Low vibration levels are a central quality feature for work in concrete demolition, building gutting, rock breakout, as well as tunnel construction and special demolition. Where structures must be preserved, neighboring buildings protected, or sensitive systems operated, a low-vibration approach determines both technical feasibility and project acceptance. Methods such as the splitting of concrete and rock with hydraulic rock and concrete splitters as well as the crushing by gripping of components with a concrete pulverizer enable controlled workflows with reduced vibrations. Darda GmbH stands for tools and working methods established in these scenarios without relying on percussive or impact-type procedures.
Definition: What is meant by low vibration levels
Vibrations are mechanical oscillations transmitted from a source to people, machines, and structures. We speak of low vibration levels when the vibration intensity (typically evaluated as acceleration in m/s² or as particle velocity in mm/s) is so low that neither workers’ health is unduly stressed nor the structural stability, serviceability, or function of sensitive installations is impaired. A distinction is made between emission (at the source) and immission (at the point of impact). Relevant for assessment are the amplitude, frequency, and duration of the vibrations as well as the transmission paths in the structure and in the ground.
Causes, metrics, and evaluation of vibrations
Vibrations arise from percussive, impact-like, or non-uniform forces. In practice, components and rock are especially affected by impulse loads, rotational imbalances, separating forces during cutting, and hydraulic pressure fluctuations. Frequently evaluated are the RMS value of acceleration and, for structural responses, particle velocity; frequency content and exposure duration also feed into the assessment. Limit and trigger values depend on national regulations and the state of the art and should be verified on a project-specific basis.
Typical sources on construction sites
- Percussive tools (e.g., demolition hammers) with high impulses and a broad frequency spectrum.
- Rotating assemblies with imbalance or non-uniform running.
- Cutting and separation processes with kickback and resonance excitation.
- Hydraulic pressure pulsations in lines and components.
- Low-vibration alternatives: concrete pulverizer, rock and concrete splitters, rock wedge splitter, hydraulic demolition shear, multi cutters, steel shear, and tank cutter that rely on non-percussive, continuous force application.
Measurement practice and documentation
A practical concept includes reference measurements before work starts, three-axis capture, logging of work cycles, and definition of intervention thresholds. In sensitive environments, measurements are additionally taken on neighboring buildings, foundations, or delicate equipment. Documentation should include measurement points, instruments, evaluation quantities, operating states, and timestamps.
Techniques for low-vibration concrete demolition and rock
Low-vibration methods combine continuous compressive forces with a controlled work sequence. Instead of introducing energy impulsively, components are crushed, separated, or split. This reduces vibration amplitudes, limits resonances, and protects adjacent structures. Proven approaches include crushing concrete with a concrete pulverizer and splitting concrete or rock with rock and concrete splitters as well as a rock wedge splitter. Hydraulic power units provide the required pressures and allow finely metered force transmission.
Concrete pulverizer in controlled demolition
Concrete pulverizers fragment components through compressive and shear forces. Crack formation occurs locally and progressively, keeping excitation of the structure low. This method has proven itself in concrete demolition and special demolition, in building gutting and cutting, and in areas with vibration-sensitive use. By working in sections, load paths can be deliberately altered and vibrations further minimized.
Rock and concrete splitters in rock and mass concrete
During splitting, drill holes are created in which wedges or splitting cylinders generate controlled lateral expansion. The component or rock opens along intended fracture lines without releasing impulsive energy. This principle is established in rock breakout and tunnel construction as well as in natural stone extraction and is used in urban environments when vibrations and secondary damage must be avoided.
Combination shears, multi cutters, steel shear, and tank cutter
Cutting and shearing tools separate steel, beams, reinforcement, lines, sheet metal, or tank shells with continuous force. This reduces vibrations compared to percussive procedures. In special demolition and in industrial deconstruction, the low-vibration cut is an important contribution to protecting adjacent systems and installed technology.
Planning: Systematically selecting low-vibration procedures
The choice of method depends on component geometry, material, reinforcement, accessibility, boundary conditions from neighborhood protection and operations, and permissible vibration values. Early method planning aligned with immission targets and measurement concepts is crucial. Equipment selection, sizing of the hydraulic power packs, transport and attachment points, and the demolition sequence should be defined to limit vibrations and interrupt transmission paths.
