The foundation type describes how structures safely transfer their loads into the subsoil. It shapes planning, construction, and later deconstruction. Especially in existing structures, during concrete demolition and deconstruction, the chosen foundation influences which separating or splitting methods are suitable—for example, deploying a concrete pulverizer for reinforced concrete foundations or rock and concrete splitters for massive blocks and in sensitive environments. For Darda GmbH, the relationship between foundation, material, and subsoil is central, because it defines requirements for hydraulics, cutting, and splitting technology in the application areas building gutting and concrete cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, and special demolition.
Definition: What is meant by foundation type
Foundation type refers to the structural solution by which building loads are transmitted into the ground. A basic distinction is made between shallow foundations (e.g., isolated footings, strip footings, floor slabs) and deep foundations (e.g., piles, diaphragm walls, well or caisson foundations). Decisive factors include subsoil bearing capacity, settlement behavior, groundwater, the environment’s sensitivity to vibration, and the loads of the structure. The foundation type influences material selection, degree of reinforcement, geometry, and accessibility—and thus the later deconstruction method and the choice of separating, cutting, or splitting tools.
Types of foundation at a glance
The most important foundation types can be considered systematically to derive suitable construction and deconstruction procedures. Material, component thickness, and accessibility are just as decisive as the surrounding subsoil.
Shallow foundations: footing types and deconstruction implications
Shallow foundations transfer loads near the surface into load-bearing soil. They are common in building construction and plant construction.
Isolated footing
Pad footing of concrete or reinforced concrete beneath columns or machines. During deconstruction, reinforcement densities and anchor must be considered. Concrete pulverizers act in a controlled manner at edges and reduce cross-sections, while rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter break up large blocks with low vibration levels—useful near sensitive neighboring structures in special demolition.
Strip footing
Linear footing beneath walls. Uniform thickness, often with continuous reinforcement. Removing longer sections succeeds with sectional pulverizer processing followed by splitting; with masonry bearing, the masonry bond can first be released before the reinforced concrete is separated.
Floor slab
Area slabs distribute loads over a wide area. In deconstruction of existing structures, emissions (noise, dust, vibration) must be minimized. Splitting techniques with hydraulic rock wedge splitters limit crack propagation; Concrete pulverizers or Multi cutters handle separation of reinforcement. Hydraulic power packs provide the required energy supply—even in areas with limited electrical power.
Deep foundations: piles, diaphragm walls, and special requirements
Deep foundations transfer loads into deeper, load-bearing strata. This influences not only construction but also deconstruction.
Pile foundation
Bored or driven supports made of reinforced concrete, steel, or wood. When deconstructing reinforced concrete piles, a combination of preferential fracture lines created by splitting techniques followed by pulverizer processing is often used. Steel piles can be cut in sections with Steel Shears; in special demolition with tight working space, compact high-pressure hydraulic system solutions are advantageous.
Diaphragm wall and cut-off wall
Massive, continuous walls of reinforced concrete. Removal requires a sequential approach: exposing edges, segmenting, lifting. concrete pulverizer reduce cross-sections; for thicker sections, the combination of pre-drilling and hydraulic splitting creates a controlled crack path.
Well and caisson foundations
Hollow-body or shaft solutions for soft soils or high groundwater. Deconstruction must ensure the stability of surrounding areas. Low-vibration methods such as rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter minimize risks for neighboring buildings and utilities.
Influence of foundation type on deconstruction and separation methods
Method selection depends on cross-section, reinforcement, accessibility, subsoil, and boundary conditions. For heavily reinforced components, separating methods such as shears or pulverizers dominate; massive, lightly reinforced sections can be split economically. In proximity to sensitive installations, low vibration levels and low-spark methods are advantageous, such as hydraulic splitting instead of percussion tools.
Tools and methods in the context of the foundation
Typical tool combinations result from the interplay of foundation type and application area. Crucial are controllable fracture patterns, minimal secondary damage, and safe handling.
Concrete pulverizer for footing and wall removal
Concrete pulverizers are suitable for breaking reinforced concrete in concrete demolition and special demolition. They create defined fractures, expose reinforcement, and reduce piece sizes for logistics. In combination with steel shears, exposed reinforcing steel can be separated precisely.
Rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter for low-vibration segmentation
Rock wedge splitters and concrete splitters create controlled cracks through hydraulic spreading forces. This is especially useful in tight interior areas (building gutting and concrete cutting), on heritage-protected assets, or near sensitive infrastructure. Also in rock excavation and tunnel construction, rock heads or concrete blocks can be released in a targeted manner.
