Demolition Engineering
Reengineering Demolition
Controlled demolition requires careful planning based on thoughtful engineering. Our professionals develop highly accurate models of structural behavior to assess and mitigate vulnerability and risk during implosion, deconstruction or dismantlement. Our detailed analyses predict the behavior of all structural components including reinforced, pre-cast and post-tensioned concrete; masonry; steel-beam and truss systems; and external glazing. Thornton Tomasetti helps demolition contractors by providing engineering reviews, calculating debris footprints, analyzing stresses and vibrations, and assisting in the development of safe and efficient demolition scenarios and logistics plans.
Background: Cooper River Bridges Demolition. Charleston, South Carolina Cover: Yankee Stadium Deconstruction. Bronx, New York
The Four Ds: Demolition, Deconstruction, Dismantling... and Design Structural designers have a deep understanding of the properties and behavior of steel, concrete, masonry and glass. At Thornton Tomasetti, our experience as designers provides insight into the demolition process, especially when the structure incorporates unusual geometries, materials or loads.
Sophisticated Tools Help Solve Unconventional Challenges Our engineers developed NLFlex, advanced engineering analysis and modeling software that predicts blast and progressive collapse scenarios. Created in tandem with the US Department of Defense (DoD), NLFlex has been thoroughly validated against physical test data for airblast, impact, ground shock and thermal loading situations. It is accepted by the DoD and the Department of Homeland Security, where it has been the basis for explosive-effects assessment tools and methodologies. While we’ve used NLFlex to analyze catastrophic collapse events – including World Trade Centers 1, 2 and 7, and Atlantic City’s Tropicana parking garage – it has become our best tool to model demolitions.
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Demolition Engineering
The Shed, New York, NY (see next page for details)
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©© Iwan Ryan Baan Todd
We have tools others don’t − and the expertise to use them to solve your problems.
Georgia Dome Demolition Atlanta, Georgia
S e r vices: Demolition Engineering Analysis C lie nt: Holder Hunt Russell Moody D em o lition Con tra c t or : Adamo Group E xplo sives Con tra c t or : Pettigrew Inc.
HHRM retained us to verify and validate Pettigrew Inc.’s proposed plan for the demolition of the Georgia Dome – a stadium for which we were the original structural designer. We developed multiple high-fidelity models of the stadium using our proprietary NLFlex code and used them to determine the optimal placement of explosive charges and finalize the demolition sequence so as to minimize risk to adjacent structures. We then conducted a series of finite-element analysis iterations to optimize the final plan. The stadium was safely and successfully demolished on November 20, 2017. Go to vimeo.com/258283352 to see a video of the demolition.
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Demolition Engineering
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Yankee Stadium Deconstruction Bronx, New York
S e r vices: Demolition and Bracing Ow n er: New York City Department of Parks & Recreation C lie nt: Stantec Consulting G en eral Con tractor : Turner Construction Company
We provided demolition and bracing engineering services for the deconstruction of the original Yankee Stadium. Our team prepared performance and planning documents, assisting Turner Construction in the development of feasible approaches and a general sequence plan. Drawing upon our expertise with New York City Building Code demolition requirements, we helped the team navigate the complicated NYC agency review and permitting process. Our work also included on-site observation and as-needed engineering consulting during the course of the demolition work.
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Demolition Minneapolis, Minnesota
S e r vices: Demolition Consulting Ow n er: Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority C lie nt: M.A. Mortenson Company D em o lition Su bcont r a c t or : Frattalone Companies
We were engaged to provide emergency-response stability and demolition consulting after a section of concrete compression ring – which had supported the domed roof – collapsed out of sequence during mechanical deconstruction. We determined the in-place stability of the partially demolished structure and analyzed alternative methods for completing the project, helping the team develop a plan using explosives to safely demolish the unstable parts of the structure.
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Demolition Engineering
Runner1928/wikimedia
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Deutsche Bank Building New York, New York
S e r vices: Demolition and Bracing C lie nt: Lower Manhattan Development Corporation C on struction Man a ger : Bovis Lend Lease
130 Liberty Street, a 42-story office building, was damaged and contaminated by the collapse of nearby World Trade Center buildings on September 11, 2001. We provided structural engineering services for the building’s deconstruction, which we had surveyed immediately after the event. Our team analyzed the structure in its damaged state and designed bracing and shoring to stabilize it during demolition. Systematic removal of the structure was phased in conjunction with environmental abatement work.
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Demolition Engineering
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State Route 47 Schuyler Heim Bridge, Deconstruction Engineering Long Beach, California
S e r vices: Demolition Engineering Ow n er: State of California C lie nt: California Department of Transportation (CalTRANS) G en eral Con tractor : MCM Construction D em o lition Con tra c t or : Ferma Corporation
We provided engineering services for the demolition of the lift-bridge’s original piers, analyzing a temporary construction trestle and designing strengthening measures to support demolition excavators. We developed a 3D model to effectively review the reach of the excavators, consider standoff distances from the edges of the trestle, determine safe working loads, and set path-of-travel requirements to fit the clearance between large equipment and a new, fixed bridge deck above the trestle. We also provided continuous on-site monitoring and daily observations.
Poletti Power Plant, Unit 6 Demolition Astoria, New York
S e r vices: Demolition and Bracing Ow n er: New York Power Authority G en eral Con tractor : LVI Demolition Services Inc.
We provided engineering services for the demolition of a 770,000-square-foot, 200-foot-high power plant that was adjacent to another power plant with strict vibration limitations. Significant loads hung from 20-foot-deep steel girders at the top of the structure. We developed creative solutions to address the unusual structural geometry and the limitations of the site. We produced plans that met vibration requirements while providing maximum flexibility in the size, weight and height of pieces that could be dropped. Our ability to provide multiple, data-driven solutions helped the client achieve cost and schedule savings – and perform this job safely.
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Demolition Engineering
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Protective Design & Security Faรงade Engineering Transportation Construction Engineering Sustainability Applied Science Forensics Property Loss Consulting Renewal
Our Practices
1949
Structural Engineering
Founded
Demolition Program Planning & Execution Regulated Materials Assessment Demolition Specs Development Contractor Pre-Qualifications
Vulnerability & Risk Assessment/Mitigation Structural Weakening Design & Analysis Implosion Modeling & Analysis Seismic Ground Vibration Analysis Post-Demo Forensics & Investigation
Demolition Expertise
To be the global driver of change and innovation in our industry Long-Term Goal
1,500 Employees
50 + Offices
E-mail us if you would like to collaborate or learn more about our services. We would love to stop by your office and learn about your project aspirations and requirements.
We want to hear from you! Mahesh Raju Bailakanavar can be reached at MBailakanavar@ThorntonTomasetti.com.
We use engineering principles to solve the world’s challenges – starting with yours. From practical tasks to creative asks, we have your solution. We are a team of inventive problem solvers who understand that collaboration leads to better results. When faced with any challenge, we look at the big picture and work to nail the details while fulfilling your broader goals.
Offices Worldwide 40 Wall Street New York, NY 10005 -1304 T +1.212.367.3000
M a rch 2 019
ThorntonTomasetti.com