Demolition works are a central field of construction. They range from complete deconstruction of structures to selective partial demolitions in existing buildings. The goal is always the safe, controlled, and efficient separation of components, the reduction of structural masses, and preparation for reuse. In practice, different methods and tools are used depending on the task, including concrete pulverizers, hydraulic wedge splitters, combination shears, steel shears, or tank cutters. Depending on structural analysis, surroundings, subsoil, material mix, and requirements, approach, power supply, and occupational safety measures vary. Especially in concrete demolition and special deconstruction, in building gutting and cutting, and in rock excavation and tunnel construction, the use of hydraulic systems has proven effective, working precisely, with low emissions, and in a controlled manner.
Definition: What is meant by demolition works
Demolition works are understood as the systematic detaching, downsizing, and removal of components or entire structures made of concrete, reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, or composite constructions. The term includes both conventional demolition and selective deconstruction, in which materials are separated and routed into single-grade recycling. Demolition works are carried out mechanically, by hand, or in combination. Typical methods include mechanical deconstruction with shears, cutters, and splitting technology; cutting and sawing of components; splitting rock and concrete masses; and separating tanks and steel components. Key targets are safety, component control, minimization of vibrations, reduction of noise and dust, and a high recycling rate.
Process and planning of demolition works
The success of demolition works depends significantly on careful work preparation, a robust structural analysis, and the right choice of equipment. Particularly in sensitive environments—such as dense inner-city sites, operating industrial facilities, or underground—low-vibration and low-noise solutions with hydraulic tools are advantageous. These include, in many scenarios, concrete pulverizers and hydraulic wedge splitters, which detach components in a controlled manner without introducing impermissible vibrations.
- Existing conditions and structural analysis: Recording geometry, material properties (concrete strength, reinforcement ratio), hazardous substances, and structural conditions; deriving load paths and separation sequences.
- Process and equipment selection: Aligning targets (e.g., component sizes, interfaces to construction logistics), emission objectives, accessibility, and energy supply via hydraulic power units.
- Selective deconstruction: Sequence from non-load-bearing to load-bearing; building gutting before structural demolition; material separation to optimize recycling.
- Execution and monitoring: Implementation in defined sections, ongoing control of dust, noise, vibrations, and stability; adjusting parameters to construction progress.
- Post-processing and disposal: Sorting, downsizing, and transport of materials; documentation of recycling rates.
Method overview: controlled deconstruction and selective demolition
Controlled deconstruction prioritizes stability and material separation. Mechanical methods with hydraulic tools allow precise interventions with minimal peripheral impact. Depending on the task, cutting, pressing, splitting, or shearing methods are combined:
- Splitting: hydraulic wedge splitters and rock split cylinders generate controlled crack formation in concrete or rock. Advantageous in confined workspaces, sensitive environments, and massive material.
- Crushing and breaking: concrete pulverizers reduce components to manageable sizes, strip concrete from reinforcement, and prepare material separation.
- Cutting: Multi Cutters and tank cutters separate plates, pipes, and vessels, e.g., in industrial deconstruction.
- Shearing separation: Steel shears and combination shears cut sections, reinforcement, and mixed cross-sections, often complementing the concrete pulverizer.
Tools and technology in detail
Concrete pulverizers in concrete demolition and special demolition
Concrete pulverizers grip, crush, and break concrete locally in a controlled manner. They reduce components to defined fragment sizes, expose reinforcement, and decrease transport masses. In building gutting and cutting, concrete pulverizers are often combined with cutting tools to sever embedded parts, utilities, or reinforcement. In special demolition within sensitive areas, low vibrations and targeted material removal are an advantage.
Hydraulic wedge splitters in rock excavation and tunnel construction
Hydraulic wedge splitters as well as rock split cylinders generate controlled cracks through hydraulic spreading forces. This is particularly useful in rock excavation and tunnel construction, for massive foundations, or for components that must not be worked with high impact energy. Splitting technology operates locally and precisely and can reduce noise and vibration emissions.
Hydraulic power packs as the power supply
Hydraulic power packs supply shears, cutters, splitters, and multi-cutting tools with the required pressure and flow rate. Decisive factors are sizing, delivery rate, and compatibility with the connected tools. In tight spaces, during building gutting, or underground, compact units facilitate logistics and safe operation.