Hydraulic power pack as energy source
Hydraulic power packs supply pulverizers, shears, and splitting cylinders with pressure and flow. Sizing follows tool demand, hose lengths, and the operating environment. Indoors, exhaust and noise emissions must be considered.
Combination shears and Multi cutters for mixed materials
Combination shears and Multi cutters separate alternating material composites, as encountered when deconstructing foundations with embedded components. They reduce tool changes and support a swift workflow.
Steel shear for reinforcement, sections, and piles
Steel shears cut bundles of reinforcement, steel sections, or steel piles, for example during the dismantling of deep-founded structures. In combination with concrete pulverizers, an efficient material flow from concrete to steel separation is achieved.
Cutting torch in the context of equipment foundations
Cutting torches are used during the deconstruction of tank installations. After separating the vessels, foundation works often follow: ring foundations, machine foundations, or pedestals can then be removed with rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter and concrete pulverizer—a typical sequence in special demolition.
Subsoil, material, and foundation: effects on the approach
The subsoil determines foundation type and thus deconstruction strategy. Cohesive soils, non-cohesive sands, rock, or weathered zones react differently to vibration, water, and load redistribution. In rocky subsoil, in-situ rock can be selectively released with rock wedge splitter, as is common in natural stone extraction. For high-strength reinforced concrete, pre-drilling is helpful to place splitting wedges and define crack lines.
Planning and permitting for deconstruction of foundations
Before starting, structural analysis, utility plans, soil parameters, and groundwater level must be reviewed. Depending on the project, permits and notices may be required. Specifications for occupational safety, waste segregation, and handling of potential hazardous substances must be defined early. These notes are general and do not replace case-by-case assessment.
Occupational safety, emissions, and environmental protection
Safe access, stable intermediate states, and controlled load paths have priority. Low-vibration methods reduce risks for adjacent structures. Dust and noise control, containment of cooling or hydraulic fluids, and orderly waste management chain (concrete, reinforcing steel, built-in components) are standard. Hydraulic methods support low-spark, controlled separation and splitting processes.
Step-by-step approach to deconstructing foundations
A structured approach increases safety and efficiency.
- Investigation: As-built records, ground-penetrating radar, subsoil investigation and utility inspection.
- Define boundary conditions: Limits for vibration, noise, and dust; load-bearing capacity of the work platform.
- Plan segmentation: Cuts, drilling patterns, splitting points, removal sequence.
- Preparations: Expose, relieve, install temporary shoring.
- Separating and splitting: Combination of Concrete pulverizers, rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter, steel shear depending on the material composite.
- Transport logistics: Piece sizes, lifting devices, removal, interim storage.
- Documentation: Records on emissions, waste balance, quality of separation cut surfaces.
Typical practical applications
The foundation type shapes deconstruction in various scenarios.
- Upgrading existing structures: Partial removal of floor slabs, roughening and re-anchoring—a combination of splitting and pulverizer work minimizes vibration in building gutting and concrete cutting.
- Machine foundations: Highly reinforced blocks with embedded parts—Multi cutters and Combination shears for the embedded parts, concrete pulverizer for concrete, steel shear for reinforcement.
- Shortening piles: Expose, segmented reduction; steel piles cut with steel shear, reinforced concrete piles pre-drilled and split.
- Tank locations: Dismantling of vessels with cutting torch, followed by deconstruction of ring foundations using rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter—a frequent special demolition.
- Rock heads in the foundation area: Local release using rock wedge splitter; relevant in rock excavation and tunnel construction as well as in natural stone extraction.
Sources of error and practical tips
Common problems arise from underestimated reinforcement, unclear subsoil conditions, or insufficient segmentation. It is sensible to define cut and splitting points early, plan provisional supports, and match the use of concrete pulverizer and rock wedge splitter and concrete splitter to the component geometry. A reliable hydraulic supply via suitable hydraulic power packs ensures consistent work cycles, especially in tight interior spaces of special demolition.
Documentation and quality assurance
Ongoing control of segment sizes, fracture patterns, and emissions simplifies process control. Sampling for the recycling of concrete and steel as well as photo documentation support the verification of orderly deconstruction processes. Deviations—such as unplanned crack propagation—are addressed by adjusting splitting patterns or changing pulverizer jaw sets.