Winter construction means building, demolition, and natural stone extraction under winter conditions. Cold, snow, ice, and short daylight windows change processes, material behavior, and safety. For companies working in concrete demolition, building gutting, rock breakout, or tunnel construction, it is crucial to adapt methods and equipment accordingly. In this context, Darda GmbH stands for hydraulic tools that require special attention in preparation, operation, and quality assurance during winter operation. This article combines fundamental knowledge with practice-oriented guidance from field applications.
Definition: What is meant by winter construction
Winter construction refers to the proper planning and execution of construction, deconstruction, and extraction work at low temperatures, often from around +5 °C downward, as well as in snow, ice, frozen ground, and alternating thaw cycles. This includes both concrete work (e.g., winter concreting) and demolition and separation/cutting work, rock excavation, tunnel heading, and natural stone extraction. Typical are protective and heating measures, adjusted takt timing, special requirements for the hydraulic power pack and attachment, and an increased focus on occupational safety and logistics. In concrete demolition and special demolition, concrete demolition shear and hydraulic wedge splitter play a central role, as their operating principle in the cold offers specific advantages and limits.
Weather impacts and technical measures in winter operation
Winter conditions affect people, machines, and materials. Low temperatures increase the viscosity of hydraulic fluid, make steels and rock respond more brittlely, and change friction conditions (ice, slush). At the same time, daylight shortens the available working time. Technical measures range from de-icing work areas to protective roofs and heated zones to adjusted hydraulic settings. Planning, documentation, and ongoing control are the basis for safeguarding quality, occupational safety, and deadlines. In interaction with Darda GmbH tools, the following aspects are particularly relevant:
- Prepare the hydraulic power pack for winter operation (fluid, filters, seals, leakage control, preheating cycles).
- Operate the concrete demolition shear according to temperature (lubrication, jaw clearance, hydraulic rotation, pressing pressure, consider cold embrittlement).
- Use hydraulic wedge splitter with frost-free boreholes and clean borehole hydraulics (ice-free, maintain wedge components, correct setting depths).
- Adapt construction logistics: safe walkways, non-slip coverings, sufficient lighting, de-iced crane and lifting zones.
Materials in a cold profile: concrete, steel, and rock
Material behavior determines the method. Concrete hydrates more slowly in the cold, early strengths are reached later, and components behave more brittlely. Steels (reinforcement, sections) can lose toughness at lower temperatures. Rock shows microcracking under freeze-thaw cycles, which can facilitate splitting but also promote uncontrolled spalling.
Implications for concrete demolition
Concrete is often less ductile in the cold. Concrete demolition shear partly benefit from the increased brittleness, while reinforcement requires heightened attention. Relief cuts for unloading (e.g., with suitable cutting methods) and a controlled sequence of removal are important. Frozen surfaces are critical: ice reduces frictional grip and can affect the shear’s initial bite. Before applying the tool, the rule is: de-ice, ensure secure standing areas, apply controlled preloads and establish clear load transfer paths.
Implications for rock breakout and tunnel construction
In rocky environments, freeze-thaw cycles favor the crack network, which hydraulic wedge splitter use effectively. The prerequisites are suitable borehole diameters, sufficient borehole depth, and ice-free borehole walls. Moisture in the borehole can freeze and hinder the wedge effect. Therefore, borehole cleaning, drainage, and, if necessary, temporary covering before setting the wedge are crucial.
Hydraulics in winter: operating power packs, shears, and splitters correctly
Hydraulic drives are the heart of many demolition and cutting processes. Cold affects fluid, seals, and hoses. Clean commissioning prevents early damage and loss of performance.
- Hydraulic power pack: Adapted fluid viscosity for low temperatures, systematic preheating to operating temperature, filter maintenance, condensate control in tanks, regular leakage tests. Actively monitor pressure and temperature indicators.
- Concrete demolition shear: Supply joints and hydraulic rotation with cold-suitable lubricant, check the jaws are ice-free, build up the attack angle smoothly. For rebar cutting, consider the material’s sensitivity to cold and avoid kink/buckling points.
- Hydraulic wedge splitter: Inspect wedges and sleeves (springs), keep surfaces clean, ensure boreholes are ice-free and dry. Plan the setting sequence to release stresses in a controlled manner; increase pressing pressure in stages with visual monitoring of crack propagation.
- Combination shears, steel shear, multi-cutters, tank cutters: Consider cold embrittlement of cutting edges and materials, perform function checks before load, allow temperature equalization. For potentially hazardous substances (e.g., tanks), general safety rules apply; clearance measurements and protection zones must be planned just as rigorously in winter.
Methods and tactics: concrete demolition and special demolition in the cold
Deconstruction in winter follows the principle of controlled load redirection while minimizing risk from slipping, ice, and limited visibility. Protective roofs or mobile heated zones can improve the initial grip of concrete demolition shear. For thick components, pre-positioned separation cuts allow swift shear work. For massive foundations or columns, a combination of pilot borehole and the use of hydraulic wedge splitter is often chosen to limit noise and low vibration levels.
- Investigation: component structure, reinforcement layers, frost and ice areas, load-bearing capacity.
- Work and safety concept: zones, exclusion areas, slip protection, lighting, de-icing logic.
- Temperature management: preheating times of the hydraulics, intermediate states, break planning.
