Metal dismantling describes the professional disassembly, separation, and removal of metallic components as part of deconstruction work. This includes cutting beams, pipes, and sheets; separating railings and stairs; and releasing steel components from composite structures with concrete or masonry. In many projects, metal dismantling dovetails seamlessly with concrete demolition and special deconstruction, for example when a concrete pulverizer exposes reinforcement or a hydraulic wedge splitter selectively opens anchor foundations without using explosives. A hydraulic power unit is used for the energy supply; for cutting and pressing, a steel shear, combination shears, multi cutters, and tank cutters are available. Darda GmbH is known in this technical environment as a provider of corresponding tool systems.
Definition: What is meant by metal dismantling
Metal dismantling is the mechanical disassembly and cutting of metallic building and plant components during strip-out, cutting operations, and selective deconstruction. The goal is the safe, controlled release of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and composite parts from existing structures. Activities range from cold cutting in sensitive areas to high-performance cutting of thick sections. Metal dismantling is often a partial trade alongside concrete demolition, rock excavation and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, or special operations where low vibration levels and low-spark methods are preferred.
Fields of work and scope in metal dismantling
Metal dismantling focuses on metallic structures: steel halls, support frames, pipelines, tanks, silos, stair systems, railings, gates, machine frames, crane runway, or exposing reinforcement. It differs from large-scale mass removal in that components are usually separated selectively, recorded by type, and removed in defined segments. Where metal and concrete meet (e.g., steel columns in foundations), metallic tools cooperate with a concrete pulverizer or a hydraulic wedge splitter is used to release anchor and foundation zones in a controlled manner.
Typical components and materials
The focus is on components with different strengths and cross-sections. Tool selection is based on material, wall thickness, and accessibility.
- Profiles and beams: IPE/HEA/HEB, box sections, U-sections
- Sheets and plates: tank shells, covers, claddings
- Pipelines: media pipes, lines in technical centers, supply runs
- Composite structures: steel columns in concrete, welded-on anchor plates
- Reinforcement: exposing and cutting during concrete demolition
- Apparatus: silos, vessels, heat exchangers, boilers
Methods and procedures at a glance
Cold cutting and shearing
Steel shear, combination shears, and multi cutters enable powerful, low-spark cutting, for example cold cutting with multi cutters. Cold cutting reduces emissions (sparks, smoke), is often suitable for indoor use, and is appropriate for special operations with elevated fire protection or explosion prevention requirements. A hydraulic power pack operates compact handheld tools that can also work in narrow shafts, on scaffolds, or in industrial areas.
Pressing, notching, segmenting
For thick wall sections, material is segmented. Combination shears use interchangeable jaws to set notches or open connections. Multi cutters process various cross-sections without a tool change. This reduces downtime and facilitates work across changing job sites.
Splitting and controlled release
Hydraulic wedge splitter and hydraulic wedge splitter open composites without extensive chiseling. This is helpful when steel columns are released from foundations or anchor areas are opened. The pinpoint force reduces vibrations, which is advantageous in existing structures and in special operations.
Concrete separation with shears
A concrete pulverizer crushes concrete, exposes reinforcement, and creates room for shears. This establishes a coordinated workflow between concrete demolition and metal dismantling: first release the concrete, then cut the steel, then separate by material.
Hydraulics: energy supply and handling
Hydraulic power packs provide the required output for mobile shears, pulverizers, and tank cutters. Important criteria are flow rate, pressure, weight, and hose management. In buildings, compact power packs with low noise emission are suitable; on open sites, higher-output versions are preferred. Quick coupling shortens setup times. Clear labeling of hose routing and regular leak checks increase operational safety.
Application areas at a glance
Concrete demolition and special deconstruction
Steel beams, embedded parts, and reinforcement must be separated and removed. A concrete pulverizer and steel shear work sequentially or in parallel. For foundations, a hydraulic wedge splitter helps to cleanly open anchor zones.
