Raw material storage shapes the supply of mineral construction materials and metals. It ranges from geologically formed deposits in rock and sediment to industrially constructed stockpiles and depot areas. In quarries, gravel pits, tunnel construction, and concrete demolition, geology, materials science, and separation technology converge. Especially where precise, low-vibration work is required, devices such as hydraulic rock and concrete splitters and concrete demolition shears are used to selectively release, separate, and prepare rock, reinforced concrete, and secondary raw materials for further processing.
Definition: What is meant by raw material storage
In the narrow sense, raw material storage refers to a geological deposit, i.e., a naturally occurring, spatially confined raw material occurrence (e.g., hard rock, limestone, dolomite, sand, gravel, clay, or ores) that is technically accessible and economically usable. In the broader sense, the term also refers to operational storage and transshipment areas such as stockpiles, silos, and depots where extracted or recycled raw materials are temporarily stored, classified, and prepared for transport or further processing. Both perspectives are closely linked in the construction and deconstruction context: The properties of the deposit determine extraction; the logistics of the storage govern material quality and availability.
Geological fundamentals and classification of raw material storage
Raw material storage forms through magmatic, sedimentary, or metamorphic processes and can be differentiated by genesis, bonding state, and homogeneity. For construction and demolition projects, parameters such as stratification, joint systems, grain composition, groundwater conditions, and degree of weathering are decisive. In natural stone extraction, storage dynamics influence the choice of separation methods and the orientation of separation cuts; in rock excavation and tunnel construction, rock class and discontinuities determine the excavation method. These basic data directly affect the interplay of drilling technology, stone and concrete splitters, and downstream crushing.
Exploration and evaluation of raw material storage
Exploration precedes development: mapping, core drilling, laboratory analysis, and geophysical methods provide a robust data basis. In addition to the content of usable material, technical recoverability and environmental compatibility must be evaluated. The results feed into extraction concepts, brittle-fracture models, and safety concepts.
Key parameters for demolition and separation technology
- Compressive and tensile strength (including splitting tensile strength) of rock or concrete
- Joint spacing, orientation, and infill; bedding and layering planes
- Modulus of elasticity, toughness, and fracture toughness
- Moisture content, porosity, groundwater conditions, and freeze–thaw resistance
- Inclusions, reinforcement content in reinforced concrete, heterogeneity
- Ambient conditions: vibration limits, noise and dust protection
Techniques for extraction and targeted opening
The choice of technique depends on deposit type, boundary conditions, and protected assets. In addition to drilling and sawing, low-vibration separation and splitting methods have become established. Stone and concrete splitters generate controlled splitting forces in the borehole and enable precise separation cuts along existing planes of weakness. In concrete structures and specialized deconstruction, concrete demolition shears support the selective removal of components and the exposure of reinforcement, which favors clean separation of secondary raw materials.
Overview of method selection
- Preliminary assessment of the structure (e.g., joint orientation, reinforcement layout)
- Defining the borehole grid and cut direction
- Using splitting cylinders for primary opening
- Follow-up with shears or cutters for shaping and material separation
- Haul-off, classification, and interim storage in the raw material storage
Stone and concrete splitters in rock excavation and tunnel construction
In rock excavation and tunnel excavation, low-emission methods are required, for example in sensitive locations or under strict vibration limits. Through precisely placed boreholes and tuned splitting sequences, blocks can be released in a controlled manner, slopes can be formed stably, and profile contours can be maintained exactly. This increases dimensional accuracy, reduces rework, and protects adjacent structures.
Concrete demolition shears in concrete demolition and specialized deconstruction
When dismantling foundations, slabs, or bridge components, concrete demolition shears allow efficient size reduction and selective extraction of reinforcing steel. This provides recycled construction materials in defined particle sizes and facilitates further use as secondary raw material. The material-friendly approach has a positive effect on dust and noise balance.
Application areas in the context of raw material storage
- Natural stone extraction: block and aggregate production, profiling of extraction benches, material separation already at the face
- Rock excavation and tunnel construction: advance in hard rock, contour trimming, reduction of overbreak and underbreak
- Concrete demolition and specialized deconstruction: selective dismantling, component separation, on-site recycling
- Strip-out and cutting: preparatory separation cuts, load reduction, disassembly concepts in existing structures
- Special operations: work in vibration-sensitive zones, inner-city projects, structures close to protected assets
Quality assurance and process control in raw material storage
From opening to stockpile, sample frames, sieve line checks, and moisture determinations ensure product consistency. Clear separation of materials prevents mixing. Complete batch documentation facilitates traceability and supports compliance with technical standards.
Typical process steps
- Geometric survey of the block or component
- Separation and splitting plan based on structural and strength data
- Execution with suitable hydraulic power unit parameters
- Size reduction, sorting, removal of contaminants
- Interim storage, covering, and signage of stockpiles
Logistics, interim storage, and processing
Raw material storage in the operational sense serves buffering and quality preservation. Crucial factors are dry storage, avoidance of segregation, and the correct stockpile geometry. For recycled material, separate storage of concrete, masonry, and asphalt ensures reproducible properties. Processing includes crushing, screening, and, if necessary, metal separation; here, shears and cutters support pre-sizing. Hydraulic power units supply the necessary energy for mobile processing directly at the stockpile.
Good practice in stockpile management
- Stacking in layers to avoid segregation
- Covering sensitive fractions during precipitation
- Separate traffic routes to minimize contamination
- Regular sieve curve and moisture checks
Occupational safety, emissions, and permits
Safety takes precedence. For all work at the raw material storage, the relevant regulations on fall protection, machine operation, hydraulics, and explosives substitution apply. Low-vibration methods with controlled force application help meet limits for vibrations, noise, and dust. Permitting issues depend on location and method and should always be considered early and across cases.
After-use, remediation, and deconstruction
Once a raw material storage has been depleted or a storage area has become obsolete, remediation and potential after-use follow. Profiling, slope stability, and water management must be ensured. During the deconstruction of technical installations on the site, concrete demolition shears and other separation tools enable material-conscious removal. This creates areas for ecological enhancement, commercial use, or infrastructure while recoverable materials return to the cycle.
Planning steps for efficient workflows
Structured planning increases safety and efficiency. The following steps have proven effective for achieving consistent results from the geological model to the stockpile.
- Create a geological model and define the key material parameters
- Define the separation and splitting concept with drilling pattern and sequences
- Specify the use of suitable stone and concrete splitters and/or concrete demolition shears
- Process monitoring: measurements, visual inspections, parameter adjustments
- Implement logistics and stockpile management for quality assurance
Material properties and their relevance to tools
Matching tools to the material is essential. High compressive strength requires a tight borehole grid and higher splitting forces; anisotropic rocks favor cuts along bedding or joint planes. For reinforced concrete, reinforcement density and member thickness determine jaw geometry and shear force. The goal is a controlled separation with minimal damage to the remaining structure or extraction face.