Floor-by-floor knockdown

UK-based demolition company, Keltbray, recently added a new high reach Komatsu PC 750 LC excavator with a 40 m boom. The new machine was put straight to work at the Quartermile development site at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it was able to break down the building, floor-by-floor.

The demolition work is in preparation for a new development for Edinburgh that will include housing and commercial space, a hotel, restaurants and cafes. Within the scope of the project, Keltbray is also carrying out asbestos removal using method that includes a wet sandblasting system of removal and disposal.

The main challenges faced by Keltbray were the 150 year old grade A and B (Protected under UK law as historical buildings) listed buildings. The site is also close to local schools and a blood processing unit, so keeping noise, dust and debris to a minimum was vitally important.

The new PC750LC was used mainly in the demolition of the Florence Nightingale Nursing Home, where its high reach boom attachment was able to reach the upper floors of the building, break down the walls and floors, and push the debris into the lift shafts. By using a combination of the floor-by-floor demolition method and full encapsulation with a continuous supply of water, Keltbray reports that dust and noise were kept to a bare minimum.