controls are sensitive and responsive making most tasks straightforward. There’s also plenty of power too, meaning attachments such as grabs and pulverisers can be operated at the same time as the boom and dipper without performance degrading. The only aspect I would improve upon is the lack of stowage behind the seat meaning there is minimal space for overalls, hard hats and packed lunches”. Along with operating the machine, basic maintenance such as checking fluid levels and lubricating hydraulics are also deemed straightforward according to Mark, “All my daily checks can be carried out at ground level via access panels. The engine oil volumes are available from the LCD display in the cab as are the indications that hydraulic and oil filters need replacing. Overall it is a well
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thought-out machine both operationally and for basic maintenance. It is certainly capable of holding its own amongst all the incumbent kit that works alongside it”.
Equipped with a Geith quick hitch coupler, the Hitachi was able to swap between various attachments such as breakers, grapples, buckets and pulverisers in order to demolish the former Five Star residence quickly and safely. The task of segregating the resultant materials, including concrete and rubble, in order to boost the recycling rate beyond 90% was also undertaken effortlessly by the Zaxis.
“Overall the new Hitachis have been well received and I think we will certainly consider reduced tail swing machines in the future given the positive feedback from the operatives”, surmises Toby. With more and more buildings earmarked for demolition across London and the Home counties, the new arrivals look set to remain busy working alongside the company’s fleet of demolition excavators for the foreseeable future.
Multi-Award Winning Demolition Experts Arthurstone House, Liff Road, Dundee DD2 4TD Tel: 01382 811444 路 Fax: 01382 610372 info@safedem.co.uk 路 www.safedem.co.uk
NFDC CONVE INTERAPLEN HOTEL, TYROL
From the 22nd to the 25th of
August, over 260 NFDC delegates visited the spectacular Austrian Tyrol for the 2014 Annual Convention. With comments from delegates such as – ‘the best convention ever’ - the weekend was made extra special, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. ECY Haulmark, NDTG, Sandvik and Main Convention Sponsor Liebherr, all contributed to a truly memorable event.
The setting was the Liebherr owned Interalpen Hotel, a 5 star superior facility and Leading Hotel of the World. The Friday evening saw guests enjoying welcome drinks before enjoying a traditional Tyrolean meal in the Ambrasstube.
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Along with excellent food, the guests were entertained by an Austrian folk ensemble in traditional Austrian dress. Saturday’s proceedings started with the half-yearly business meeting.
NFDC President William Sinclair opened the meeting welcoming guests from the NDA and friends and colleagues from the NFDC and IDE. The President acknowledged the presence of Honorary Life Vice Presidents Button, Wring and Bishop recognising their considerable contribution to the Federation. Reporting on the success of the past six months, Mr Sinclair then went on to praise the staff at Resurgam House for their efforts over the past half year. In particular the President
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
recognised the Convention Team for all their efforts in delivering an excellent Convention. Mr Sinclair also highlighted the continued excellent relationship with the NDTG and NDTG (Scotland). Mr Sinclair also touched on the appointment of the ISP members liaison, currently being undertaken by Second Vice President, Andrew Forshaw. He noted, that following a recent ISP meeting, the overwhelming support from members for a second Demolition Expo event. The President confirmed his invitation to Adrian McLean to be co-opted onto National Council to assist in the organising of the 2015 event, such was his success in the setting up of the inaugural 2013 Demolition Expo.
NTION 2014
The President then reported on the next significant steps with the NFDC Site Audit Scheme. In keeping with the Schemes existing criteria for all Demolition Operatives to hold CCDO cards, National Council unanimously approved that all machine operators carrying out demolition works should have demolition specific Plant Operator Cards. The introduction of un-announced site audit visits was also explained and recognised as a key step in cementing the credibility of the Site Audit Scheme in the eyes of clients. The President was pleased to confirm that the Federation was in financial position of strength, and informed the delegates of National Council’s approval to purchase the building adjacent to Resurgam House. This added facility will allow the NDTG to expand its training provision to members and provide valuable space for future progression.
In conclusion, Mr Sinclair thanked his vice-presidents, Martin Wilson and Andrew Forshaw for their
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assistance and also thanked the kind sponsorship from Liebherr, ECY, Sandvik, and the NDTG. NDA President, Jeff Kroeker, addressed the meeting with an update of events in the USA, and noted his Associations gratitude to their very own Mike Taylor, who had announced his retirement, for his outstanding service to the NDA and its predecessor the NADC. President Kroeker, commended the NFDC for their continued pioneering work in the demolition industry through our Guidance Notes and Training, and he congratulated the NFDC President William Sinclair and NFDC CEO Howard Button for an excellent job.
Next to take to the podium was Sophie Cox, Group Manager of the NFDC and NDTG who explained how the past six months have seen the Federation brand grow stronger with more applications for Corporate and ISP memberships being processed. Regional meetings have seen a huge increase in popularity with growing ISP member involvement through
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
presentations. Praise was also given to the regions for raising in excess of ÂŁ30,000 for various charitable organisations. All social events are now being coordinated between regional chairmen and head office, removing the need and cost for any outside companies.
Confirming a large uptake in training courses, the NDTG have successfully trained over 200 personal from operatives to supervisors over the last eight months. Ms Cox went on to urge members to book training in plenty of time as courses are becoming very popular at present and also mentioned that the NDTG have been nominated for two CITB awards.
Louise Calam, NFDC Marketing Executive took the podium to announce a large increase in traffic to the website and the completion of new guidance notes with more to come on line later in the year. Miss Calam also confirmed a deal with Construction News to distribute the forthcoming 2015 Yearbook. Miss Calam also spoke about Demolition
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and Dismantling magazine and the increase in distribution, the online availability of the magazine and the increase in social media pushing the presence of the Federation. IDE President, Steve Jack was next to speak to the attendees. Commenting on the new found stability of the Institute and the joining of the Construction Industry Council. Mr Jack also confirmed that raising the profile of the Institute was necessary and said that members from various other associated trade institutes have been invited to come along to the Autumn seminar in London. Institute regional meetings and seminars have been well represented in recent times and Mr Jack confirmed a record attendance for the recent Leeds Armouries event. Training is always a topic of interest and Mr Jack said the Institute is looking at ways of introducing a Technical grade of membership in the near future. Mr Jack also announced the re-launch of the Engineer magazine.
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The meeting then enjoyed informative presentations from Richard Yarwood of ECY Haulmark and Fergal O’Neil of Sandvik. Darren Bennet, National Account Manager and Philippe Boehrer introduced the meeting to the Liebherr Group and invited delegates to attend the factory in Telfs.
Before boarding the coaches to the factory the delegates took the opportunity to view a demolition spec Liebherr 936 fitted with factory fitted protection to rams and cab. The 936, embodied the NFDC mantra of members working together, as it was fitted with a rotating MT25 attachment supplied by ECY Haulmark. The tour included a walk round the production halls of the factory where crawler loader, pipe layers and dozers are manufactured. Experiencing the tour, one delegate stated ‘you can see the quality’ Outside, the company had made available a PR736 dozer, L566
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
wheeled loader and the star attraction an R954 high reach demolition machine. The adventurous operators amongst the attendees were very quickly queuing up to have an impromptu test drive of the 28m reach machine.
