Site management controls projects from work preparation through to acceptance. In deconstruction, in concrete demolition and special deconstruction, and in building gutting, it is the link between planning, execution, and occupational safety. It selects methods, coordinates equipment such as concrete pulverizers or hydraulic rock and concrete splitters, ensures the gentle handling of the existing structure, and keeps an eye on schedule, cost, quality, and environmental requirement (construction). Especially in sensitive applications—from inner-city special deconstruction to rock excavation in tunnel construction—site management decides on the appropriate, low-emission, and efficient methodology.
Definition: What is meant by site management
Site management is the operational leadership of the construction site. It includes organizing the construction process, coordinating all trades and subcontractors, and ensuring occupational safety, quality, and schedule as well as cost management. In the context of deconstruction, building gutting, rock, and tunnel works, site management is particularly responsible for method implementation: selecting suitable hydraulic methods, integrating hydraulic power packs, handling tool changes, and interface management with disposal, construction logistics, and inspection bodies. Site management translates planning requirements into executable steps and documents progress in a legally compliant and traceable way.
Tasks of site management in deconstruction and concrete demolition
The tasks span from construction sequence planning to acceptance. In practice, the aim is to selectively separate components, minimize vibrations and noise emissions, steer construction logistics, and ensure crew safety. For reinforced concrete members, the coordination between pre-cutting, crushing, and haulage logistics defines the takt. This includes controlling equipment such as concrete pulverizers, hydraulic demolition shears or Multi Cutters, as well as the low-vibration use of hydraulic splitters in sensitive environments.
Method selection: Determining methods and tools in a targeted manner
Site management selects methods based on member type, degree of reinforcement, thickness, accessibility, permissible emissions, and surrounding conditions. It compares hydraulic splitting, cutting, pulverizer processing, and shear cutting—always with regard to occupational safety, noise emission, vibrations, and productivity.
Hydraulic splitting of concrete and rock
Hydraulic splitters operate with controlled splitting forces and cause very low vibrations. They are suitable for work close to load-bearing structures, special deconstruction in existing buildings, tunnel heading, and rock removal without explosives (non-explosive rock removal). stone splitting cylinders are positioned in boreholes, the modular hydraulic power units supplies the energy. Advantages include precise crack guidance, low noise, and high safety when working in sensitive zones.
Mechanical crushing and separating
Concrete pulverizers break reinforced concrete, open members selectively, and enable clean separation of concrete material and reinforcing steel. Hydraulic demolition shears and Multi Cutters cover changing materials, while steel shear is designed for profiles, beams, and reinforcement. A cutting torch is used for deconstruction-oriented opening of tanks and pipelines.
Selection criteria at a glance
- Member thickness and reinforcement: Split thick slabs and walls; separate thinner members efficiently with pulverizers.
- Environment and requirements: Work with low vibration levels and low noise emission—use hydraulic splitting or pulverizer-based breaking.
- Accessibility: Compact tools and modular hydraulic power packs for confined conditions.
- Material mix: Switching between concrete, masonry, steel, cast iron—hydraulic demolition shears and Multi Cutters offer flexibility.
- Sequence and takt: Pre-cut, shore, crush, separate, remove—precise takt coordination.
Work preparation and construction sequence planning
Precise work preparation is half the battle. Site management translates the method into resources, time, and logistics—continuously adapting to construction progress.
Structured sequence
- Survey of existing conditions: structural analysis, utilities, reinforcement, hazardous substances, construction materials.
- Method planning: Splitting, pulverizers, cutting—selection and combination.
- Setup planning: hydraulic power packs, hoses, adapters, tool changes, power supply.
- Logistics: Delivery, intermediate storage, removal, traffic management.
- Safety: hazard analysis, access and barricade concept, construction emergency plan.
- Quality: Trial sections, component mockups, documentation scheme.
Resource and schedule control
Performance is controlled via component-based takt times: drilling output for splitter cylinders, pulverizer jaw cycles, cutting meters per hour, changeover times, and waste disposal logistics. Bottlenecks are identified early and smoothed out by alternative tool configurations.