Combination shears, Multi Cutters and steel shears
Combination shears unite shearing and crushing functions for mixed tasks. Multi Cutters make clean separation cuts in sections, plates, or reinforcement. Steel shears focus on high cutting forces for steel sections and reinforcement—helpful in concrete demolition for rapid rebar exposure and material separation.
Tank cutters in plant and vessel deconstruction
Tank cutters are used when vessels, tanks, or pipelines must be segmented. In special demolition scenarios with heightened safety and emission-control requirements, the clean cut path enables predictable dismantling and disposal.
Planning parameters and selection criteria
- Construction materials and layer buildup: concrete strength, aggregate, reinforcement ratio, inserts, composite components.
- Environmental requirements: limit values for noise, dust, and vibrations; protection of adjacent structures and infrastructure.
- Accessibility: working heights, openings, load capacity reserves of slabs, escape and rescue routes.
- Construction logistics: piece sizes, interim storage, transport routes, cranes and lifting devices.
- Energy and media supply: hydraulic power packs, operating temperatures, maintenance and replacement intervals.
- Interfaces: coordination with disposal, recycling, hazardous materials remediation, and documentation.
Material separation, recycling, and resource efficiency
Demolition works and selective deconstruction aim for single-grade material streams. Concrete pulverizers facilitate detaching concrete and exposing reinforcement, while steel shears separate metal fractions. Hydraulic wedge splitters produce size-optimized pieces that are easy to load and further process. A structured workflow promotes high recycling rates and reduces disposal effort.
Safety, emissions, and occupational safety
In demolition works, safety and emission control take priority. Dust, noise, and vibrations are to be minimized, for example through coverings, wetting, appropriate tool selection, and adapted process parameters. Hydraulic tools often enable a controlled, precise, and low-vibration mode of operation. Information on protective measures is always of a general nature; specific requirements depend on the project, location, and applicable regulations. Ongoing hazard analysis and qualified supervision are essential.
Areas of application at a glance
Concrete demolition and special demolition
In structural demolition, components are gradually relieved, separated, and downsized. Concrete pulverizers and combination shears support controlled sequences, steel shears handle reinforcement. Splitting technology helps with massive cores, abutments, or foundations.
Building gutting and cutting
Before structural deconstruction, installations, utilities, and non-load-bearing components are removed. Multi Cutters, tank cutters, and cutting methods divide components into transportable segments. Concrete pulverizers take over the transition to load-bearing demolition.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
Under confined and sensitive conditions, controlled methods are required. Hydraulic wedge splitters and rock split cylinders enable opening the rock or massive concrete cross-sections with reduced peripheral impact.
Natural stone extraction
Splitting technology is used to open natural rock formations along existing joints. The precise control of splitting forces supports material-conserving extraction and reduces rework.
Special demolition
In plants, hospitals, laboratories, or protected structures, safeguarding the environment is paramount. Tools with precise points of attack—such as concrete pulverizers or hydraulic wedge splitters—help limit vibrations and detach components in a targeted manner.
Practical application examples
Urban deconstruction of a reinforced concrete building
Selective deconstruction with building gutting, followed by concrete component deconstruction using concrete pulverizers. Steel shears cut exposed reinforcement, hydraulic power packs supply the tools. Splitting technology reduces massive structural cores to keep vibrations in neighboring buildings low.
Bridge deconstruction with limited closure time
Predefined separation cuts, segment-wise lifting, subsequent breaking with concrete pulverizers. Steel shears and Multi Cutters handle section and reinforcement separation. Logistically, piece sizes are aligned with transport equipment and disposal routes.
Tunnel heading and cross-section widening
For controlled widenings, splitting technology has proven itself: hydraulic wedge splitters create intended lines of fracture that prepare subsequent steps. Low-emission workflows promote safe working conditions underground.
Parameterization and operation
Performance at the component depends on hydraulic pressure, flow rate, tool geometry, and approach angle. A tuned system of tool and hydraulic power pack ensures forces act at the right point. Operators adjust stroke, jaw opening, wedge position, or cutting sequence depending on the material and component thickness. Regular visual inspections and maintenance preserve function and increase process reliability.
Quality assurance and documentation
Complete documentation of material flows, measurements (e.g., vibrations), methods used, and disposal evidence supports transparent processes. For many projects, continuous method adaptation is sensible: findings from the first deconstruction steps flow into cut sequence, tool changes, or parameterization.