Strip-out and cutting
In strip-out, precise, low-emission steps dominate: lines, trays, railings, and light steel structures are separated with combination shears or multi cutters. Hydraulic handheld tools are mobile, suit tight stairwells or plant rooms, and enable short cycle times.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
In underground environments, steel arches, anchors, and temporary support parts must be released. Low-spark methods and robust shears are in demand. Where concrete or rock composites exist, splitters are used in addition.
Natural stone extraction
Here, metal plays more of a supporting role: support frames, railings, conveying equipment. When concrete foundations or anchors must be released, splitters and a concrete pulverizer are suitable partners.
Special operation
In sensitive areas such as supply and disposal facilities or in fire- and explosion-prone zones, controlled, cold-cutting methods with shears, tank cutters, and suitable hydraulic power packs are advantageous. Darda GmbH offers a broad spectrum of hydraulic tools for this purpose, including applications in an ATEX zone.
Tool selection: criteria and decision aids
- Material and thickness: wall thicknesses, section geometry, alloy
- Accessibility: work space, obstacles, overhead or in shafts
- Emission requirements: sparks, noise, vibration, dust
- Energy supply: hydraulic output, hose lengths, mobility
- Safety: retention system, shoring, load control
- Material purity: aim for steel/concrete separation already at the cut
Planning, structural analysis, and isolation
Planning comes before cutting: clarify load paths, install temporary shoring, perform utility power isolation (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic), and cordon off areas. Components require secured bearings or anchorage points. When opening concrete or foundations with a hydraulic wedge splitter, crack propagation control must be considered. Cutting sequences are defined to prevent components from tipping uncontrollably.
Safety and occupational safety
- Hazard analysis and work release before starting
- Personal protective equipment and eye-safe spark/chip shielding
- Dust extraction/shielding indoors, protection against hydraulic leaks
- Dimension hoisting and rigging; controlled placement of segments
- Exclusion zones, signals, clear communication of the cutting sequence
Material separation and recycling
Source-separated material streams increase recycling value and reduce disposal costs. A concrete pulverizer helps expose reinforcement; a steel shear cuts reinforcement to transport lengths. For tanks and pipelines, proper pre-cleaning and emptying are prerequisites. Aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel are recorded separately; coatings and insulation are handled separately for disposal.
Work steps: from measurement to handover
- Survey of existing conditions: material, cross-sections, media, documentation
- Deconstruction concept: cutting sequence, shoring, transport logistics, disposal
- Isolation and securing: separate utilities, establish exclusion zones
- Preparatory work: remove attachments, hangers, protective measures
- Cutting/splitting: use of steel shear, combination shears, hydraulic wedge splitter, concrete pulverizer
- Lifting and haulage: rig loads, remove in segments
- Post-processing and documentation: deburr edges, verify cleanliness, records
Practical application examples
Steel beam in an existing building
The beam is first unloaded and secured. A concrete pulverizer exposes the bearing areas. A steel shear then segments the beam into manageable pieces, which are recovered by crane or chain hoist.
Pipeline deconstruction during strip-out
The line is drained, degassed, and isolated. A combination shear separates hangers and pipe segments. In narrow shafts, compact multi cutters are used. The sections are sorted and removed without spark generation.
Foundation with bonded anchor plate
A hydraulic wedge splitter opens the concrete surroundings in a controlled manner. The anchor plate can now be lifted off. Remaining reinforcement is cut to length with the shear, and the material is sorted.
Quality assurance and documentation
Key checks concern cut quality, dimensional accuracy of segments, integrity of adjacent components, and completeness of material flow records. For hydraulic devices, regular functional and leak tests are standard; cutting jaws are inspected and replaced in good time to ensure clean cuts and consistent performance.
Legal and normative notes
Deconstruction work is subject to building and occupational safety regulations. It is advisable to observe the relevant rules of technology as well as regulations on hazardous substances, waste law, and fire protection. Information on an ATEX zone, clearance measurements, and utility isolations must be clarified on a project-specific basis. The notes are general in nature and do not replace a binding individual assessment.