Permits and surroundings
Site management takes into account local requirements for noise emission, vibrations, dust, working hours, and traffic management. Information is general and non-binding; the applicable local regulations prevail.
Occupational safety and health: working safely with hydraulics
Safe working is a fundamental component of site management. Hydraulic methods minimize sparks and vibrations but impose requirements on operation and maintenance.
Typical focal points
- Energy and pressure: Integrity of hydraulic systems, hydraulic hose line protection, interlocks, controlled pressure relief.
- Load and member behavior: shoring, underpinning, controlled crack guidance during splitting, secure fall zones with fall protection.
- Emissions: noise reduction measures, dust suppression via water spray system, limited vibrations in existing buildings.
- Access and ergonomics: Carrying, lifting, anchorage points, plan safe operating positions.
Environment and sustainability in deconstruction
Site management organizes selective deconstruction, separates materials, and optimizes recycling. Hydraulic splitting and pulverizer processing facilitate clean separation of concrete material and reinforcing steel. Dewatering, dust suppression, and low-noise methods protect neighbors and crews.
Areas of application at a glance
Concrete demolition and special deconstruction
Selective deconstruction, preservation of adjacent members, controlled crushing with concrete pulverizers, and low-vibration splitting of massive elements.
Building gutting and cutting
Interiors, shafts, extensions: separation cuts, removal of non-load-bearing members, openings, pipe runs. Multi Cutters and hydraulic demolition shears handle material changes efficiently.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
Advance, profile corrections, anchorage zones: hydraulic splitters and stone splitting cylinders ensure controlled removal without explosives.
Natural stone extraction
Extraction, block splitting, dimensionally accurate splitting of natural stone with minimal damage to adjacent layers.
Special applications
Industrial plants, bridges, tanks: steel shear for profiles, cutting torch for deconstruction-oriented openings, combinable with pulverizers and splitting technology.
Practice-oriented procedures for site management
Massive wall panels in existing structures
Define drilling patterns, place stone splitting cylinders, controlled splitting, rework with concrete pulverizers, separate reinforcement with steel shear, haul away in separated fractions.
Inner-city building gutting
Restricted time windows for noise-intensive steps, predominantly pulverizer-based crushing, low vibration levels to protect sensitive neighborhoods.
Adjusting the tunnel profile
Splitting technology for profile-accurate removal, minimal vibrations, short closure times, safe operating positions at the tunnel face.
Checklist for site management when using hydraulic splitting and cutting technology
- Component analysis: thickness, reinforcement, residual stresses, locate utilities.
- Method selection: splitting, pulverizers, shears—define the combination.
- Energy and hydraulics: size hydraulic power packs, secure hose routes.
- Setup and changeover times: plan quick tool changes, keep spare equipment available.
- Emissions concept: dust suppression and noise reduction measures, define vibration limits.
- Safeguarding: barricade, shoring, fall zones, define emergency procedures.
- Disposal: source-separated sorting, schedule container service (waste disposal), keep routes clear.
- Documentation: photos, measurements, daily reports, approvals.
Communication and interface management
Site management directs internal teams, subcontractors, and inspection bodies. Daily brief alignments clarify takt, priorities, and safety aspects. Changes are justified, documented, and transparently integrated into the process.
Performance indicators and progress control
Progress is managed via measurable indicators: drilling meters per hour, number of splitting cycles, pulverizer jaw cycles, cutting meters of steel shear, tonnage and fractions in removal. Deviations are identified early and balanced with adjusted tool configurations or takt shifts.
Identifying and mastering risks
- Unknown reinforcement layouts: probing, test core sample, cautious approach with concrete pulverizers.
- Residual stresses in members: sequenced cuts, controlled splitting, shoring.
- Tight access: compact tools, modular hydraulic power packs, safe hose routing.
- Weather influences: slip resistance, protection against hydraulic fluid leakage, visibility conditions.
Documentation, quality, and acceptance
Site management documents member conditions before, during, and after deconstruction. Measurements on noise emission, vibrations, and dust as well as evidence of construction waste separation ensure quality. Acceptances are carried out section by section: release of the next takt only after inspecting cut edges, splitting pattern, and degree of material separation.