With the gents at the factory, the spouses enjoyed a trip to Swarovski Crystal World that included a weird and wonderful tour experience installed by a number of artists. Many returned with impressive and sparkling jewellery!
With Austrian precision the Liebherr and Swarovski trips returned to the hotel for a buffet lunch courtesy of the NDTG, before enjoying the facilities of the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon.
In true NFDC tradition the Gala Dinner on the Saturday night was a grand and elegant affair. The Andreas-Hofer Ballroom witnessed one of the most touching moments in NFDC History, as President William Sinclair recognised the friendship and contribution of NDA
Chief Association Officer Mike Taylor, and his wife Nancy, for over 25 years of attending NFDC Conventions. This Convention was to be Mike’s last as NDA Chief Association Officer as he had announced his retirement following a long and distinguished career with the NDA. Mike was presented with an NFDC medal, and Nancy with a personal gift, with the best wishes from all the NFDC, for a long and happy retirement.
Sunday morning started early for the golfers who made their way to the wonderful Seefeld-Wildmoos Golf course for the Claude Brown Golf Competition sponsored by Sandvik. Although the early start, accompanied by some very wet weather, put paid to some of the golfers, the majority turned up unsuitably attired and proceeded to empty the club shop of waterproof gear! The field of 32 golfers competed for the Claude Brown Trophy for the best individual, the best team, longest drive and nearest the pin. By the time the first group were starting the second
half of the mountainous course, the sun was starting to shine. The course was proving to be interesting for some of the participants with a few wayward shots but in all, the competition proved to be very close with Team Safedem (William, David and Samantha Sinclair) edging their way to victory to win the team award. To the cry of “fix”, Fergal O’Neil from sponsors Sandvik won the nearest the pin, longest drive was won by Andy Robinson from Tilley and Barrett, runner up was won by David H. Sinclair (39 points) with the Claude Brown shield being taken home by 12 year old Samantha Sinclair with 43 points. Samantha is the first female and also the youngest ever person to receive the Claude Brown Trophy.
The Sunday night farewell barbecue included the presentation of Golf Prizes by Fergal O’Neil of Sandvik accompanied by Paul Brown who presented the Claude Brown Trophy. There was also the prize draw for those that had left
their business card at the factory tour on the Saturday.
The winning card was expertly drawn by Hattie Bryan, who announced the winner as Dominic Ogden, guest of CMEC Demolition. Mr Ogden was delighted to hear that the prize was a weekend at the Interalpen Hotel, courtesy of Liebherr.
NFDC Vice President, Martin Wilson, expressed a vote of thanks to the NFDC Convention Team for delivering an excellent convention, this was met with rapturous applause. Mr Wilson went on to announce that, following a generous offer of support from Sandvik, the 2015 Convention would take place in Northern Ireland.
The Convention formally closed with a spectacular fireworks display set to music in the majestic grounds of the Interalpen. We look forward to seeing you all next year!
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Hire or Contract BROKK and HUSQVARNA Robotic Demolition Machines and Diamond Drilling and Sawing Specialist Services
Full Nationwide Service t. 01748 826 046 e. office@gnatuk.com w. www.gnatuk.com
Experience the Progress. Experience the Progress with Liebherr: Liebherr demolition excavators guarantee the best profitability due to a safe and diverse machine application. Advance Technologies are our Business.
Liebherr-Great Britain Ltd. Normandy Lane, Stratton Business Park Biggleswade, SG18 8QB Phone: (01767) 60 21 00 Fax: (01767) 60 21 10 www.liebherr.com
The Group
MICOR DEM GOING UNDERGROUND AT Contractors undertaking
demolition work in London face the challenges associated with working in any city centre; confined sites, noise and working time restrictions and the inevitable interaction with the populous.
UK based Micor Limited have recently completed a project in one of the busiest areas of London not only coping with all of the above but also the added problem of dealing with one of the busiest mainline and underground stations and the busiest bus terminus in the capital, all to the ultimate satisfaction of the client. London Victoria station is a mainline railway terminus and London Underground complex with over 80 million passenger entries and exits and is the second-busiest rail terminus in London. The complex includes an air terminal for passengers travelling
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by train to Gatwick Airport and is an important interchange for other forms of transport: a local bus station is in the forecourt with the national and international Victoria Coach Station for long-distance road coaches nearby.
There are three railway stations on the site: two serving main-line routes to South East and Southern rail businesses to Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Canterbury and Dover together with the Gatwick Express service; and on the London Underground, an underground station serving the District, Circle and the deep-level Victoria Line. Victoria station is the located only 750m from one of London's most visited landmarks; Buckingham Palace, and as such is the closest public transport hub to the palace. The ongoing redevelopment and upgrading of the London Underground network has been
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beneficial for Micor with the company winning the contract to undertake works on the Victoria Station Upgrade (VSU) – specifically the underground station ticket hall upgrade for main contractors Taylor Woodrow BAM Nuttall Joint Venture (TWBNJV).
The project called for the demolition of the East side of the existing London Underground station including removal and disposal of identified asbestos, identification removal and disposal of asbestos uncovered during the works, reinforced concrete roof slabs, reinforced concrete infill and steelwork roof comprising steel troughing, compound and rolled steel beams and compound supporting columns, basement retaining walls and basement slabs. The demolition also included the removal of a section of the basement to the National Rail station building. The final element of work was the removal of mass fill
MOLITION T LONDON VICTORIA between the LUL and NR station basements and the new ticket office perimeter contiguous piled walls. The works included other elements of temporary works design and installation retained features and for structural propping and bracing.
Opened in 1860 the National Rail station, which is Grade II listed, is comprised of a decorative stone facade which was supported by the existing concrete roof slab of the station basement structure. With the basement having to be removed from the front face of the building, a series of temporary works needed to be designed, approved and installed before any demolition works could commence. The extensive temporary works included structural propping to support the existing stone facade of the Network Rail station to allow for both the demolition of the existing and the construction of
the new ticket office. Once this propping was in place the Micor team could then expose and cut through the steel and concrete basement roof structure and the main scope of demolition to commence. Within the London Underground ticket hall and with the roof structure being removed, there were a number of structural columns needing to be retained and to this end, stability and compensation propping were installed to ensure the stability of the retained live ticket office immediately adjacent to the demolition works. Structural propping was also required along the edge of the decking to maintain an access road into the works area operational at all times. With the structural propping and bracing in position, Micor commenced the removal of 400m2 of steel decking and 90m2 of reinforced concrete deck along with 180m3 of structural deck
infill around the “Victory Arch� and Network Rail station facade.
