Partial demolition

Partial demolition refers to the targeted, controlled removal of individual structural elements, construction sections, or material layers from existing structures or geological formations. In contrast to complete demolition, adjacent areas remain in place and must be protected. This places high demands on planning, structural analysis, emission control, and execution. In urban settings, during ongoing operations, or in sensitive environments, methods with low vibration levels and low-dust approaches are preferred, such as the use of concrete pulverizer or concrete splitter and rock splitting devices such as hydraulic rock and concrete splitters supplied by compact hydraulic power units. For steel and composite elements, combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shear, or cutting torch are used depending on the task. Partial demolition is thus a central building block in conversion, refurbishment works, special demolition, and selective dismantling across the application areas of concrete demolition and special demolition, building gutting and cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, and special operations.

Definition: What is meant by partial demolition

Partial demolition means the selective removal of components made of concrete, reinforced concrete, masonry, steel structures, or rock while the overall structure or adjacent construction sections remain intact. Typical objectives include openings for doors and elevators, trimming slab edges, dismantling column head, exposing reinforcement, lowering foundations, severing tank vessels, or separating rock bonds. Partial demolition is typically performed controlled with a documented procedure. It uses mechanical and hydraulic methods such as pulverizers, shears, splitting cylinders, and cutting technology, supplemented by separation cuts and core drilling. Non-explosive, low-vibration methods—such as splitting concrete and rock with hydraulic wedge splitter or crushing components with a concrete pulverizer—are particularly common in sensitive areas.

Planning and process model in partial demolition

A robust process model reduces risks, costs, and emissions. It begins with an assessment of the existing structure, relies on a sound deconstruction concept, and defines clear interfaces. Of central importance is the shoring and protection concept before intervening in the load transfer path.

• Survey/investigation: structural analysis, material properties, reinforcement layout, utility detection, joints, cracks, construction stages.
• Hazardous substance inspection and building gutting: removal or shielding of fixtures and hazardous substances with qualified execution.
• Deconstruction concept: sequence, separation joints, lifting gear, load transfer, intermediate states, emergency and stop criteria.
• Equipment selection: matching element thickness, reinforcement density, accessibility, and emission requirements with concrete pulverizer, concrete splitter/rock splitting devices, shears, and cutting technology.
• Safeguarding measures: shoring, hangers, safety fence, support scaffold, fall protection.
• Execution: marking the separation cut, preparing supports/bearings, stepwise release, sorting, and haulage logistics.
• Control and documentation: milestone-based checks, measurements for noise emission, dust exposure, and low vibration levels.

Tools and equipment for partial demolition

The choice of tool depends on material, component geometry, accessibility, and permissible emissions. Hydraulic tools allow controlled, reproducible interventions. hydraulic power pack provide the operating pressure for concrete pulverizer, splitting cylinders, shears, and special cutters.

Concrete pulverizer: targeted crushing and separation in reinforced concrete

concrete pulverizer are suitable for trimming slab edges, creating openings, reducing wall and column cross-sections, and selectively exposing reinforcement. They operate with low vibration levels, reduce secondary damage, and minimize dust compared to percussive methods. Key criteria include jaw opening, closing force, jaw geometry, and the ratio of component thickness to reinforcement density. In combination with separation cut, predetermined fracture lines can be defined to guide breaks in a controlled manner.

Concrete splitter and rock wedge splitter: non-explosive splitting method

concrete splitter and rock wedge splitter use splitting cylinders inserted into boreholes. Hydraulic pressure opens the element or rock mass along lines of weakness. The method is particularly suitable for vibration-sensitive environments, in rock excavation and tunnel construction, and for dismantling massive foundations. Parameters such as borehole diameter, splitting pressure, wedge geometry, and hole spacing determine progress. Advantages include good controllability and minimal impact on the surroundings.

Combination shears and Multi Cutters

Combination shears and Multi Cutters combine crushing, cutting, and gripping functions. They support partial demolition when concrete, masonry, and fixtures alternate, or when switching between cross-section reduction and separating elements. With dense reinforcement, interchangeable inserts ease work at transitions between concrete and steel.

Steel shear

steel shear cut reinforcement, sections, beams, and tank shells in a controlled, low-spark manner. Tools like Steel Shears are suitable for dismantling in industrial plants and for deconstructing composite elements in which steel shares must be systematically separated.

Cutting torch

cutting torch are used for cutting tanks, silos, and pipelines. Before cutting, cleaning, emptying, and a safe work release are essential. Suitable cutting procedures and a controlled sequence reduce risks from residual media and prevent unwanted deformations.

Hydraulic power pack

hydraulic power pack provide the working pressure and, via flow, pressure level, and control, allow adaptation to different tools. Maintenance, filtration, and adequate hose cross-sections ensure performance, especially with long supply lines in tunnel tubes or multi-story buildings.

