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DEMAND FOR BLASTING SERVICES
The truss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge pinning the bow of the M/V Dali to the bottom of the Patapsco River.
The lawsuits filed against contractors is an enormous concern, and one that has long been a contributing factor to the decline of this specialist sector, along with workforce, economic and regulatory factors.
However, advancements in technology and technique continue to demonstrate that, when executed by skilled professionals, explosive demolition remains a vital and reliable method for safely and efficiently dismantling large structures.
And the good news is that many do recognise thatin some regions, such as Europe and Asia, the demand for the method is growing.
In Europe, despite the rising environmental legislation, the move towards sustainable energy is also driving energy companies to focus on the decommissioning of outdated, inefficient power plants and the construction of new, greener facilities.
This transition necessitates precise and efficient demolition methods, often making explosive demolition the preferred choice due to its speed and effectiveness.
In Asia, rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development are also leading to an increased need for the safe and swift removal of old buildings and industrial structures. Here, too, explosive demolition is gaining more and more traction as a viable solution to meet the stringent timelines and safety standards required for these large-scale projects.
As a result, while regulatory challenges and economic pressures remain, the demand for expert explosive demolition services is seeing a resurgence in these regions, offering a promising outlook for the sector’s future.
However, for those carrying out exolosive work, litigation will too likely remain a big issue.
The separation after the shot freed the M/V Dali from the truss.
PHOTOS: CDI
Blast takes down Trenton stacks
DTE Energy has taken down the red and white stacks at the Trenton Channel Power Plant in Michigan, US, via an explosive demolition event.
The Trenton Channel plant was built in the 1920s and retired in 2022 after 100 years of service.
The facility's two chimney stacks both measured 171 m (563 ft) in height and were taken down on 15 March.
While no further details regarding the works have been revealed by the energy company, DTE has said that it will carry out the demolition of the power plant’s boiler house later this year.
PHOTO: LEZAMA DEMOLICIONES
Felling a 200-metre -high chimney stack in Spain
Earlier this quarter, Lezama Demoliciones carried out two blastings at the Litoral Thermal Power Plant – the largest power plant owned by energy giant Endesa in southern Spain.
The site, which became operational in 1985 andthanks to the addition of a second power generation unit in 1997, had a maximum energy production capacity of 1,159 MW. It is currently undergoing decommissioning works that will transform it into a renewable energy complex.
As part of the works, Lezama recently took down the plant’s chimney, which measured 200 m high and 19 m in diameter at its base.
The company employed a double mining technique to carry out the demolition, placing explosives at ground level and at a height of 96 m.
According to the Lezama, the split of explosives ensured that the chimney bent over itself as it fell, creating a shorter falling area.
“It is the first time this methodology has been used in Spain,” said Lezama. “As seen in the videos, everything went perfectly.”
Simultaneously to the felling of the chimney, the contractor also carried out a second explosive event on Litoral Thermal’s 40-metre-high desulphurization unit.
The metal structure was taken down using copper linear charges, which saw it hit the ground before the plant’s chimney.