Steps in work preparation
- Survey of existing conditions: material, reinforcement, component removal, boundary conditions.
- Define assets to protect: structures, sensitive installations, operating areas, quiet hours.
- Determine a method mix: combine concrete pulverizer, rock and concrete splitters, and cutting techniques.
- Design hydraulic output: flow rate, working pressure, hose routing, quick couplings.
- Measurement and intervention concept: measuring points, limit/intervention thresholds, logging.
- Sequence and load transfer: pre-cuts, shoring, sections, crane or grapple logistics.
- Briefing and trial section: verify parameters, identify resonances, adjust.
Occupational safety and health with vibrations
Vibrations can impair health, particularly as hand-arm or whole-body vibration. Reducing exposure begins with selecting low-vibration methods, continues with demand-based output, ergonomic handling, and appropriate organization of working hours. Concrete limit and trigger values depend on applicable occupational safety regulations and must be considered project by project.
Technical and organizational measures
- Prefer low-vibration tools: concrete pulverizer, splitters, shears, tank cutter.
- Dose output appropriately: keep hydraulic working pressure and flow no higher than necessary.
- Maintenance: minimize play, wear surfaces, and bearings; check hydraulic oil condition and filters.
- Decouple force paths: de-couple supports, make pre-cuts, and provide shoring.
- Limit exposure: task rotation, breaks, rotation schedules.
- Temperature and grip: non-slip grips; keep hands warm and dry.
Vibration protection for structures and surroundings
Low vibration levels protect existing structures, fit-out, and systems. Sensitive examples include historic fabric, laboratory equipment, medical devices, precision measurement technology, or IT infrastructure. Measures range from structural separation cuts to temporary shoring and continuous immission monitoring for critical work. Time control (e.g., quiet hours) and transparent communication support acceptance.
Special environments
- Tunnels and underground areas with close proximity to operating equipment.
- Inner-city locations with dense surroundings and sensitive infrastructure.
- Heritage structures and high-quality fit-out with limited tolerance for vibrations.
- Industrial facilities and tanks where vibrations can lead to secondary effects.
Hydraulic power packs: Influence on vibration levels
Hydraulic power packs decisively shape force transmission. A uniform flow rate, suitable hose lengths, properly crimped couplings, and functioning pressure relief reduce pressure pulsations. Positioning the power pack on a damped surface, regular maintenance, and matching flow and pressure to the tool reduce excitation and increase process stability.
Application examples from the fields of use
In practice, the advantages of low vibration levels are evident across all fields of application at Darda GmbH: In concrete demolition and special demolition, concrete pulverizers and combination shears enable step-by-step removal with low vibration. In building gutting and cutting, components are pre-cut and then crushed to minimize excitation. In rock breakout and tunnel construction, rock and concrete splitters as well as a rock wedge splitter are used to release rock without impact loads. In natural stone extraction, splitting enables the extraction of defined blocks with minimal influence on the rock mass. For special demolition, shearing and cutting methods, such as steel shear or a tank cutter, provide controlled separation cuts with reduced vibration levels.
Concrete demolition and special demolition
Work in sections, shore components before release, operate the concrete pulverizer with appropriate hydraulic output: this keeps vibrations low and load redistributions manageable.
Rock breakout and tunnel construction
Borehole planning, splitting parameters, and activation sequence govern the fracture path. By avoiding percussive methods, the impact on the environment remains low.
Natural stone extraction
Targeted splitting joints, low microcrack formation outside the extraction block, and minimized vibrations characterize the method.
Building gutting and cutting
Pre-cuts with low-vibration separation techniques followed by crushing or lifting reduce excitation of secondary structures such as installations and fit-out.
Special demolition
In facilities with sensitive periphery, shearing and splitting methods are the means of choice to keep vibrations and potential secondary effects low.
Practical tips for reducing vibrations
- Make separation cuts and decouple components before intervention.
- Prefer tools with continuous force (concrete pulverizer, splitters, shears).
- Relieve stresses: plan load transfer, provide shoring, work in small sections.
- Properly size hydraulic power packs and avoid pressure spikes.
- Plan measurement: reference, monitoring, intervention criteria.
- Continuously check parameters: if vibrations increase, adapt the process.
- Select transport and gripping points to avoid swinging masses.