The existing ticket hall contained a brickwork cavity drainage wall to face the existing structural concrete basement retaining wall and upon inspection, sampling and testing, the cavity between the two was found to contaminated with asbestos. This material, along with the removal of the existing ventilation shaft and asbestos cement found in cable ducting through the basement slab matrix was removed and disposed of to a licensed facility. Some steel sections were also found to be faced with a rare form of asbestos called Anthophyllite. Removing the Anthophyllite meant enclosing the now open area and grit blasting the material from the beams. In total, 160 tonnes of asbestos and asbestos containing materials were safely removed from the site.
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With the substructure now exposed and free from contaminants, Micor were able to commence the removal of the London Underground basement slab before commencing demolition of the Network Rail basement structure and slab to accommodate they construction of new escalator corridors. While this work was being undertaken Micor were expected to keep the existing fire escapes from the Network Rail commercial outlets fully operational by the installation of a raised scaffolding walkway which was retained and handed over to the client at the completion of the Micor contract works.
The very tight confines of the site made it more complicated for Micor with the choice of equipment being limited to maximum of 25 tonne class excavators. Equipped with a variety of hydraulic cutting and crushing attachments a Caterpillar 323 excavator was complimented by
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a fleet of zero tail-swing machines from Hitachi compromising ZX135US, ZX225USLC along with a pair of ZX27U2 mini excavators, all from the Micor owned extensive plant holding, made light work of the removal of over 1500m2 of reinforced concrete from the various structures. With concrete varying in thickness from 300mm up to 1500mm, various methods of cutting were employed to reduce the noise, vibration and dust generated from the operations.
Wire sawing, stitch drilling and the use of excavator mounted attachments were used with great success throughout the project. Ultimately, Micor operations drew no complaints from the local business’, local authority or other stakeholder throughout the five month project. Even the close proximity of the Victoria Theatre, less than 20m away from the main body of works, suffered no effects from Micor operations. A further 1600m3 of fill material
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was also excavated between the London Underground ticket office, Network Rail station frontage and a contiguous piled wall along the Wilton Road elevation of the project. Traffic management played a major part in the successful completion of the operation. A circuitous route around the capital and the need for every vehicle to be booked in advance with the main contractor meant the pre-planning of all vehicle movements was of utmost importance.
All trucks and drivers working for Micor on the project met with the latest requirements of Transport for London with the vehicles all registered under the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) with all drivers having undertaken Safe Urban Driving (SUDS) training.
A R DEMOL WORKING WITH ECY HAULMARK
AR Demolition Limited are a
family run business who have in recent years built an enviable reputation as a specialist in their field with their continued dedication to becoming the best in what they do through investment in their equipment, training and personnel. Employing a highly experienced and dedicated team AR Demolition are capable and well equipped to take on some of the most challenging and complex demolition projects.
The company are currently working on eight week project to oversee the internal demolition of one of the aluminium lithography strip production lines within the grounds of Bridgnorth aluminium in Shropshire.
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The operators were faced with the tough challenge of working within a confined and limited space with the need for frequent attachment changes due to the several different types of materials which required processing. The complexity of the project involved the internal demolition of a space 400 metres long by 10 metres wide where height restrictions applied meaning no more than a 20 ton excavator could physically pass through the space. The challenge once within the space was to break out a hard reinforced concrete mezzanine ceiling at around 10 metres high whilst retaining the external walls of the structure. A further obstacle to overcome were several heavily reinforced concrete bases protruding from the floor to a height of 2 metres each which had to be removed to allow further
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access into and through the narrow building.
With this contract requiring so many attachment changes so frequently it was not feasible to perform traditional manual attachment changes. A manual attachment change can typically take the operator 20-30 minutes to perform. This would involve allowing the machine to cool down for a minimum of five minutes to protect the turbo charger and a further 20-25 minutes to disconnect the hydraulic hoses, change the attachment and then reconnect the hoses. Manually changing hydraulic attachments in this way presents the risk oil contamination and exposes the operator to a hazardous working environment. According to AR Demolition’s Managing Director, Richard
LITION Dolman, the only way that this contract could have been completed was with the use of the OilQuick system fitted to the zero tail-swing Hitachi. “We have been using the OilQuick system from ECY Haulmark for over 5 years and were the first demolition contractor to see the benefits of it. We now have our fleet of 20 tonne machines equipped with the system. Not only does it allow extremely quick attachment changeovers but it makes the whole process safer and cleaner for the machine operator. Our machines very rarely suffer from burst hoses and the rapid changeover of attachments means that they are at work for longer periods of time effectively completing the job quicker. On the Bridgenorth project, such was the confines of the site we didn’t have to have anyone on the ground
by Paul Argent
during attachment changeovers making the whole process safer too.” Usually a job of this ilk would require more than one excavator, but the fitment of the OilQuick system meant that only one machine was required. With the job now being a one man, one machine operation there will be a reduction in fuel, transport and drivers costs.
With access so tight and compact the only logical sequence for demolition was to pulverise, shear and break alternately in small sections which meant frequent changes of attachments. The first stage involved fixing the VTN FP24 concrete pulveriser to the excavator to munch out the heavily reinforced concrete of the mezzanine floor, bring it down to ground level to pulverise into smaller pieces and remove the rebar. As the rebar was
over 1 inch thick it was not possible to bundle with the concrete pulveriser, therefore an attachment change was necessary and the operator changed to the VTN MT20 multi-processor fitted with steel jaws to cut the rebar into manageable lengths. It was then necessary to swap to the sorting grab to load the rebar into the scrap skip for recycling. The broken concrete was left on the floor, so the excavator could track forward onto the next section of the building. When faced with the first raised concrete platform the Furukawa F27XP hydraulic breaker needed to be attached to break into this base and make room to proceed into the next stage to repeat this process over again.
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WORSLEY PL
WORKING WITH MGL ON BOM Durham-based demolition and
asbestos removal experts, MGL Demolition are using the Rotar RDP42 Pulveriser, purchased from Worsley Plant near Manchester to make light work of demolishing the reinforced concrete station at RAF Boulmer.
The station, which used to have a 57-tonne radar on top is two stories high with roofs and floors which are 600mm thick and the walls up to 1 metre thick. The work is part of one of eight contracts MGL are currently undertaking on behalf of Carillion Enterprise, an industry partner
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of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) – the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) property and services provider.
The Pulveriser is the most recent addition to MGL Demolition’s range of plant, and workmen are so impressed by its capabilities, they have already nicknamed it the ‘Special One’. Derek Watt, Contracts Manager for MGL Demolition, said: “We are extremely impressed with the Rotar RDP42. After seeing the demonstration that Worsley Plant arranged for us, we had no option but to buy it. It is extremely efficient on tough jobs and we are
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saving both time and money on projects due to its superior productivity. We are definitely looking at adding more Rotar demolition attachments to our range of equipment, and look forward to an ongoing relationship with Worsley Plant.” MGL Demolition first saw the Rotar RDP42 Pulveriser in action whilst at the Demolition Expo event in 2013 and were blown away by its capabilities.
