Site supervision ensures that construction and deconstruction works are executed safely, with quality, and according to plan. Especially in concrete demolition, during building gutting, in special deconstruction as well as in rock breakout and tunnel construction, it directs the selection of suitable methods and tools—for example, the use of concrete demolition shears or stone and concrete splitters together with hydraulic power packs. It coordinates workflows, checks compliance with technical rules, and pays attention to occupational safety, environmental protection, and neighborhood protection. In this way, execution is controlled, documented, and adjusted as needed.
Definition: What is meant by site supervision
Site supervision is the technical and organizational control of on-site execution. It verifies whether services are provided in accordance with the design, the specification, and the recognized rules of technology. This includes the control of quality, schedule, quantities, and costs, as well as ensuring occupational safety and environmental protection. In deconstruction, this also comprises coordinating sectioning, exposing and cutting reinforcement, monitoring low-vibration methods, and ongoing documentation. Legal requirements can vary by project, region, and contract; the following guidance is general in nature.
Tasks and objectives of site supervision in deconstruction and concrete demolition
Site supervision defines objectives for controlled, low-emission execution and, together with design and construction teams, selects appropriate methods. The focus is on safe structural states, structured workflows, and traceable documentation. Typical tasks include steering separation and demolition operations with concrete demolition shears, planning split points for stone and concrete splitters, and defining cutting and removal strategies in confined spaces, for example during building gutting or in tunnel construction.
Equipment use in focus: concrete demolition shears, stone and concrete splitters, and other tools
Site supervision determines which equipment is suitable for components, materials, and structural states. Criteria include component thickness, reinforcement ratio, accessibility, cutting depth, permissible vibrations, noise and dust generation, and safety distances.
Concrete demolition shears: controlled removal and exposure
Concrete demolition shears enable targeted biting of concrete, exposure of reinforcement, and the creation of defined demolition edges. Under supervision, the gripping direction, bite sequence, and piece weights are specified. This is particularly relevant in building gutting, when creating openings, and when deconstructing load-bearing elements in densely built environments.
Stone and concrete splitters: low-vibration splitting
Hydraulic rock and concrete splitters act from the inside out and separate components using hydraulic splitting forces. Site supervision coordinates drilling pattern, splitting sequence, shoring, and safeguarding measures. This method is advantageous for sensitive structures, in tunnel construction, or in natural stone extraction when vibrations must be minimized.
Combination shears and multi cutters
Combination shears and multi cutters provide cutting and gripping functions with a single tool. Site supervision ensures suitable attachments for concrete, reinforcing steel, and profiles as well as safe changeover procedures. It defines when cutting is preferable to splitting or breaking.
Hydraulic power packs and control
Hydraulic power packs provide the power supply for shears and splitting cylinders, with compatible hydraulic power units ensuring adequate pressure and flow. Monitoring focuses include pressure and flow parameters, hose routing, leakage control, and emergency stop functions. This ensures constant forces and reproducible work steps.
Steel shears and tank cutters
For steel structures, vessels, and pipelines, site supervision verifies the separation concept, explosion and fire protection, and the draining and cleaning of residual media. This is particularly relevant for special operations when low-emission separation is required in sensitive surroundings.
Occupational safety, environmental and neighborhood protection
Site supervision prioritizes safe methods and low emissions. Hydraulic splitting and targeted shearing are considered low vibration levels and are suitable in vibration-sensitive neighborhoods, existing buildings, or tunnel construction.
- Protection against vibrations: selection of low-vibration methods, ground vibration monitoring if required
- Noise reduction: staging of noisy steps, application of quieter methods, protective equipment
- Dust control: wetting, local dust extraction, clean cutting sequences
- Media and fire protection: clearance measurements and securing of tank and piping areas before cutting
- Structural stability: secure intermediate states, verify shoring and load transfer
Legal requirements and authority stipulations must be observed on a project-specific basis; concrete implementation is coordinated among the parties involved.
