Overall structural analysis describes the interaction of all load-bearing components, connections, and foundations of a structure throughout its entire life cycle – from new construction to conversion, deconstruction, and demolition. In the context of concrete demolition and special deconstruction, overall structural analysis is the central frame of reference for planning, execution, and supervision. Tools such as concrete pulverizers or hydraulic wedge splitters for stone and concrete enable gradual, low-vibration work; what always matters is how each intervention affects load transfer, stability, and the deformation behavior of the overall system.
Definition: What is meant by overall structural analysis
Overall structural analysis refers to the holistic consideration of the load-bearing capacity and serviceability of a structure in all relevant states: permanent (final state), temporary (construction and conversion phases), and accidental (e.g., impact, fire, local damage). It includes the determination and transmission of loads – self-weight, imposed loads, wind, snow, temperature, vibrations – through components such as slabs, beams, walls, and columns down into the foundations and the subsoil. In deconstruction practice, overall structural analysis means that every removal, every cut, and every splitting operation is understood as a system change and is safeguarded computationally, conceptually, and practically.
Fundamentals and operating principles of overall structural analysis in existing structures and deconstruction
In existing structures, load-bearing systems often behave more complexly than in the planning model: subsequent openings, composite effects, crack patterns, and usage history shape load transfer. Deconstruction steps change these paths even further – load-bearing walls are weakened, columns are laterally loaded, and support conditions are loosened. Step-by-step, controlled procedures are therefore essential. Concrete pulverizers allow the sequential removal of reinforced concrete components with low vibration; hydraulic wedge splitters for stone and concrete generate targeted cracks along the desired lines. In both cases, the temporary equilibrium state must be ensured: shoring, catch/transfer systems, and tension ties take over loads until a new stable state is reached. Overall structural analysis provides the guardrails: permissible load redistribution, stability reserves, deformation limits, and sequences of interventions.
Load types, load paths, and stability
Every structure is in equilibrium between applied loads and resisting structural mechanisms. In deconstruction, load paths change as soon as components are partially or completely removed. Key aspects:
- Permanent loads: Self-weight, attachments, superimposed loads; with selective removal, self-weight and support reactions change.
- Imposed and assembly actions: Machines, intermediate storage, transport loads; the positioning of hydraulic power packs and the loads from excavator grapples, concrete pulverizers, and hydraulic wedge splitters must be considered.
- Dynamic actions: Vibrations from conventional breaker hammers can propagate cracks; the use of concrete pulverizers and hydraulic wedge splitters reduces these, which benefits system stability.
- Stability issues: Buckling, local bulging, and overturning become critical in temporary states. Slender columns, isolated wall panels, or newly freed steel beams require bracing.
Identifying and controlling load redistribution
A planned deconstruction step may only proceed if the resulting redistribution is controlled. Notable indicators are crack progression, unforeseen deformations, and rising securing forces. Measurement points and joint markers support control.
Construction stages, sequences, and temporary safeguards
Safe deconstruction follows a sequence that preserves load paths or redirects them in an orderly manner. Typical measures:
- Shoring and catching: Needling, shoring props, transfer beams; install before the first intervention.
- Partial unloading: Prior separation of non-load-bearing loads (build-ups, installations) to create reserves in the overall structural analysis.
- Cut routing: Cuts are arranged to create short-term simple spans rather than cantilevers; concrete pulverizers open shear paths in a controlled manner.
- Staging: Small deconstruction steps with immediate stabilization; hydraulic wedge splitters enable finely dosed stages in massive cross-sections.
Temporary design checks
Specific assumptions apply to construction stages: reduced partial safety factors, limited duration of use, additional securing elements. The verifications follow recognized engineering practice and are continuously validated with monitoring data.
Influence of demolition methods on the overall structural analysis
The choice of method determines vibration levels, crack propagation, edge spalling, and thus reserves in the structure.
Concrete pulverizers
Concrete pulverizers engage at the component edge or at pre-formed openings. Advantages for overall structural analysis are the low vibration level, the locally confined force transmission, and the ability to expose reinforcement. Risks include unintended prying of slab edges and removing load-bearing webs. Countermeasures: short bite lengths, symmetrical sequence, immediate intermediate shoring.
Hydraulic wedge splitters for stone and concrete
Hydraulic splitting creates targeted crack lines in concrete or rock. Structurally relevant is the direction of the splitting forces: it is chosen so that compression zones are preserved and tension zones are released in a controlled way. The method is particularly suitable for massive components, foundations, and rock because it operates with low noise and low vibration, thereby preserving the residual load-bearing capacity of adjacent components.