Sean Heron, Managing Director of Worsley Plant, said: “We arranged for a demonstration at a project in Stafford on a reinforced barrelled concrete roof. MGL Demolition was
LANT
MB PROOF RADAR STATION so impressed with the Rotar brand that they bought it there and then. It is now the biggest Pulveriser in their range – they already have six others. “The nature of this job meant demolition and removal was going to be an extra tough task and I’m pleased that the Rotar RDP42 is proving to be a key tool in achieving a good turnaround time on this project. Since purchasing the Pulveriser they are so pleased with its performance and with the Rotar brand they are now also looking at the RDC32S Combi Shear.” MGL Demolition’s excavator, a
Liebherr 954 34m high reach, has the Rotar RDP42 mounted onto it using its short boom. This has its own built in water suppressant system, which works very well alongside the shape and design of the Rotar. The company can now utilise other plant on other works, as the RDP42 is so efficient at demolition and can be used to move and produce. Whenever possible on their projects MGL aims to recycle as much material as they can. Using their mobile crusher MGL crush demolish materials and put them back into any voids left. For this project they estimate a 98% recycle rate.
WALTERS DEM A DEMOLITION EDUCATION
MOLITION Formed in 1999 and part of the
massive Walters Group, Walters Environmental are rapidly expanding their demolition operations in the South Wales area and beyond.
The company have recently been undertaken a series of contracts in Ebbw Vale in the South Wales valleys for the local authorities who are currently in the middle of a ÂŁ350 million regeneration scheme in the town. The construction of new educational facilities has left existing buildings surplus to requirements and in need of demolition with the land earmarked for redevelopment for residential use. Walters won the contract for the demolition of the towns Comprehensive School by competitive tender and commenced work in March this year.
The sprawling single storey structure was vacated at the end of the 2013 summer term allowing time for ecological studies and asbestos surveys to be undertaken in readiness for the start of the demolition contract.
Large amounts of asbestos were found in the building but this material was removed by a specialist HSE licensed asbestos removal subcontractor from Walters approved supply chain list. Following this the mammoth task of clearing and soft stripping the 8,000m2 building could commence. Once the structural demolition started, the Walters team quickly made inroads into the building. The steel framed, pre-cast concrete clad structure with a Stramit board roof was easily deconstructed by Walters skilled team with all materials being segregated for processing or removal from site.
by Paul Argent
At the time of Demolition and Dismantling’s visit, the Comprehensive School had all but disappeared and the team were underway with the removal of the concrete slab and foundations in readiness for Walters own mobile crushing plant to be brought in. Walters were using the services of a Komatsu PC240 with selector grab to remove the final vestiges of waste from the slab whilst a Caterpillar 320D used a Stelco hammer attachment to break the slab ready for removal. Walters are leaving all the arisings from the crushing operation in stockpiles on the site for use in the future re-development.
While this was the final call for the Comprehensive School, Walters were also successful with their tender for the demolition of the adjoining former Ebbw Vale College campus which had only recently been vacated in readiness for its
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demolition. Situated on the gently sloping site the college was initially constructed in the early 1960s but, as with most education facilities, had seen its fair share of alteration, modernisation and extension over the past half a century. From the outside, sections of the college appeared almost new with its Kingspan clad facade. Although the college had undergone a series of modernisation works, pockets of asbestos had been identified and a specialist asbestos removal company were busy setting up enclosures in readiness for stripping works to commence. At the same time, a group of demolition labourers from the Walters workforce were busy undertaking a soft strip of other areas removing timber work, suspended ceilings, pipework and cabling.
All materials arising from the demolition process are segregated and sent away for recycling to local waste transfer stations. “We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously at Walters,” explained Walters Demolition Site Supervisor Tony Jones. “We often consult NFDC DRIDS which we see as an excellent aid for our site teams” In fact, Tony, had recently undertaken the DRIDS course at Hemel Hempstead and was full of praise for its simplicity and ease of use.
Walters’ Demolition Manager Jim Webb believes that an honest approach with clients will see them coming back to you again and again and this has been borne out by the large amount of repeat work coming from regular clients.
Whilst honesty and integrity is part of the Walters ethos and a major
factor in their recent success in securing demolition work, Mr Webb believes that unfortunately cost is still too often the major factor in winning work . “Not all clients appreciate that when they employ an NFDC registered company, they are getting a highly skilled and competent demolition team. We expend considerable cost in ensuring that our staff are trained to the highest standard via NDTG approved courses, the quality of which are second to none.”
‘We are very proud to be NFDC and NDTG members!” exclaimed Mr Webb “But we would like more potential clients to recognise the professionalism and commitment to quality that this affiliation brings”.
The two featured contracts in Ebbw Vale a worth £800,000 to Walters over a period of 36 weeks.
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ARMAC DEM
MOLITION
COVENTRY BRIDGE DEMOLITION With numerous successful
contracts under their belts, Armac are one of the UK’s premier bridge demolition specialists. Whether it be rail or road, concrete or steel, the company have vast experience of all types of bridge structure demolition. A recently completed contract in Coventry saw the company undertake the removal of what is in their portfolio, a small bridge. Friargate is the name given to the office based development planned on approximately 37 acres of land around Coventry Railway Station. When completed the scheme will provide a new business district for the city of up to 300,000m of new development, of which 185,000m will comprise high quality office accommodation. A total of 25 new buildings are planned for the site, including 14 Grade A offices, two
hotels, homes, retail and leisure facilities. It will be a sustainable development that fundamentally changes the face of Coventry and the welcome the city gives when arriving by train. It will attract new businesses to the city, creating 13,400 permanent jobs and 7,800 temporary jobs during construction. Planning permission has already been given for the scheme.
To enable this development to proceed and maximise inward investment and job creation potential, significant infrastructure works are required. The Ring Road physically and visually isolates the station and surrounding area from the city centre at present. It is proposed to re-design the ring road junction adjacent to the station area (Junction 6) to remove the roundabout and to build a Bridge Deck across the ring road itself to allow the creation of a new and
attractive public boulevard to link into the city centre and extend the Greyfriars Green parkland setting to Friargate. This will bring the Friargate development and station much closer to the heart of the City Centre and to the site (in and around the Bull Yard) where the City Centre South development is planned. It will make Friargate much more attractive to potential tenants and provide an added stimulus for City Centre South.
The weekend of the 26th of July 2014 saw the company mobilise some of their extensive plant holding to the Coventry project to undertake the demolition of the junction 6 bridge. With a total road closure in place from the Saturday evening, Armac installed a protective crash deck to the carriageway before tracking the four large, straight boomed excavators into place ready for the
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following mornings activities. Although being situated above a dual carriageway, the main carriageway, from where the excavators were to operate, was approximately six metres below ground level. To this end the company were only able to position four excavators upon the carriageway with a further two on the abutments.