Quality assurance and documentation
Continuous documentation is essential. Site supervision records component inspections, measured values, equipment parameters, and acceptances of partial sections. This keeps quality evidence traceable.
Typical contents of the documentation
- Definition of demolition and splitting sequences with reference to component thicknesses and reinforcement
- Logs of pressure values of hydraulic power packs and observed split widths
- Photo documentation of separation cuts, demolition edges, and secured intermediate states
- Evidence of disposal and single-grade separation of materials
- Releases for subsequent work sections after visual and dimensional inspection
Process planning, logistics, and interfaces
Site supervision plans cycles, gripping and splitting sequences, and lifting operations. Piece weights, load paths, and removal are coordinated, especially in confined interior spaces or shafts.
- Sequencing: from relieving to separating to lifting and hauling away
- Equipment changeover: coordinated switching between concrete demolition shear, splitting cylinder, and shear
- Material flow: short routes for removal and single-grade separation
- Time windows: coordinate noise and vibration windows with sensitive surroundings
Specifics in rock breakout, tunnel construction, and natural stone extraction
In mountainous and underground settings, hydraulic splitting reduces risks due to vibrations. Site supervision assesses rock fabric, split orientation, and shoring to achieve controlled fractures. In natural stone extraction, splitting cylinders facilitate the recovery of dimensionally accurate blocks, while in tunnel construction the existing structure is selectively widened or structural components are deconstructed.
Checkpoints in rock
- Match drilling pattern and splitting sequence to bedding and joints
- Check shoring, securing, and re-bolting
- Account for water inflow, temperature, and ventilation
Building gutting and cutting in existing structures
During building gutting, non-load-bearing components are removed, utilities are separated, and openings are created. Concrete demolition shears allow precise removal; multi cutters and combination shears complement cuts in masonry, concrete, and metal before heavier elements are released and transported away.
Typical checkpoints in interior areas
- Isolate, secure, and remove installations before separation works
- Protect sensitive surfaces and adjacent components
- Targeted pre-cuts to reduce piece weights
- Dust and noise control with suitable methods and sequencing
Risk management and adaptation during execution
Unexpected reinforcement, material changes, or voids require quick adaptation. Site supervision defines stop rules, initiates test cuts or trial bites with the concrete demolition shear, and adjusts the drilling pattern for splitters. Changes are documented and released before the cycle continues.
Performance control and key metrics
Key metrics are used for transparency: cycle times per cut or split, piece weights, material separation, noise and vibration values within permissible limits, and downtimes. Site supervision uses these data to optimize workflows.
Digital site supervision in deconstruction
Digital site diaries, photo and video documentation, and sensors on hydraulic power packs support traceability. This enables structured recording and evaluation of pressure and performance values, cutting sequences, and acceptances.
Contractual integration and communication
Site supervision coordinates with design, construction, and the client. The basis is formed by specifications, drawings, and approvals. Deviations are identified early, evaluated, and implemented in coordination. The guidance is general and does not replace project-specific consulting.
Practice-oriented checklists for equipment use
Concrete demolition shears: selection and application
- Check component thickness and reinforcement ratio; define suitable jaw opening and force
- Define gripping direction and bite sequence; protect demolition edges
- Secure intermediate states; limit piece weights
Stone and concrete splitters: safe splitting sequences
- Define drilling diameter, drilling depth, and grid
- Plan splitting order, shoring, and safeguarding of the split joint
- Monitor hydraulic pressure; log splitting results
Practical reference with Darda GmbH equipment
In projects where concrete demolition shears, rock splitting cylinders, combination shears, multi cutters, steel shears, or tank cutters from Darda GmbH are used, site supervision pays attention to compatible hydraulic power packs, appropriate tool selection, and low-emission sequencing. In this way, concrete demolition and special deconstruction, building gutting and cutting, rock breakout and tunnel construction, as well as natural stone extraction are carried out in a controlled and safe manner—from the first separation cut to the final section approval.