The demolition of a logistics center combines large-area hall structures with highly compact functional zones such as loading yards, ramps, sprinkler systems and technical installations. Methods are required that are selective, low vibration and plannable so that floor slabs, foundations, steel structures and installations can be dismantled or deconstructed in a controlled manner. Tools such as concrete pulverizers, hydraulic rock and concrete splitters, steel shears as well as electric and gasoline hydraulic power units from Darda GmbH are used in a targeted way across different construction phases – from concrete demolition and special demolition through strip-out and cutting to special operations in sensitive environments.
Definition: What is meant by demolition logistics center
The term demolition logistics center refers to the planned deconstruction or dismantling of logistics properties, including ancillary buildings and outdoor facilities. This includes the removal of racking systems, conveying equipment, sprinkler and utility networks, the dismantling of façade and roof systems, the demolition of reinforced concrete and steel structures, as well as the processing of floor slabs, ramps, pits, foundations and pile heads. The goal is an orderly, low-hazard-substance and resource-efficient approach that enables single-grade separation and minimizes emissions such as dust, noise and vibrations. Depending on the project, the spectrum ranges from partial deconstruction during ongoing operations to complete deconstruction including area recycling.
Special features and challenges in the deconstruction of logistics centers
Logistics centers are characterized by large spans, tall doors, heavily loaded industrial floors and extensive technical installations. Frequently, thin but high-strength floor slabs (often steel fiber concrete) meet heavily reinforced ramps, dock stations, fire walls and column heads. Structures consist of reinforced concrete columns, prestressed concrete girders or steel frames. In demolition, methods are therefore needed that:
- reliably detect and separate existing reinforcement,
- break down large component thicknesses in a controlled manner,
- work with low vibration levels in building parts with sensitive technology,
- enable early, single-grade construction waste separation of material flows.
Concrete pulverizers and hydraulic wedge splitters are particularly suitable here: they combine high working forces with controlled operation – ideal for ramps, foundation heads, floor joints, plinth zones and fire walls.
Construction and components in focus
- Floor slab and floor joints: often large-format, with few joints, sometimes with steel fibers; anchors, utility lines, induction loops or drainage are integrated.
- Foundations and pile heads: massive blocks and socket foundations under columns, dock levelers and conveying systems.
- Load-bearing structure: reinforced concrete columns, prestressed concrete or steel girders, bracing and crane runway.
- Façade and roof: sandwich panels, fire stops, skylight bands, roof build-ups and drainage.
- Technical areas: sprinkler and firefighting water tanks, substations, battery charging rooms, cold rooms.
- Outdoor facilities: loading yards, ramps, retaining walls, drainage gutters, containment basins.
Methods and tools for low-vibration concrete demolition
The choice of equipment depends on material, thickness, reinforcement and surroundings. Hydraulic tool systems enable controlled, low-emission deconstruction in halls and on loading yards.
Concrete pulverizers in the selective deconstruction of floor slabs and ramps
Concrete pulverizers grip concrete components over an area, break them in a controlled manner along weakening lines and expose reinforcement. They are suitable for crushing ramp heads, plinth areas, traffic channels and the feet of fire walls. In interior areas they are advantageous thanks to their low vibration levels and good controllability, for example when deconstructing at existing columns or near sensitive conveyor technology. In comparable applications, low-vibration concrete crushers for slabs can be used.
Hydraulic wedge splitters for foundations and pile heads
Hydraulic wedge splitters develop high splitting forces in the borehole. They are suitable for thick foundations, sockets and pile heads where hammering or blasting works are not possible or not desired. By acting from the inside, little noise and dust are generated; crack propagation is predictable and the material is opened up for subsequent downsizing. At the edges of floor slabs, splitters can create targeted break lines along rows of boreholes.
Hydraulic power packs: power supply and cycle timing
Hydraulic power packs provide the required flow rates and operating pressure for pulverizers, splitters, hydraulic demolition shears and multi cutters. Electric power units are preferable indoors, while gasoline-driven solutions offer flexibility outdoors. Coordinated cycle timing reduces downtime and supports a continuous material flow.
Hydraulic demolition shears and multi cutters for reinforced concrete and installations
Hydraulic demolition shears combine cracking and cutting functions. They cut reinforcing steel and crush concrete in a single pass – efficient, for example, when deconstructing column heads, plinth areas and concrete curb walls. Multi cutters are versatile for profiles, pipes, tray systems and conveying equipment.
Steel shears for beams, racking systems and crane runways
Steel shears cut hollow and solid sections, beam ends, fasteners and crane runway rails. In high-bay warehouses this enables rapid dismantling with clear separation between metal and non-metal fractions.