A 22 tonne Hitachi was used for the fetching and carrying of attachments as and when required. 8am Sunday morning saw the briefing of the Armac crew before the demolition works began. While the Hitachi and Caterpillar excavators were having their hammers fitted and piped up, the straight boom equipped Volvo EC380D was busy removing the last of the steel handrails from the bridge parapet using a rotating selector grab. Unlike the rest of the large excavator fleet on site this weekend, this Volvo had been equipped with an OilQuick hydraulic coupler from
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ECY Haulmark. The OilQuick enables rapid changeover of hydraulic attachments without the need for the operator to leave the cab. There are no trailing hoses or any risk of contamination from leaking hydraulic fluid making this system very efficient and environmentally friendly.
Utilising a trio of 50 tonne Caterpillar 345C excavators, an Hitachi Zaxis 470 and a pair of Volvo EC380Ds all equipped with hydraulic hammers, the team quickly and effectively removed the raised parapets from either side of the bridge before moving on to the deck itself. Constructed in-situ, the bridge contained large amounts of steel reinforcing bars with an exceptionally large proportion of it near the base of the deck, very little through the centre and a small amount of light grade mesh near the top surface. Not only was the rebar on the deck base found in large quantities, but the diameter was also more excessive than found in some more modern constructions.
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While the Hitachi and two Caterpillars were sporting directly pinned hammers, the Volvo EC380D/OilQuick combination was able to rapidly remove its hammer and pick up a multi-processor capable of cutting the steel into more manageable sections.
Once cut, the multi-processor was removed and the selector grab refitted enabling the operator to quickly ball the steel up and load it into the waiting articulated dump truck to cart away for further processing. The Kocurek equipped Volvo was being kept very busy swapping tools and tasks whilst the other machines continued their relentless pounding of the curved bridge. All three makes of excavator come in for praise from Armac management with company Director Noel McLean praising in particular the older Caterpillar machines for their sheer strength.
The Caterpillar 345CL machines are all equipped with Caterpillar’s own two piece demolition boom system while the 50 tonne Hitachi and the 38 tonne Volvo have been
converted by Ipswich based NFDC ISP member Kocurek to carry the company’s ABC modular system. Within three hours of starting the demolition, the bridge deck had succumbed to the relentless pounding from the six Krupp hammers and was lying in pieces upon the carriageway protection. Whilst the two excavators on the abutments completed the removal of the last vestiges of bridge deck, the four excavators on the main carriageway changed their hammers for concrete munchers and continued to process the downed bridge deck until the concrete and steel were separated enough to load the material onto the dump trucks. The resulting arisings were then taken to the main site compound were they were crushed and screened ready for future use on the project while any steel was removed and recycled. The speed and efficiency of this project is testament to both the experience of the Armac management team and the highly skilled workforce on site.
All the operators were in constant radio contact with each other and the Armac site management team meaning that attachment changeovers and the like could be orchestrated with as little fuss as possible. Within 12 hours the bridge had been removed and all evidence of a large demolition project had been removed from the Coventry ring road.
Although highly proficient in every facet of the demolition industry, the engineering expertise of the McLean brothers has leant the company to become the “go to” demolition contractor for the job of bridge removal. Although the Coventry bridge was a local undertaking for the company, Armac have undertaken similar projects UK wide as the slogan reads on the back of their Scania tractor unit “Bridge Busters On Tour”
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WOOLDRIDGE
ENLISTED FOR SALISBURY B Surrey-based Wooldridge
Demolition is in the middle of a six month-long project to demolish Erskine Barracks near Salisbury. The work represents the first stage of redeveloping the military site which was sold to housing developers in early 2013.
Originally established by the US Army in World War II, the site was acquired by the British Army after the War and used as the headquarters for the Southern Army Command. A name change to Army Strategic Command during the 1960s was followed by an
amalgamation with the Headquarters of the Adjutant General creating what is now known as UK Land Forces. The command headquarters was moved to a new site in Andover during 2010 leaving the Erskine facility vacant.
Spread over 34 acres, the facility was used predominantly as a administrative facility housing a mixture of office and training buildings as well as accommodation blocks, a motor transport yard and medical centre. Whilst some of the buildings dated back to the 1940s, others had been added more recently.
DEMOLITION
by David Barnes
BARRACKS DEMOLITION Wooldridge Demolition has been commissioned to clear the site of all structures, foundations and areas of hard standing as well as excavate to a depth of 2m below ground level in order to prepare the site for 450 dwellings which include flats, houses and assisted living accommodation. With 42 buildings of different construction spread throughout the site requiring demolition, the company has deployed a workforce of twenty personnel to the barracks. A variety of demolition machinery has also been dispatched to the site including a new Hitachi Zaxis 225 USLC short tail swing machine. Utilising a 164hp Isuzu engine, the 25 tonne newcomer joined nine other conventional excavators there.
The Hitachi is the first reduced radius machine purchased by Wooldridge and was procured principally with safety in mind as company director Nick Anderson explains, “Using an excavator that can operate within the width of its tracks, without the counterweight overhanging at the rear reduces the likelihood of the machine striking objects and people, thereby making the sites the Zaxis operates on much safer. In addition to this, the machine can operate in confined spaces, carrying out work which might have previously been undertaken by labourers, which again reduces risk”.
Those structures free of asbestos and bats are being soft-stripped, an unenviable task according to Nick, “Because the site had lain empty for so long, most of the buildings had been pillaged for copper wiring with the thieves turning each building in to something resembling a war zone. Despite this, our team of demolition labourers have been able to strip the internals of the buildings safely and without undue delay”.
Behind the strip-out operation, buildings are being demolished in a piecemeal fashion with Wooldridge’s demolition excavators using rotating grapple attachments to delicately deconstruct each building and separate-out wood, metal and plastic material. Once cleared to ground level, each structure’s hard standing is broken-out and removed for crushing. After this, the ground is checked for Saxon archaeological artefacts, “Because of the close proximity of the site to Stone Henge and its location on a south-facing slope, there is a likelihood this could have been a Saxon settlement.
As a result we are working closely with archaeologists and assisting them with excavations up to a depth of two metres”, explains Nick.
Along with bats and saxon settlements, one of the other key challenges is the location of an active railway line that bisects the entire site. The feature makes this vast site the equivalent of two separate sites, meaning equipment and material cannot easily be transferred between the two.
“With only a footpath over the railway and various undertakings including asbestos removal, strip-outs, demolition, archaeological digs taking place simultaneously on both sides of the tracks, we have had to carefully plan how and where we deploy our resources. Thankfully, overcoming such challenges is something we excel at”, surmises Nick.
A number of buildings were initially isolated because of the presence of asbestos material with the process of asbestos removal and disposal is being carried out alongside other operations on site. Due to the presence of bats at the barracks, other structures have also been left untouched but will ultimately be demolished once the bats are rehoused.
