Inverness Monster Demolition

The project was the redevelopment of existing Eastgate Centre in Inverness, capital of The Highlands of Scotland, and required the demolition of a 30 metre high, 3 metre diameter lift shaft and a large part of the first floor.

Called in at an early stage to advise on method, the programme and resourcing, CVD, which is well versed in the latest controlled demolition techniques and the use of concrete cutting equipment was able to produce an economic, safe and practical solution.

The circular shaft was cut into six tonne sections which was judged to be the optimum size with the actual cuts formed by using two Hydrostress SK-SD wire saws working diametrically opposite each other, with each saw cutting half of the section via enabling cores to increase the cutting efficiency.

Temporary propping and access scaffolding was carefully planned to suit the proposed cutting pattern and provide operator safety during the works. A bundled catchment was set up to collect water and slurry.

Temporary propping and access scaffolding was carefully planned to suit the proposed cutting pattern and provide operator safety during the works. A bundled catchment was set up to collect water and slurry.
Two complete cuts were achieved each day with a mobile crane lowering each section to the ground where they were quickly reduced to rubble using one of CVD's fleet of Brokk 150 robotic demolition machines and thereby removing the dependency on haulage and reducing the associated costs.

The final, 2 metre high section was similarly reduced using the Brokk 150, releasing the saws for the next phase of the works - the first floor slab.

Impressed by the performance of the Brokk demolition robot, the main contractor decided to remove the floor in as large sections as possible and break them up on the ground floor. This was achieved by supporting the section from a bespoke gantry with four pneumatically operated, centrally controlled Tirfors. Although elaborate, the scheme offered significant savings over the cost of a full support system.

The work was carried out successfully on a night shift with full water control. Cutting was carried out using a combination of track sawing and wire sawing utilising Hydrostress F2-S2 track saw fitted with a 1200mm diameter blade, and a Hydrostress SK-SD wire saw with Tryolit electroplated wire.

Clyde Valley Drilling has carried out many similar projects in recent times and is recognised as one of the most experienced contactors north of the border.

Using the latest concrete cutting equipment and 'state of the art' demolition robots, CVD's fully trained workforce can devise and undertake the most complex projects with its clients able to benefit from professional advise during the early planning stages through to project completion.

Illustration of cutting procedure