Table 3 Comparisons of popular demolition methods

Implosion

Explosives used to cause the building’s support structure to fail and the building to collapse.

• Do not need BIM.

• Construction material not separated.

• Not a technique to be used to demolish only part of a larger building.

• Creates a great deal of dust, vibration and noise.

Crane and ball

A heavy ball is swung into the building shattering its structure.

• Do not need BIM.

• Height limitations.

• Construction material not separated.

• Not a technique to be used to demolish only part of a larger building.

• Creates a great deal of dust, vibration and noise.

High Reach Arm

Demolition equipment, such as hammers and shears, are attached to an arm consisting of several sections or a telescopic boom.

• Do not need BIM.

• Height limitations.

• Needs a favorable building shape.

• Not a technique to use to demolish only part of a building.

• Creates a great deal of dust, vibration and noise.

Rope pulling

Cables and wire ropes are attached the structural members which are then pulled down using a winch or tractors

• Do not need BIM.

• Needs a significant amount of surrounding room.

• Construction material not separated.

• Not a technique to be used to demolish only part of a larger building.

• Creates a great deal of dust, vibration and noise.

Selective Demolition or strip out

This process allows the staged selective demolition of both the interior and exterior portion of a building. Interior equipment, walls, floor, ceilings and exterior components can be separated.

• BIM assists with providing maximum separation of waste types.

• Achieves the highest production of recyclable material.

• Can be used on part of an existing building and is the safest method for use in an urban environment were a building may be partially occupied.

• Minimizes noise, vibration and dust.

• Takes the longest and may be the most expensive.