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L LYNCH CHARITY BOBCAT EXCAVATOR RAISES FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER
Lynch charity work helps to
highlight role of women in plant hire. Promac Solutions Limited and Doosan Construction Equipment have jointly donated a new Bobcat E14 compact excavator, specially painted in pink, to L Lynch Plant Hire Limited, one of the leading plant hire companies in the UK, to help raise funds for Lynch’s nominated charity, Breast Cancer Care, over the next year. The new pink E14 excavator was presented to Lynch at an unveiling ceremony at the company’s Family Plant Show and Operator Open Day in Brentwood in Essex at the end of August 2014. The colour pink is the internationally recognised symbol of breast cancer awareness. Breast Cancer Care funds and supports every person affected by breast cancer to give them the very best treatment, information and support, and provides information and offers emotional and practical support to those affected by cancer. Breast Cancer Care is the nominated charity for Lynch not only for 2014 but also all the way through to 2017 and the company has an ongoing schedule of events over this period to maximise support and donations for the charity.
“While just over one in 10 of the UK construction workforce is female, women make up only one per cent of the manual trades, and the amount which make up machine operators like grabs or excavators doesn’t even register. Our industry needs to do more and work harder to dispel the myth that women are not for construction related jobs. Our future success depends on good people - whether they are female or male.” The pink E14 excavator was the brainchild of Justin Scott Thomas, Sales Director at Promac, who said: “In collaboration with Doosan Construction Equipment, we are delighted to be able to support Lynch’s campaign on behalf of Breast Cancer Care. I’m sure the pink Bobcat E14 compact excavator will prove to be a great attraction at Lynch events to bring in more donations for the charity before it is auctioned off at the end of the year.” Kevin Lynch, Business Development Manager at Doosan International UK Ltd, added: “When Justin approached us to be part of a joint donation for Lynch’s nominated charity, we were
Mark Kennedy, Operations Director at Lynch, said: “We are very grateful to Promac and Doosan for the generous donation of the Bobcat E14 excavator, which will provide a focal point for our efforts for Breast Cancer Care in 2014/2015. The idea of working with Breast Cancer Care is not just about trying to raise money for a good cause it is also to highlight the work women are doing in plant hire already and to encourage more women to work in the industry.
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only too pleased to be involved. From volunteering and raising funds to supporting disaster-stricken areas with overseas medical support, the Doosan Group continues to support charities around the world.”
The newly painted Bobcat E14 excavator has been combined with a pink-wheeled trailer sourced by Promac to allow Lynch to transport the machine to different events around the country over the next 12 months.
The new Bobcat excavator and trailer will form the centrepiece of Lynch stands at the company’s own events and at shows such as Plantworx next June, where it will be an eye-catching exhibit to attract donations for the Breast Cancer Care charity. At the end of the year, the Bobcat E14 excavator and trailer will be auctioned off to raise further funds for this worthy cause. LYNCH WELCOMES DONATIONS TO BREAST CANCER CARE AT WWW.JUSTGIVING.COM/LYNCHPLANT
GNAT UK
by Paul Argent
DEMOLITION ROBOTS The top-down method of tower
block deconstruction has been around for many years, formerly undertaken by hand, moving on to the use of mini diggers fitted with either a hydraulic breaker or concrete muncher. While the latter method is still in use by many contractors, there are more and more forward thinking companies using dedicated demolition “robots”. NFDC ISP member, GNAT UK are one of the leading companies specialising in both the hire and sales of such demolition equipment. Based in Richmond, North Yorkshire and with satellite depots around the UK, GNAT have over 10 years of experience in the use of demolition robots and offer both
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Brokk and Husqvarna models in their extensive feet.
Along with robotic demolition, the company offer a wealth of expertise in non-explosive demolition solutions, wire and diamond saw cutting.
A recent contract for the robotic demolition team has seen a pair of Husqvarna DXR140 Demolition Robots undertaking the progressive removal of four stories from a block of flats in the Radford area of Nottingham. Making way for a future development of low rise accommodation, the tower blocks were constructed in the mid 1960’s and are built from a pre-cast panel design making the towers very weak in their construction having
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only a small amount of brackets holding the panels together. While many towers of this age are usually built around a solid lift shaft/stair core the Radford towers have a very weak central core. While making the demolition process somewhat easier in respects of the processing of the material, the initial demolition is made more complicated as the inherent weakness of the structure means that extra care and attention is needed during the project.
With the tower block scaffolded out to provide both access and protection, the first hurdle for the company is to get the machines into position. Using the services of a large mobile crane the two DXR140’s are lifted safely up to the
roof level of the block. Once the two machines are in place the electrical supply cables are brought up from the on-site generator and the Husqvarnas are ready to start.
Both of the DXR140 robots are equipped with a mechanical quick coupler and Atlas Copco SB152 silenced hydraulic hammers and are being used to break out the reinforced concrete floors of the tower block along with the demolition of the pre cast concrete wall panels. Powered to the DXR140 comes from its 15kW electric motor; Husqvarna also offer a lower powered 11kW motor as an option. The ability to operate hydraulic attachments to their full ability comes thanks to a variable pump system capable of providing an hydraulic pressure from 200 to 250 bar and offering a flow rate of 52 litres per minute. Physical dimensions of the DXR 140 is also a major benefit for this contract. With a width of just 775mm, the machine is more than capable of moving unhindered, through normal doorways making it ideal for entering the individual rooms to commence demolition operations. The light weight of the DXR140,
985kg, means that lifting operations can be simplified and, as in the Radford case, poor quality construction of the building means that mechanical top down de-construction methods can be applied rather than using a super high reach demolition excavator. Despite its compact dimensions the DXR140 the three piece boom arrangement is able to offer a 4.4m vertical reach along with a forward reach of 3.7m
The DXR140, as with the larger machines in the Husqvarna range, is fitted with automatic hammer greasing as standard and to remain stable at all times, is equipped with a pair of stabilisers front and rear. Working in poor light conditions is made safer by the standard fitment of LED work lights.
For the operator controlling the machine Husqvarna have made a modern, simple to use system with a Bluetooth interface allowing the operator to remain up to 100m away from the machine and away from any potential danger. A 90mm colour display allows the operator to view the machine’s status. The lightweight control unit allows the
operators to use the machine effortlessly for a full shift and with a high capacity 1600mAh battery means that the unit has enough capacity to run for a full shift.
Working in tandem at Radford the two units were quickly taking down the final floor on this project. Working from the floor, the units were easily reaching the top of the ring beam above the external wall panels and breaking them out to leave the wall panels free to be pulled down. Once the panel was on the deck it was quickly broken up into manageable pieces before being pushed down the lift shaft for disposal. While demolition works play a major part in Gnat UK’s portfolio, the use of robotic demolition machines has given the company a foothold in the rebuilding of refectory kilns where the machines compact dimensions enable them to undertake operations that were only possible previously by hand. Tunnelling and nuclear operations are also amongst the other disciplines which the company undertake across the UK.
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Great manoeuvrability with 360° rotation. The DXR 140 is the lightest model in Husqvarna’s range of demolition robots. Despite its low weight, with an output of 15kW it packs a strong punch. Its compact design and 360°arm system means it is ideal for demolition work in cramped spaces where the conditions require a lightweight machine. HUSQVARNA CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS UK Tel: 0844 844 4570 - Web: www.husqvarnacp.co.uk - Email: husqvarna.construction@husqvarna.co.uk Copyright © 2014 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved.
