A demolition section is the deliberate subdivision of a deconstruction project into clearly defined areas processed sequentially. This structure helps control structural stability, safety, emissions, and logistics and deploy the appropriate tools for each building zone. In concrete demolition, strip-out, and special demolition, this reduces risks, makes processes plannable, and cleanly coordinates interfaces between trades. Tools such as concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters from Darda GmbH are used section-specifically to work with low vibration, in a controlled and resource-efficient manner.
Definition: What is meant by a demolition section
A demolition section is a planning-defined sub-area of a building or structure that is removed under defined boundary conditions. These include spatial boundaries (e.g., bay, gridline, story, wing), structural prerequisites (load transfer and shoring), technical framework conditions (accessibility, utilities routing, fire protection), as well as the specification of suitable methods and tools. A demolition section is thus a work stage with clear objectives, controllable risks, and measurable outcomes.
Planning and definition of demolition sections
The definition of demolition sections begins with the existing-condition survey. Load-bearing structures, utilities, fit-out, and environmental factors are recorded to organize the removal into safe, efficient steps. The goal is a sequential approach that maintains the building’s residual stability, limits emissions, and supports material recovery.
Central criteria for forming sections
- Structural behavior: location of columns, beams, slab panels; need for temporary shoring.
- Material mix: reinforced concrete, masonry, natural stone, steel structures, tanks and vessels.
- Accessibility: work spaces, heights, reach for attachments and handheld tools.
- Protected assets: neighbors, infrastructure, vibration protection, noise control, dust and water management.
- Disposal and recycling concept: source-separated sorting, container logistics, routing.
- Safety concept: escape routes, barriers, clearance measurements, utility power isolation.
Demolition sections are anchored in sequence and scheduling plans. The assignment of tools—such as concrete demolition shears for reinforced concrete cross-sections or rock and concrete splitters for low-vibration removal—is section-specific, supported by hydraulic power units from Darda GmbH.
Demolition section in practice: procedure and control
- Preparation: structural diagnostics, hazard analysis, exposing reinforcement and utilities, shoring concept.
- Separation: creating separation cuts or predetermined breaking points, e.g., with concrete demolition shears, multi cutters, or combination shears.
- Removal: section-by-section deconstruction according to load transfer—from top to bottom or from outside to inside.
- Material handling: sorting, intermediate storage, and haulage per section; minimizing route crossings.
- Control: continuous checking of residual load-bearing capacity, vibrations, dust, and noise; readjusting the strategy.
- Documentation: photo records, measurements, delivery notes, and progress reports per section.
Tools and methods per demolition section
The choice of methods depends on member thickness, degree of reinforcement, accessibility, and emission targets. Handheld and carrier-mounted techniques are combined to achieve precise, controlled demolition.
Concrete demolition shears in sectional removal of reinforced concrete
Concrete demolition shears grip and crush reinforced concrete in defined segments. This enables the removal of slab panels, beams, or wall strips along predefined cut lines. Advantages include controlled force application, limited crack propagation, and effective separation of concrete and reinforcement. In ceiling-adjacent demolition sections this approach reduces vibrations and protects adjacent members—relevant in concrete demolition and special demolition as well as for strip-out and cutting.
Rock and concrete splitters for low-vibration removal
Rock and concrete splitters generate splitting forces in boreholes. As a result, massive cross-sections can be separated without blasting in predictable, small volumes. This method is suitable for sensitive sections with vibration and noise control requirements, such as in existing buildings, near utilities, or in rock demolition and tunnel construction. Rock splitting cylinders operate similarly and are used in natural stone extraction and in special operations.
Combination shears and multi cutters in strip-out
Combination shears and multi cutters cut reinforcement, sections, and mixed materials. In demolition sections focused on fit-out and secondary structures, they help cleanly release fixtures, partition walls, façade substructures, or bundled utilities. This increases material purity and improves per-section logistics.
Steel shears and tank cutters for metal structures
In sections containing steel structures or vessels, steel shears and tank cutters are the tools of choice. They enable precise cutting, safe disassembly, and controlled size reduction of components for transport. This is particularly relevant in industrial plants, industrial halls, and infrastructure elements.
Hydraulic power packs as the system base
Hydraulic power packs from Darda GmbH provide the power required for the tools mentioned. Section by section, pressure, flow rate, and hose management are matched to reach and cycle times to ensure efficiency and ergonomics.
Safety and environmental protection in the demolition section
Safety and environmental protection decisively shape section planning. Dust, noise, and vibrations must be minimized; water consumption and wastewater must be controlled. Barriers and protective hoods define safe work areas.
- Dust: misting, targeted wetting, local extraction.
- Noise: choice of quieter methods, time windows, shielding.
- Vibration: use of splitting methods, controlled bite sizes of the concrete demolition shear, continuous monitoring.
- Occupational safety: isolating utilities, structure-appropriate sequence, safe working platforms, escape routes.
- Water protection: capturing and filtering flushing and process water.
Measures must be defined for each demolition section and continuously reviewed. The information provided is general guidance and does not replace project-specific requirements.
Structural behavior, load transfer, and structural stability
Every demolition section affects load transfer. Before starting, structural models are defined and, if necessary, temporary shoring is installed. The sequence and bite sizes of the tools are designed to avoid inadmissible deformations. Concrete demolition shears allow gradual reduction of cross-sections; rock and concrete splitters create defined fracture lines before elements are released.
Temporary measures
- Shoring slab panels before removing beams.
- Shear and tipping checks for newly freed edges.
- Suspension of components in tight shafts and stairwells.
Survey points and visual inspections accompany the deconstruction. Changes in structural behavior are taken into account in section control.
Special application areas and section logic
In rock excavation and tunnel construction, sections are defined along geology, jointing, and ground parameters. Rock splitting cylinders and rock and concrete splitters reduce vibrations in sensitive environments. In natural stone extraction, sectioning serves to assure block quality and safe recovery. In concrete demolition and special demolition in urban settings, small sections with precise tools such as concrete demolition shears are advantageous. In special operations—for example, in contaminated areas—sections structure containment, clearance measurements, and material handling.
Material flow, recycling, and documentation
A well-designed demolition section enables source-separated sorting: concrete, reinforcing steel, metals, wood, plastics. The tool selection supports this—concrete demolition shears facilitate separation of concrete and reinforcement; steel shears and multi cutters prepare metals to transport dimensions. Per-section documentation facilitates proof and billing.
Logistics per section
- Short routes: clear inbound and outbound routes.
- Intermediate storage: defined container areas, labeling of fractions.
- Takt times: synchronization of removal, loading, and haulage.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Sections that are too large: lead to uncontrolled deformations and increased emissions. Better: smaller, plannable steps.
- Unclear cut edges: make fragmentation and separation more difficult. Better: define separation lines and predetermined breaking points in advance.
- Unsuitable tool selection: increases effort and risk. Better: concrete demolition shears for reinforced concrete, splitting methods for massive cross-sections and sensitive areas.
- Underestimated logistics: causes congestion areas and double handling. Better: per-section container and routing planning.
Quality assurance and success criteria
Success criteria for a demolition section are safety, schedule and cost adherence, low emissions, and high material purity. Measurable metrics include cycle times, bite sizes, vibration and dust levels, material recovery rates, and rework shares. Tools from Darda GmbH support a reproducible, controlled way of working when planned and operated on a section-specific basis.