Application areas at a glance

• concrete demolition and special demolition: targeted deconstruction of bridge caps, abutment, foundations, and column head. concrete pulverizer and concrete splitter enable precise interventions with limited impact on the surroundings.
• Strip-out and cutting: removal of non-load-bearing elements, creation of breakthroughs, separation joints, and openings. Shears and Multi Cutters support the dismantling of fixtures.
• Rock excavation and tunnel construction: controlled release of rock, enlarging profiles, fitting niches. Splitting technology works non-explosively and with low vibration levels.
• Natural stone extraction: separating raw blocks along natural fractures using rock splitting cylinders.
• Special operations: deconstruction during ongoing operations, in sensitive areas, or with special requirements for noise, dust, and vibrations.

Performance criteria and selection of suitable methods

Method selection follows the principle: as much intervention as necessary, as little emission as possible. The following criteria help decide between pulverizer, splitting, and cutting technology:

1. Material and reinforcement: homogeneous concrete with low reinforcement favors concrete pulverizer; massive, thick elements or rock favor splitting cylinders; high steel shares favor steel shear.
2. Component geometry: edges and supports favor crushing; large cross-sections with limited accessibility favor splitting.
3. Accessibility and space: confined workspaces require compact tools and modular hydraulic power pack.
4. Emission requirements: with strict limits for vibrations and noise, methods with low vibration levels have priority.
5. Sequence and lifting technology: separation joints and lifting points determine whether elements are removed as a whole or reduced piece by piece.
6. Reuse and recycling: clean separability promotes choosing tools with high-quality cut and break surfaces for better recycling.

Site setup, safety, and environmental protection

Safety and protection of the surroundings take precedence. Requirements must always be determined project-specifically and implemented under qualified management.

• Structural safeguarding: temporary shoring, load redistribution, and monitoring of intermediate states.
• Emission control: dust binding by wetting, coverings, negative-pressure zones if needed; noise barrier walls; ground vibration monitoring.
• Work releases: clear restricted areas, lifting operations only with suitable lifting clamp/tongs.
• Utilities and lines: locating and exposing, disconnecting after release, protection caps and marking.
• Hazardous substances: proper handling and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations by a certified disposal company where required.
• Hydraulic safety: hose protection, depressurization before coupling, regular visual inspections of the hydraulic hose line.

Cut guidance, sequence, and control

A clear sequence prevents uncontrolled breaks. separation cut define geometries, predetermined fracture lines guide crack formation. Removal proceeds from free-supported areas toward supports, with interim safeguards and coordinated lifting devices or catch arrangements. Ongoing crack monitoring and measurements at sensitive points enable timely adjustments.

Material separation, recycling, and documentation

Partial demolition aims for high recovery rates. Clean demolition separation of concrete, steel, masonry, wood, plastics, and utility lines facilitates construction waste sorting, recycling, and disposal. Concrete can be processed into recycled concrete, steel from reinforcing steel and sections returned to the material cycle. Complete documentation of material flow, compliance records, and measurement logs increases transparency and traceability.

Particularities in existing and operational facilities

During ongoing operations, methods with low vibration levels and low-dust approaches with precisely controlled force transmission are particularly suitable. concrete pulverizer avoid impact loads, concrete splitter minimize vibrations even in deep structures. Time windows, routing, fire protection, access control, and utilities management are integrated into the construction logistics concept to minimize disruption to operations.

Best practices for concrete pulverizer and splitting technology in partial demolition

Proven working methods increase quality and efficiency. The combination of good preparation, appropriate tool sizing, and a clean sequence is decisive.

• Concrete pulverizer: start at edges, pre-load elements, expose reinforcement in time and separate in an orderly manner; match jaw geometry to component thickness.
• Splitting cylinders: plan the borehole grid carefully, set orientation to the desired fracture line, clean boreholes, and set wedges correctly for the hydraulic wedge splitter.
• Hydraulics: ensure sufficient flow, control pressure, keep hoses short and kink-free.
• Emissions: continuous dust binding, measurement points for vibrations and noise, adjust pacing in sensitive phases.
• Quality assurance: interim approvals for separation cut, crack pattern and dimensional accuracy, documented checks before each sequence, including control measurement.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Common issues include incomplete investigation, underestimated intermediate states, and improperly sized tools. Detailed assessment of the existing structure and a realistically calculated schedule prevent surprises. Concrete pulverizer should not be used against overly massive, heavily reinforced cross-sections without preparatory separation cut. Splitting devices only unfold their strength with correctly designed borehole drilling selection and depth as well as suitable orientation to the desired fracture guidance. A careful communication chain, clear stop criteria, and regular inspections minimize risks.