Demolition is all about ‘blowing up buildings’
Demolition takes many forms, from removing an internal wall to the complete demolition and rehabilitation of a redundant mining site. A critical skill in the demolition industry is applying the appropriate method for the task at hand.
When considering the demolition of a tall building, for example, top-down mechanical demolition and implosion are comparable, but are restricted by the environment in which the demolition is to take place. If there is sufficient space and time available, implosion might be the better option, whereas a very restricted or operational environment might result in high-reach demolition being more effective and better suited to the structure itself.
Any contractor can tear down a building
It is not uncommon for a building contractor to also undertake demolition work. However, it is up to clients to determine whether the demolition service provider is bona fide and has the appropriate tools, equipment and skill to be able to undertake large-scale demolition projects.
Fortunately, we have seen a change in the industry whereby due diligence audits and assessments are undertaken prior to contracts being awarded. This is encouraging as it will result in a stronger and more accountable industry.
Anyone can become a demolition expert
This story is from the Volume 10 / Issue 2 July - October 2020 edition of To Build.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Volume 10 / Issue 2 July - October 2020 edition of To Build.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Work Surfaces — An International Case Study
Nestled in the foothills of North Tustin, California, is the beautiful home of a well known interior designer, Hilary Hale. Amongst the well-appointed and stylish rooms, the kitchen received a visually striking counter-island to serve as the centrepiece.
Opinion: Tech Can Boost Infrastructure Recovery
As COVID-19 and financial constraints hinder South Africa’s plans for infrastructure development, there is likely to be greater reliance on applying innovative technologies. TO BUILD invited Consulting Partner and Principal Engineering Technologist for SRK, Steve Bartels, to share his views.
Engineering Project Provides Traffic Flow Relief
Finally handed back to the City of Cape Town by the contractors mid-last year, the Kommetjie Road upgrade in the city’s far southern suburbs took four years to complete.
Key ‘People In Construction' Issues
Key ‘people in construction’ issues The Conseil International du Bâtiment (CIB), which is known as the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction, is a worldwide network of more than 3 000 experts from 300 member organisations focused on all aspects of research and innovation in building and construction. CIB members are institutes, companies, and other types of organisations involved in research, or in the transfer or application of research results. Member organisations appoint experts to participate in CIB working commissions (WCs) and task groups (TGs).
Future Of Home Design Post-Pandemic
We present an opinion by the principal architect of an established New-Delhi firm of architects, which points to the direction that residential design could take post-pandemic.
Container Village Provides A Safe Haven For Impoverished Kids
The Jabulani Feeding Scheme, in Parkwood Estate, Cape Town, sits in an official Zone of Poverty declared by the Department of Social Development. The centre is built on reclaimed land that used to be a dumpsite, so any structure erected must be removable.
Office space: a view of the future
TO BUILD asked partners of a large South African architectural firm what their views were on the future of office space and whether the concept of dedicated office parks could survive in the next decade, especially in a post-pandemic world.
Country chic – stylish and sustainable
Our much loved South African country areas do not have to stand back for the city places when it comes to decor and refurbishment. Proof of this comes by way of an amazing refurbishment done at the Sanddrif holiday resort and working farm. Situated in the central Cederberg area of the Western Cape, the farm is a comfortable 4 hours’ drive from Cape Town, during which time you climb to 1 036 metres above sea level.
Unlawful occupation of property and the stay of eviction proceedings
Implications for property owners and developers: the unlawful occupation of property.
An architect's view
According to historians, New Year’s Day has been celebrated for over four millennia. But this time, we had to dig really deep to find the good that came from 2020. On the other hand, we could talk for hours about what went wrong. However, to have this conversation is senseless; because it is clear that nobody was left unaffected by the absolute devastation that 2020 brought to this planet. Like a tsunami, the COVID-19 virus hit every shore, on every continent, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