Combination shears and multi cutters
These tools combine crushing, squeezing, and cutting. They allow switching between the concrete and steel portions of a cross-section without changing tools. Structurally relevant is the sequence: first relieve, then cut load-bearing reinforcement, so that no unintended tension redirections occur.
Steel shears
When separating steel components, there is a risk of overturning and oscillation. Load-free areas are cut first; load-bearing elements only with load capture and controlled load transfer. Cut locations are chosen so that remaining pieces are safely supported.
Rock splitting cylinders in rock demolition and tunneling
In rock, load transfer follows natural stratification, joints, and friction. Splitting cylinders exploit these structures without introducing shock waves. This preserves the stability of adjacent cavities and reduces the risk of subsequent rockfall in tunnel and adit construction.
Tank cutters in industrial deconstruction
When segmenting vessels and shells, the focus is on shell stability and overturning moments. Segmentation is performed with safeguards against buckling and collapse; openings are placed so that membrane forces are not shed abruptly.
Material and system specifics
Material, cross-section, and composite behavior shape overall structural analysis and the deconstruction methodology.
- Reinforced concrete: Composite of concrete and reinforcement; when removing with pulverizers, identify reinforcement routing and cut tension ties only after unloading.
- Prestressed concrete: Prestressing forces govern the crack pattern. Before any cut: determine the location and force level of tendons, depressurize in a controlled manner, and provide sufficient load capture.
- Masonry: Compression-dominated, sensitive to tension. Low-vibration splitting preserves bonds; horizontal safeguards (needles) are often required.
- Steel structures: Stability governs. Provide temporary bracing before separating members or nodes.
- Rock and natural stone: Consider anisotropy; align splitting forces along joints to achieve controlled fracture surfaces.
Application in areas of use
The principles of overall structural analysis are reflected in the typical fields of application.
Concrete demolition and special demolition
Selective deconstruction with concrete pulverizers favors the residual stability of adjacent components. Splitters are advantageous where vibrations must be minimized or massive foundations are to be released in stages.
Building gutting and cutting
When opening slabs and walls, load paths are deliberately altered. Core drilling and pulverizer cuts are combined to dose actions and avoid edge breakouts.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
Splitting cylinders and stone splitters support low-vibration excavation and cross-section enlargements. The overall structural analysis of the cavities requires close monitoring of deformations and controlled securing.
Natural stone extraction
Targeted splitting along natural bedding reduces waste and preserves block stability. Low vibration levels protect adjacent quarries.
Special applications
In sensitive environments – for example near critical infrastructure – hydraulic splitting minimizes risks to the overall structural analysis of neighboring structures.
Planning, verification, and monitoring
A robust concept combines calculation, empirical knowledge, and control.
- Survey of the existing structure: Drawings, probes, reinforcement location, material properties, ground conditions.
- Modeling of construction stages: Stepwise system changes, temporary safeguards, load redistribution.
- Method selection: Concrete pulverizers and hydraulic wedge splitters where low vibration and controlled removal enhance system stability.
- Verification: Load-bearing capacity, serviceability, and stability for each step; consideration of assembly and transport loads.
- Monitoring and warning concept: Settlements, deflections, crack widths, securing forces; intervention thresholds and stop criteria.
- Documentation: Ongoing adjustment of sequences based on measurements and findings.
Practical guidelines for safe intervention in the overall structural analysis
- Expose only as much structure as can be immediately worked on and subsequently secured.
- Execute interventions symmetrically and in small stages; use concrete pulverizers with short bite lengths.
- Orient splitting forces to avoid cantilevers and preserve compression zones.
- Close separating cuts only after load redistribution and load capture; expose reinforcement and cut it deliberately.
- Account for equipment surcharge and gripping forces in the assembly state in calculations.
- Monitor readings closely; if deviations occur, adjust the sequence and install additional safeguards.
Occupational safety, environment, and construction-phase constraints
Structural safety and occupational safety are inseparable. Low-vibration methods reduce risks for personnel and the surroundings, mitigate noise and dust, and protect adjacent structures. Temporary safeguards are designed for unintended loads; exclusion zones and lifting equipment are included in the structural checks for the construction stages. Statements are generally made in accordance with recognized engineering practice and do not replace project-specific verification.
Resource conservation and quality in deconstruction
Precise, controlled removal preserves material quality for reuse and recycling. The fewer uncontrolled fractures occur, the higher the yield of recoverable components. Concrete pulverizers and hydraulic wedge splitters support this approach by creating defined fracture lines and respecting the overall structural analysis of adjacent components.