Concrete structures
PRECISION BLASTING
Blasting is a proven method for safely and efficiently removing large-scale concrete structures. Through precise engineering and controlled detonation, explosives are used to fracture and displace heavily reinforced materials, enabling rapid demolition while minimizing impact to surrounding infrastructure. Whether the goal is total removal or selective takedown, blasting offers an effective solution for even the most complex structural challenges. Demtech most frequently performs demolition on reinforced concrete structures such as silos, cooling towers, chimneys/stacks, turbine bases, and lock and dam systems.
LOCK & DAM
Lock and dam structures are large, reinforced systems designed to manage water flow and navigation. Their size and robust construction make mechanical demolition challenging. Demtech uses controlled blasting to create strategic failure points, allowing the structure to break apart in a safe and predictable manner. This method is particularly effective in environments where space is limited or where nearby infrastructure must be protected.
SILOS
Concrete silos are tall, narrow structures designed to store bulk materials. Their height and wall thickness make mechanical demolition difficult. Controlled blasting creates failure points near the base, allowing the silo to collapse safely in a designated direction. This method is especially useful in industrial sites with limited space or surrounding hazards.
TURBINES
Turbine structures, particularly in hydroelectric or power generation facilities, often include large, reinforced concrete housings and foundations. Blasting is used to remove these elements efficiently, especially when embedded within dense infrastructure or located below grade. This approach allows for safe removal without damage to surrounding components slated for salvage or reuse.
CHIMNEYS/STACKS
Concrete chimneys and smokestacks are among the tallest vertical structures on industrial sites. Blasting techniques focus on strategic base cuts that cause the structure to fall in a controlled direction. Calculations account for taper, wall strength, and local conditions to ensure a clean and predictable takedown, especially where surrounding equipment limits access.
COOLING TOWERS
Cooling towers, particularly hyperbolic concrete types, require specialized blasting sequences to collapse inward without affecting nearby facilities. Charges are placed at the base in a circular pattern to weaken the structure symmetrically, allowing gravity to initiate a central implosion. This technique offers both precision and speed in clearing large, reinforced structures.
