Summary of “4 Ways to Demolish a Building” and Reader Response draft 1

In the article “4 Ways to Demolish a Building”, Rodriguez (2018) stated that ways of demolishing a building depends on the land area, building material, purpose of demolition and disposal of debris. The author also mentions the four methods of building demolition. The author implied that the implosion method is suitable for large scale buildings. Detailed studies of the buildings’ structural drawings are necessary for identify the main beams and placement of explosives. The author stated that high reach arm method involves the removal of inter-connected beams. Suitable for buildings above 20 meters and a safer alternative compared to the wrecking ball demolition. Experts are required to operate the wrecking ball during demolition due to space constraint and equipment load. The author mentioned that this method emits dust, vibration and noise. He stated that selective demolition is a cost-saving method, suitable for reusing materials for future construction. High labor requirements and time are needed for selection of reuse materials. Based on the points elaborated, although the writer addressed the four ways to demolish a building, he should have mentioned the top-down demolition method as it is the most commonly used demolition practice and its environmental advantages. The dis-advantages of the four demolition methods mentioned by the writer.  

Firstly, top-down method hoisted the remote-controlled concrete breakers and crushers machines to the rooftop and demolished the building from a top-down manner, floor by floor. The top-down demolition began with floor slabs, then the beams, columns and ends with the foundation. It introduces temporary supporting structures named “propping” to ensure safety. Haziq (2017) stated that after demolition the ground must be filled with soil to ensure that grass grows. Clean concrete from demolition debris were recycled to build footpaths and roadside drains. Remote-controlled machines reduced the risks for the operator compared to conventional machines, as the operator could control the machines from a distance.

Secondly, top-down demolition method allowed the building demolished via a clean and environmentally friendly way, floor by floor. Ferro (2013) stated that demolition method could be eco-friendly. Based on the news report “Rochor centre to be torn down floor by floor” (2018), a demolition specialist Mr Tay stated: “This is the conventional method of tearing down buildings,” and “The use of smaller-sized excavators, which would produce less noise.” Noise barriers could be also erected around the site to comply with the permissible noise levels. Dust emission could be reduced by using a mist machine and dust screens. Top-down demolition could reduce the percentage of harmful constituents released to the environment by reducing the dust emission. 

Lastly, top-down demolition is a preferred demolition method compared to the other four demolitions. The implosion, high reach arm and wrecking ball demolitions create lots of dust, vibration and noise. In the article “No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go down in Singapore” (2017), wrecking balls and explosives demolition were not suitable for high and compact buildings. This point can be further supported in the news release “Demolition in Singapore is not what you think” (2018). Different types of demolished debris mixed and smashed in to small pieces, renders it impossible to meet the local reuse and recycling of materials regulations. In the journal “Wrecking ball gives way to new method of structural demolition” (2004) Ms Morello, manager of Penhall company stated: “I haven't seen the 'headache ball' in a long time.". Through this statement, the wrecking ball method decayed from the demolition practice. 

Reference

Demolition in Singapore is not what you think. (2018). Jinbiao single-post.

Retrieved from http://www.jinbiao.com.sg/single-post/2018/02/02/Demolition-in-Singapore-is-not-what-you-think

Ferro, S. (2013). Japanese eco-friendly building demolition method harvests

energy as it destroys. Popular science.

Retrieved from https://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-01/demolition-goes-eco-friendly-japan

No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go

down in Singapore. (2017). Channel NewsAsia.

Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/no-explosives-or-swinging-balls-how-high-rise-demolitions-go-9425362

Pittman, J. (2004) Wrecking ball gives way to new method of structural

demolition. Bizjournals.

Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2004/08/02/focus2

Rodriguez, J. (2018) 4 Ways to demolish a building. The balance small business.

Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/ways-to-demolish-buildings-844420

Wong, D. (2018) Rochor Centre to be torn down floor by floor. The Straits Times. 

Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/rochor-centre-to-be-torn-down-floor-by-floor