- Preparation: de-icing of attack points, securing edges, safety net and catching systems.
- Relief cuts and unloading: cuts for targeted load release and to protect adjacent components.
- Use of concrete demolition shear: smooth force build-up, observe crack lines, protect rebar tips.
- Use of hydraulic wedge splitter: clean boreholes, set wedges, raise pressure in stages, monitor cracks.
- Interim checks: structural stability, temperature, ice formation, hydraulic condition.
- Debris clearance: non-slip transport routes, gritting, de-ice edges and crane hooks.
- Documentation: photos, temperature history, inspection and maintenance records.
Strip-out and cutting in interior areas
Interior spaces can be heated, which facilitates work with hydraulic shears and cutting tools. The same applies here: secure bearings, non-slip coverings, protection against meltwater. Concrete demolition shear enable controlled breakout of component segments; supplementary cuts ensure defined fracture lines. In sensitive areas, a low-noise and low vibration levels tactic with smaller segments and frequent interim checks is recommended.
Rock breakout and tunnel construction in winter
During tunnel heading in cold environments, frost and condensate affect drilling equipment, splitting tools, and ventilation. For planning specifics, see rock demolition and tunnel construction. An advantage is that crack networks in frozen rock can be more pronounced. Hydraulic wedge splitter capitalize on this: they exploit existing weaknesses, provided the boreholes are free of ice and the tools are prepared for the temperature. Ventilation, lighting, and safe escape route must be ensured even with fog and drifting snow.
- Borehole hygiene: keep borehole openings warm or covered, avoid water accumulation.
- Slip and ice management: grit and clear steps, platforms, and access routes consistently.
- Communication: plan redundant visual and radio signals; account for short sight distances.
- Construction logistics: store spare wedges, seals, lubricants, and hose lines frost-safe.
Natural stone extraction in frost
In quarries, cold can increase separability. Splitting planning is based on the joint system, grain structure, and temperature profile. Rock wedge splitter are set so that cracks propagate parallel to natural weakness zones. Continuous monitoring is important: in the event of unforeseen spalling, adjust setting spacings and vary the sequence.
Special deployment: deconstruction under winter emergency conditions
Damage scenarios in winter (e.g., on bridges, retaining walls, or tank installations) require quick, controlled interventions. Concrete demolition shear allow step-by-step removal of unstable concrete areas. Hydraulic wedge splitter are used when low vibration levels must be maintained. For work on tanks and pipelines, general safety distance, clearance measurements, and protective measures must be observed; winter operation additionally requires de-icing of fittings and strict temperature and spark management.
Occupational safety, ergonomics, and health in winter construction
Cold increases accident risks. Slip hazards, restricted mobility, and faster fatigue are typical factors. Measures should be embedded organizationally, technically, and personally. They are always to be understood as general guidance; specific requirements can vary by region and project.
- PPE layering principle: cold protection, non-slip gloves with good grip, eye protection against snow and ice particles.
- Lighting: increase contrasts, minimize shadows, provide emergency lighting.
- Breaks and warming points: heated zones with dry coverings, warm drinks, remove moisture from clothing.
- Hand–arm load: rotate grips, promote short duty cycles, and vibration-reduced working methods.
- Safe traffic routes: clear, grit, mark; route hose lines and cables overhead or in protected runs.
Environmental and soil protection in winter
Snow and ice change the material flow. Meltwater can transport fines, spread oil traces, and affect discharges. Preventive measures are essential in winter construction:
- Drip trays, oil absorbents, and tight underlays under power units.
- Targeted meltwater routing, sediment traps, and regular inspections.
- Use de-icing agents sparingly and specific to the object; check component compatibility.
- Adjust dust protection to the cold: moisture binds dust but can freeze—maintain the right balance for dust suppression.
Quality assurance and documentation in winter operation
Temperature and humidity trends influence outcomes. Complete documentation provides traceability and helps optimize processes. This includes measured values, photo documentation, maintenance logs of the hydraulics, and records of preheating and de-icing times.
Checkpoints for concrete demolition shear and wedge splitters
- Mechanics: check jaws, cutting edges, wedge surfaces, springs, and bearing points for cracks, play, and wear.
- Hydraulics: check operating pressure values, temperature, leakage-free condition, filter status, and hydraulic hose line.
- Operation: ensure smooth pressure build-up, monitor crack progression, stop work if deviations occur.
- Environment: de-icing, lighting, barriers; safe standing and bearing surfaces.
Planning and logistics
Winter construction demands forward-looking material and energy logistics. Consider sufficient power supply or fuel reserves for preheating, spare parts supply for seals and hoses, and non-slip setup areas. Supply chains can fluctuate due to weather; buffers in the work schedule reduce outage impacts. For concrete demolition shear and hydraulic wedge splitter, it is advisable to stock cold-rated lubricants and hydraulic fluid, as well as a clear maintenance plan.
Costs, schedule, and risks in winter construction
Cold-related performance reductions, additional safety and de-icing times, and preheating processes affect productivity and schedule. In estimating, weather-dependent buffers, variable cycles, and alternative methods help (for example, a targeted switch from shear removal to wedge splitting on frozen components). Contract and change-order issues must be clarified both generally and project-specifically; transparent documentation and early coordination are suitable for this.