People who live in proximity to a demolition site likely have understandable questions: How loud will it be? How long will it take? Is it safe? This article provides an overview of what to expect before, during, and after a controlled demolition, so residents in the adjoining area are aware of what is to come. With thoughtful scheduling, trained personnel, and diligent cleanup, the demolition can be performed with as little neighborhood disruption as possible.
Why “Controlled” Matters
The term “controlled” means that there is an engineering design, a permit has been approved, and it has been sequenced so that the original structure comes down in the manner it was intended. During the engineering design phase, both the engineers and the project managers review the building’s design and layout, and what the building is made from, and even review what is near the building so that they can determine the pattern or geometry of the fall path as well as where it will land. They will also make sure the utilities feed to the building will shut off; signage showing its permitted status is posted where required; and a traffic plan is prepared so that trucks safely enter and exit the project site.
In many projects, crews will perform selective demolition in phases to remove utilities, fixtures, recyclables, and more so that the final demolition happens in a timely manner and a thorough clean-up ensues right after. If inspectors find hazardous materials upon inspection, then a licensed specialist will be contracted for the removal and will follow a series of good practices before demolishing walls.
Neighbors will also notice site preparation: fencing, surrounding landscaping will be protected, and the public has working paths and/or signage. These are meant to aided a pedestrian and cyclist, protect trees and adjacent buildings, and control dust and noise as much as possible within the limits of the work zone.
Noise and Dust Management
Demolition brings noise and dust. In our years of experience, we have seen and practiced ways to maintain both to an acceptable level to the public. Residents should expect crews to work under permitted hours and use equipment that stays within local noise limitations. Dust control plans are drafted before day one, and supervisors modify plans according to wind and weather factors to keep particles onsite. Read more on this page.
Here are measures that neighbors will see when work starts:
- Water misting from hoses or cannons to limit dust from drifting past the fence during demolition.
- Scaffold netting, like a sail, or temporary barriers that create wind blocks to deflect wind, then catch fine particles.
- Street sweepers or vacuums to keep curb lines and sidewalks maintained during haul-aways.
- Planned truck routes throughout a job site to lessen impacts through sensitive areas, like schools, during arrival and departure times.
Timelines and Phases
Every project is different, yet every planned controlled demolition has a similar rhythm. Planning and permitting may take weeks, but demolition will only last a few days, with most of the physical visible takedown occurring over just a couple of days. Those next uses may still have crews onsite while they continue the loading phase and construction debris removal as the materials have been sorted, weighed, and sent for concrete recycling and steel scrap recovery. If the next use requires the removal of foundations, or grading, demolition and excavation services may follow to prepare the site for future use.
Communication is part of the plan. Residents often receive notice of when the project will start, work hours, and any brief street closures. Many neighborhoods will plan updates in conjunction with a demolition contractor Philadelphia property owners trust, who can identify daily milestones and answer neighborhood questions.
Role of Safety Crews
Safety crews are present from set-up, to set-down (when the safety crew announces the end). Their job is to enforce the plan, monitor weather (wind), and take appropriate action if conditions change. Spotters help operators maintain safe distances, and flaggers help keep trucks from interfering with pedestrians and cyclists. Air monitors might also be set up to confirm the levels of dust remain within acceptable limits, and supervisors maintain constant communication with local officials to ensure that the neighbourhood is informed.
More often the case, many projects would also hire, or otherwise designate, a community liaison to inform residents of schedules and answer any questions posed by the neighbourhood. There may also be a posted hotline number so that residents can communicate with a supervisor while work is in process for quick responses or the ability to have concerns addressed.
Safety crews hold daily meetings or talk to review with workers the hazards and controls for that shift. If there is an unexpected issue that comes along – a sudden gusty wind, or a vehicle in close proximity to the entrance gate – the worker removing the buildings stops until that location is safe. These protocols promote public and worker safety while allowing the project to stay on schedule.
Post-Demolition Clean-Up
Once the building is down, the next issue is making the block clean, and ready for whatever happens next. Crews separate materials, so that metal, concrete and wood can be recycled. Streets and sidewalks are clean as reported by crews at the end of each workday, and the lot is graded so that storm water takes its predictable path and standing puddles are avoided.
Residents are likely to see crews tackle:
- Debris removal (https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/process/debris-removal) hauling with covered trucks and the runs are timed so the trips to any of approved facilities are coordinated.
- Junk removal picking up disassembled non-structural pieces that are not part of the larger debris stream.
- Rental of roll-off dumpsters staged inside the fence line to prevent waste from being strewn and conduct drives ensuring efficient pick-ups.
- Timed haul-away services to limit trucks’ removed sites clustering on narrow street.
- Site grading and temporary stabilization to keep dust down until redevelopment begins.
A well-organized job is inherently safer and quieter than the conditions it encountered at the beginning of the construction. With forethought, legible signs, good communication on all fronts, and courteous field teams, the community can expect a short, orderly, defined period of construction activity will lead back to a clean lot and a distinct path towards a new and equipped use of the property.
Recycled building components, selective demolition at the commencement, and lessening impacts are primary intentions of each party, and depending on the circumstance, providing the community with knowledge and protection from exposure.