BREAKING, CUTTING, CRUSHING AND PULVERISING Our comprehensive range does more than just knock down buildings. Our range of equipment is competitively priced and economical to run, with exceptional service support. The high levels of build quality and reliability ensure good resale values. Email construction.technique@uk.atlascopco.com call 01442 222 416, or visit www.atlascopco.co.uk
THE BIG INT
NFDC CEO HOWARD BUTTO We are talking to NFDC CEO
Howard Button about the benefits of becoming an NFDC and NDTG member company.
D&D: Have membership numbers fluctuated during the recession? HB: Membership has been
increasing steadily over the past few years with many companies taking up initial NDTG membership prior to applying for their NFDC membership. While we welcome membership applications form experienced demolition contractors, we would like all prospective NFDC members to ensure their training regimes are up to date before progressing further with their membership application for full NFDC membership. Should a demolition contractor obtain Corporate membership, they will then automatically gain membership to
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the NDTG. We are now up to 164 Corporate members with another 89 Industry Service Providers. We are constantly getting enquiries from new companies wishing to join the Federation in both categories. While we have lost some Corporate members due to the recession, there loss has been overshadowed by a large increase in Corporate applications.
D&D: What benefits would a demolition company get through joining the NFDC and NDTG?
HB: We know that all member companies have high values and equally high standards of work but, should they come across anything they are not familiar with, we can offer them advice on any topic of demolition, waste recycling and training that they may come across. Whilst their competitors may not give out particular details for undertaking a particular task,
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we have certain members who are more than happy to offer advice on all subjects should anyone ask. Resurgam House offers an “Open Door Policy�. Even if a demolition contractor is not a Corporate member, we are happy to offer advice if it means a job is to be undertaken safely. We are also happy to offer advice to clients looking for demolition contractors or assistance with demolition projects. First and foremost, our members come first. Another benefit we offer is the demolition guidance notes. We produce these in-house and are currently offer our members nine notes on a wide variety of subjects including high rise deconstruction, high reach demolition rigs and safe use of mobile crushers. We are currently looking at producing more with the expert knowledge of our members and various outside bodies. We are continually trying to raise the profile of the demolition industry in general and trying to ensure that it receives recognition for its
TERVIEW
ON TALKS MEMBERSHIP commitment to training, health and safety and improved working conditions. We also push our members concerns through to Government departments and the Health and Safety Executive and while the Government departments can be hard to get through to, the HSE are very interested in listening to our members issues and concerns. We work very closely with them to bring information through to our members as soon as it becomes available and have been very vocal on our members behalf with the Fee For Intervention scheme.
Corporate and ISP members are also updated on a regular basis with e-mail alerts and newsletters on any relevant information. One of the larger innovations which we have launched recently is DRIDS. Still in its infancy, we are getting good feedback from members on this subject and again, through collaboration with members, material manufacturers and industry bodies, we are building a thorough database to aid members with recycling waste arisings. There has been a significant investment in getting DRIDS off the ground yet this is yet another benefit that is offered to Corporate members free of charge.
D&D: How does the Federation interact with other trade bodies relevant to the demolition industry? HB: We work in close cooperation
with many of the industry trade bodies, for instance, our scaffolding guidance note has been produced with the help and assistance of the NASC. We are also in discussions with other trade bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Waste
Management regarding DRIDS and the flow of information to assist our members in the recycling and re-use of certain materials. We have also been attending a number of events over the past year looking to attract youngsters into the world of demolition and have had some very positive comments at the trade shows.
D&D: How is the NDTG performing as it approaches its 40th anniversary? HB: The NDTG is going from
strength to strength with more Corporate and non members using its services than ever before. We have courses booked up for months in advance with both our in-house and external trainers delivering courses 6-7 days a week. The two simulator units, a first for the demolition industry worldwide, have been well received. We recently sent one unit to the Hillhead show with AR Demolition and it proved to be a great success. NDTG Scotland is also performing better than ever and we have one of the simulators permanently based North of the border.
D&D: As cost is always an important issue, can you see funding from Government bodies continuing? HB: We have an excellent
relationships with the likes of the CITB and Construction Skills and look forward to that continuing over the next few years. Course costs are always an issue but companies may be able to recoup some of the cost through grants from Construction Skills. Along with general health and safety and demolition related courses we also
offer bespoke courses tailored to a company’s specific requirements and we are always looking to develop new courses to meet the ever growing demands of the industry.
D&D: What are the benefits an ISP company can expect?
HB: Any company joining as an ISP are welcome to send a representative to any of our regional meetings where they are able to give a short presentation to the delegates. There are a number of exclusive advertising opportunities on our website and through the Demolition and Dismantling magazine and the Yearbook. The forthcoming second DemoExpo will also be an ideal opportunity for ISP members to exhibit their products to a dedicated demolition audience.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NFDC MEMBERSHIP AND HOW IT CAN BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.DEMOLITIONNFDC.COM TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE APPLICATION PACK
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NORTHEAST D
FACILITATES SOUTH WEST Essex-based Northeast Demolition
has been working on a major regeneration scheme in South West London centred on Ealing’s Rectory Park Estate.
Originally built between the 1950s and 1970s the Rectory Park Estate consists of two storey houses, three storey flats and medium sized blocks. The estate was subject to a local government review in 2008 which identified issues such as low quality public spaces, structural problems and anti social behaviour affecting local residents. Following this review the local council worked with residents to consider redevelopment
DEMOLITION REGENERATION options. This process culminated in a regeneration scheme which began in early 2013 and included demolishing the incumbent dwellings and replacing them with 425 new homes and a community facility in the Gardens area of Rectory Park as well as improving landscaping and play areas. When completed, the project will see boost the number of homes on the estate by 155 and is set to make the area a more pleasant and safer place for people to live. Northeast Demolition has been heavily involved with the regeneration project since work first commenced, with the company demolishing 66 dwellings to in 2013 in order to make way for 101 new properties.
In 2014 Northeast Demolition returned to Ealing in order to kick start the next stage of the regeneration project. Undertakings included demolishing garages, and accommodation blocks spread throughout the 11 acre estate. The location of these condemned buildings added to the contract’s complexity as Brad Harris, Northeast Demolition’s director explains, “The estate’s regeneration is taking place in a piecemeal fashion so invariably one structure that requires demolishing sits immediately next to, or opposite one that is still occupied by residents. As a result we have had to ensure noise and dust is kept to a minimum at all times and where required pause work when residents are using footpaths and roads adjacent to the works”.
3 storeys high and the other 6, with both structures requiring full asbestos removal and soft strip prior to demolition.
