Concrete is widely used to fill driveways, patios, walkways, and foundations across the United States. Although it may seem simple enough, pouring concrete requires a considerable labor-intensive effort that most should leave to professionals due to its potentially hazardous nature. Choose the best Demolition Contractor in Las Vegas.
Numerous factors impact the cost of concrete demolition and removal, including project size and location. Square footage will affect material and labor expenses.
Methods of Demolition
Demolition contractors armed with various tools in their toolboxes for concrete demolition projects have various methods for getting the job done efficiently while considering efficiency, safety, and costs.
Selecting the optimal method for any given project depends on many variables, including the size of the structure, accessibility issues, environmental concerns, and cost. Some approaches take longer than others, but all offer advantages over repairs or rebuilds of existing structures.
Mechanical and chemical pressure bursting techniques break large structures into smaller sections by using either a splitting machine operating under hydraulic pressure (mechanical bursting) or by injecting chemicals through predetermined borehole patterns (chemical bursting). Once broken up, the structures can be easily dismantled using hand or crane equipment.
Wrecking ball demolition remains an effective means of demolishing larger commercial structures that are too high to reach with standard high-reach equipment, often used when they can no longer go. The wrecking ball method produces rapid results but produces significant dust, noise, and vibration during demolition.
Water-jetting, also known as hydro demolition, is an efficient and eco-friendly method of demolishing concrete surfaces with complex shapes or heavy damage. A contractor sets parameters such as cutting width, speed, and jet angle before using an autonomous robotic device with a lance to cut through the surface. This approach reduces debris waste and haulage costs.
Concrete Cutting
While a demolition crew typically involves one construction worker wielding a jackhammer, more advanced tools for concrete breaking and removal have made projects faster and safer than ever. Not only can these tools save time and effort for demolition teams, but they can also prevent costly mistakes that lead to dangerous situations for both property owners and demolition teams alike.
When taking on your own concrete demolition project, you must prepare yourself for a challenging workout and potential health risks. Wear eye protection, long pants, and sleeves to protect from flying debris, and bring plenty of water as you work up a sweat—staying hydrated will keep you safe during demolition!
For large-scale projects, hiring a professional concrete demolition contractor is usually the safest and quickest route to success. Not only will they have all of the appropriate safety gear at their disposal, but they will also know how best to use any equipment needed to get the job done quickly and safely—something a novice using heavy machinery such as jackhammers can find difficult due to a lack of training, resulting in injuries to both themselves and property.
Expect average concrete demolition costs to range between $2 and $6 per square foot, including labor and disposal fees. Prices can fluctuate based on location, project size, and whether reinforced concrete exists; however, cities tend to incur higher demolition expenses than rural regions.
Pressure Bursting
Mechanical or chemical pressure bursting offers a quieter and dust-free alternative to hydraulic demolition when noise and vibration levels become an issue, such as applying lateral forces with mechanical equipment or expanding chemical slurry injection. Holes that have been drilled in the concrete are then split apart using either mechanical splitting machines or expansive chemical slurry injection. Once broken-up concrete has formed, it is easy to remove.
Note on pressure gauges: The burst pressure ratings listed for concrete demolition tools are theoretical values derived through laboratory-controlled destructive testing; their pressure readings may differ between manufacturers due to differing tests and criteria.
Hydraulic Breaking
Concrete demolition can be a complex task, so hiring a professional is often best for getting it done swiftly and safely. They know how to operate heavy equipment safely while still getting the job done efficiently.
The most appropriate method of demolition will depend on factors like structure size and location, the environment, cost, and environmental impact. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages; hydro demolition utilizes water pressure to break up concrete blocks without needing explosives or mechanical breaking; this reduces dust pollution as well.
This method can be used for both selective and non-selective removal. It’s ideal for projects on sites where environmental noise and vibration restrictions apply. Furthermore, its low vibration output makes it an excellent solution for tight spaces like confined warehouses.
Hydraulic breaking offers several distinct safety advantages when used for concrete demolition. Small holes are drilled into the surface, and hydraulic “bursters” are inserted. As these hydraulic “bursters” expand, the breaking process begins, breaking apart concrete into smaller pieces that are easier to remove.
Do you have a driveway, patio, or other concrete structure that needs replacing and exhibits signs of cracking, spalling, or frost heave? It might be time to contact a concrete contractor. They can advise you on how best to demolish it while simultaneously preparing the area for new construction work.