Tank cutters for sprinkler and diesel tanks
Tank cutters divide cylindrical vessels, containment basins and double-walled tanks in a controlled manner. Prior to cutting, emptying, gas-free condition and securing of the work area are mandatory. Cutting is low-spark with a clearly guided separation line so that segments can be handled safely.
Process: Structured deconstruction from concept to the last joint
- Survey and planning: structural and utility plans, material and substance spectrum, access and area concept.
- Hazard analysis: general screening for hazardous substances and sensitive areas; define safety measures.
- Strip-out and cutting: dismantle racking, conveying equipment, utility networks, door systems; make saw cuts only where necessary.
- Façade and roof dismantling: remove panels section by section, separate roof build-ups and drainage.
- Load-bearing structure: release steel or prestressed concrete girders according to the concept; expose columns in a controlled manner.
- Concrete demolition: crush floor slabs, ramps, pits and fire walls with concrete pulverizers; prepare predetermined breaking lines with hydraulic wedge splitters.
- Foundations and pile heads: split, break, separate reinforcement; check the subsoil.
- Processing and haulage: collect by type, crush, weigh; align haulage logistics with time windows.
- Surface finishing: grade the formation level, check compaction, and provide temporary surfacing if required.
Emission control: minimizing dust, noise and vibrations
Water mist for dust suppression and localized dust extraction limit dust. Rubber mats and timber pads dampen impact noise. Low-vibration methods – especially the use of concrete pulverizers and hydraulic wedge splitters – protect sensitive systems and neighbors. Measurements with simple indicators or sensors document compliance with internal limits.
Safety and protection during ongoing operations
Partial deconstruction in active logistics areas requires clear barriers, one-way concepts for vehicles and defined quiet periods. Special operations, for example in cold zones or ATEX zones, require adapted tools, certified work equipment and coordinated permits. Notes on legal requirements are always to be understood as general; the decisive regulations are local rules and authority stipulations.
Resource efficiency and recycling
A high recycling rate is achievable when sorting starts early: metal from steel shear operations, cleaned concrete debris from pulverizer and splitting operations, separate panel and insulation fractions. Single-grade purity improves recycling revenues and reduces transport. Material logistics should already be considered in the strip-out plan.
Planning and construction logistics in the demolition of logistics properties
Extensive halls are logistically demanding: access roads, handling areas, container parking areas and internal traffic routes must be planned without conflicts. Hydraulic power packs should be positioned so that hydraulic hose lines remain safe and short. Time windows at dock stations, night or weekend windows for noise-intensive steps and a forward-looking container service (waste disposal) secure the cycle.
Special components: prestressed concrete girders and jointless industrial floors
Prestressed concrete requires a coordinated approach. Before intervention, structural boundary conditions must be clarified; cutting without a concept can trigger dangerous redistributions. After controlled releasing, concrete pulverizers are suitable for breaking up the concrete, while steel shears separate the prestressing steel. Jointless, steel fiber–reinforced floors can be broken into transportable segments via rows of splitting holes and then further reduced with pulverizers.
Areas of application and practical allocation
- Concrete demolition and special demolition: concrete pulverizers for ramps, plinths, fire walls; hydraulic wedge splitters for foundations and pile heads.
- Strip-out and cutting: multi cutters and hydraulic demolition shears for conveying equipment and profiles, targeted saw cuts for separation joints.
- Special operations: work in sensitive production or cold zones with low-emission, hydraulic tools.
- Rock excavation and tunnel construction (project-specific): for edge stabilizations or terrain cuts, splitters can also be used in rock.
- Natural stone extraction (indirect reference): know-how from controlled splitting of large rock bodies supports precise work on massive concrete blocks.
Quality assurance and documentation
Transparent records of quantities, single-grade purity, emissions and cycle times create reliability. Photo series, simple measurement logs and delivery notes accompany the process. Regular team reviews, for example after completing individual construction phases, increase safety and efficiency. Hydraulic power packs, hose lines and tools must be inspected at regular intervals, and settings adapted to material thickness and reinforcement.
Typical scenarios from practice
Partial deconstruction of a loading yard
Concrete pulverizers crush ramp heads and impact edges, steel shears separate impact protection and guardrails. Splitters create predetermined break lines along the drainage to divide the slab into segments.
Repurposing a hall area
Strip-out of conveyor systems with multi cutters, dismantling of racking systems with steel shears, followed by demolition of floor recesses with concrete pulverizers – low-emission next to ongoing operations.
Foundation deconstruction beneath rows of columns
Splitters open massive foundation blocks in a controlled manner, hydraulic demolition shears cut exposed reinforcement. The result is single-grade fractions with low vibration levels.