One of the most challenging tasks was still to come in the form of 2 blocks of flats interconnected by an elevated walkway. Nearby roads, public footpaths and occupied properties meant the walk way had to be demolished first in order that access could be gained to the rear of the site. Only from this position could the two structures be demolished safely and quickly. Northeast Demolition utilised its JCB JS360XD high reach excavator, complete with multiprocessor attachment to good effect, bringing down the concrete and steel walkway in a matter of hours. Once the resulting rubble was cleared, the JS360XD repositioned itself to the rear of the buildings where demolition duties continued apace. With both blocks already stripped of asbestos and soft fittings, the only cessation in their demise came with the public’s use of an adjacent footpath. A second JCB was also deployed on the project and used to segregate demolition arisings.
by David Barnes
The demise of these two housing blocks have not signified the end of Northeast Demolition’s work with yet more dwellings earmarked for demolition throughout 2014 and beyond as the regeneration scheme runs its course over the coming years. “With an ongoing contract such as this where we are required to demolish buildings in stages over a number of years, consistently fulfilling the client’s remit safely, quickly and with minimal disruption is absolutely key”, says Brad.
Such determination means the skyline of East Acton will be occasionally adorned by the bright yellow arm of Northeast Demolition’s high reach for the foreseeable future as the business continues to assist with the regeneration of Rectory Park Estate.
The first phase saw 20 garages demolished with their concrete slab floors and associated hard standing broken-out and crushed in-situ. Following this, eleven weeks was spent felling two blocks of flats, one
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
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CLASSIFIEDS RECYCLING
A1 Wokingham Metal Recycling
Day Group
Adler and Allan 0208 555 7111 www.adlerandallan.co.uk
EnableLink 0121 557 2479
a1wokinghammetalrecyclingrg41.co.uk 0208 3809600
0118 978 5143
www.daygroup.co.uk
European Metal Recycling 01925 715400 www.emrltd.com
Beaver Metals 0121 776 7099 www.beavermetals.com
Glazewing 01366 500162 www.glazewing.co.uk
BFA Recycling Limited 01895 821755 www.bfarecycling.co.uk
ATTACHMENT
INDUSTRY SERVICE PROVIDERS
Inner City Environmental Ltd www.innercityenvironmental.co.uk 0845 026 2065
Riverside Environmental Services - 0870 9500 161 riversideenvironmental.co.uk
Material Recovery Solutions 020 8577 9301 One Stop Recycling 0121 7535771 www.onestoprecycling.co.uk
SIMS Metal Management 0115 9784676 www.simsmm.co.uk Tyne Tees Crushing & Screening 01325 308080 www.tyneteescrushing.co.uk
Metal & Waste Recycling 0208 8074268 www.metalandwaste.com
S Norton & Co 0151 955 3300 www.s-norton.com
Atlas Copco 01442 222100 www.atlascopco.co.uk Arden Equipment UK Ltd 07804 058336 www.arden-equipment.com
Genesis Gmbh 01536 483085 www.genesis-europe.com
LDH Attachments 01420 484509 www.ldhattachments.co.uk
Sandhurst Equipment Rental 01634 739997 www.sandhurst-rent.com
ECY Haulmark 01925 860000 www.haulmarkltd.co.uk
Inmalo 01962 760055 www.inmalo.co.uk
Kinshofer UK 0161 406 7046 www.kinshofer.co.uk
Northerntrack 0113 276 2300 www.northerntrack.co.uk
Versatile Equipment 0845 2622280 www.versatileequipment.co.uk
Buckingham House 01277 217400 www.demolition-insurance.com
Genesis Risk Solutions 01702 209520 www.grslimited.co.uk
Oval Insurance Brokers Ltd www.theovalgroup.com 0800 612 6223
WW Group 01455 551784 www.wwgroup-insurance.com
CBC UK LTD 0207 265 5616 www.cbcinsurance.co.uk
Miles Smith 0207 283 0040 www.milessmith.co.uk
Husqvarna Construction Products - 0844 8444570 www.husqvarnacp.co.uk
Doosan International 01443 842273 www.doosanequipment.eu
INSURANCE
Fenwick Elliott 0207 421 1986 www.fenwickelliott.com
Ebrit Services Ltd www.ebritservices.co.uk 01268 685886 Finning (UK) 0800 0287778 www.finning.co.uk
Rammer 01283 818400 www.rammer.com
Safeguard Insurance Services 01322 337557 www.safeguardinsurance.co.uk
Kerry London 01923 211290 www.kl-insurance.co.uk
MACHINE DISTRIBUTION
Avant Tecno UK Ltd www.avant.co.uk 01953 714896 Blue Machinery Central 0845 2304460 www.bluegroup.co.uk
Flannery Plant Hire 020 8900 9290 www.flanneryplant.co.uk
MTK 0161 2259740 www.mtk-breakers.co.uk
H M Plant 01753 213900 www.hmplant.ltd.uk
JCB Sales 01889 590312 www.jcb.com
H.E Services 08712 270707 www.heservices.co.uk
Komatsu UK 0191 4925460 www.komatsueurope.com
Kocurek Excavators 01473 217477 www.kocurek.co.uk
SPECIALIST CONSULTANT
Armstrong York Asbestos 0870 3500 375 www.armstrong-york.com
BTMK Solicitors 01702 238542 www.btmk.co.uk Asbestos Waste Solutions C&D Consultancy 01708 866060 01902 686363 www.asbestoswastesolutions.co.uk www.demolishdismantle.co.uk Beere Electrical Services Dash Commercial Finance 0845 1301815 01293 804570 www.beere-elec.com www.dash-finance.com Britannia Cutting Services DCS Training 01322 221533 07798 798557 www.britcut.co.uk
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Sandvik 01283 818400 www.construction.sandvik.com
Worsley Plant 01606 835544 www.digacrusher.com
Square Mile Broking 0844 561 6075 www.squaremilebroking.com
Gnat UK 01748 826046 www.gnatuk.com
Greenshields JCB 01420 525900 www.greenshieldsjcb.com
Ward Recycling 0115 9305899 www.wardrecycling.com
DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING - SEPTEMBER 2014
Les Searle Plant Hire 01403 262033 www.lessearleplant.co.uk
Marubeni-Komatsu 01527 512512 www.mkl.co.uk
Wirtgen Limited 01522 889200 www.wirtgen.co.uk
Liebherr 01767 602 100 www.liebherr.com
Molson Equipment Services 01179 820123 www.molsongroup.co.uk
McCloskey Equipment 01235 832407 mccloskeyequipment.co.uk
Watling JCB 0116 286 3621 www.watling-jcb.com
L Lynch Plant Hire 0208 900 0000 www.l-lynch.com
Northern Safety 01642 754880 www.northernsafetyltd.co.uk Number 8 0208 747 2161 www.number8group.co.uk Prime Safety Europe 01622 768400 www.primesafety.com
QEB Hollis Whitman 0207 9338855 www.qebholliswhiteman.co.uk
Volvo Construction Equipment 01223 836636 www.volvo.com
Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers www.rbauction.com 01332 819700 Robore Cuts Ltd www.robore.com 020 8646 4466
SMH Products 0191 456 6000 www.smhproducts.com
Swanton Consulting Ltd www.swantonconsulting.co.uk 0870 950 8800
THSP 08456 122144 www.thsp.co.uk
Workstream Construction Services 01280 848888 www.workstream.co.uk