Selection of demolition techniques: a case study of the Warren Farm Bridge

Abstract

There are numerous demolition techniques available to the demolition contractor from the well‐known blasting techniques to the less known hydrodemolition techniques. It is essential for the demolition contractor to be aware of the various types of demolition techniques available in the demolition industry and to know their advantages and disadvantages. It is also equally important for the demolition contractor to have a set of criteria to follow in order to arrive at the most appropriate demolition technique to employ on projects. This paper outlines the case study of the demolition of Warren Farm Bridge over the M1 motorway in the UK. The demolition was closely followed from the planning stage until the actual execution on‐site with the co‐operation of the demolition contractors and site agents. The paper also discusses the selection criteria for demolition techniques and as a result some guidelines for selecting a demolition technique have been produced.