They say you shouldn’t burn bridges—but what about demolishing them? For years Interstate Sawing & Demolition has been perfecting the bridge demolition process, so you can rest assured that when you’re working with us, you’re working with the best. Bridge demolition usually occurs in crucial public spaces, and we know that saving you time by executing a precise and efficient removal of bridges is paramount. We’re here to share answers to three of the commonly asked questions about bridge demolition projects.
What You May Be Wondering About Bridge Demolition
It is important to be in the know when it comes to bridge demolition as you’re considering who to reach out to about your project. Removal of bridges is a unique process for a demolition crew for a few reasons, but when it needs to be done, we’re ready to get in on the action with our tried and true methods.
1. How is the Bridge Demolition Process Unique?
Bridge structures call for specific demolition techniques for a variety of reasons. For example, the location of a bridge affects the demolition plan, in addition to other factors like how many interruptions bridge removal will cause and whether the demolition is to make way for a new structure or bridge. If a bridge is deemed structurally unsafe, it is a matter of great urgency to demolish it. Finally, bridge demolition requires an extreme level of expertise due to the complexity of the process. These are just a few of the ways that bridge demolition differs from other demolition projects.
2. Why is the Removal of Bridges Necessary?
Several situations can arise that make the removal of a bridge necessary. The cities and towns we live in are constantly changing, and safe, effective infrastructure is an ongoing area of civic concern. Bridges are a particularly important element of transportation infrastructure because they connect areas more easily, stimulating economic and community growth. So why are they sometimes removed? One common reason for removal is the need for a bridge to be rebuilt or rehabbed to make them safer and up-to-date. This is also an opportunity to build them back even better and more beautiful—many city skylines are well-known for iconic bridges!
3. What Methods are Used in the Bridge Demolition Process?
Bridge demolition methods are similar to other demolitions in some ways, but they also require specific demolition techniques. When making a demolition plan, we evaluate the best methods for the job depending on the scale and location, all while keeping safety our first priority. Some of our top methods for bridge removal include robotic demolition and hydraulic splitting.
Robotic Demolition
One of the methods we use for bridge removal is robotic demolition. This is because using demolition robots in this instance is both safe and highly effective. For example, a bridge deck may be high above the ground, posing a fall risk to crew members. Moreover, our demolition robots are all electric and so won’t contribute to fumes at the demolition site. This is of particular importance if the job site is in an area with plenty of foot traffic. If you’re looking to stretch your dollar, demolition robots are also cost-effective because they require smaller crews. In all of these cases, demolition robots are an excellent choice for bridge demolition.
Hydraulic Splitting
Bridges are built to support the constant weight of vehicles day after day, year after year, so it’s no wonder that they are a challenge to take down. To keep them strong, bridges are supported by robust concrete structures. Hydraulic splitting is a demolition process that can break apart the toughest concrete bridge elements. Because hydraulic splitters are quite portable, they can be used in almost any location. Another perk is that these elite machines operate quietly. This is because they break up concrete by exerting force from within a pre-drilled core. This eliminates the need for loud machinery while also breaking concrete evenly with minimal debris.
Call in the Concrete Cutting Specialists
The concrete cutting specialists at Interstate Sawing & Demolition are here to make sure your bridge demolition process is expertly done. Backed by over twenty-five years of experience and a national reputation for excellence, we’re the pros you’re looking for. Contact Interstate Sawing for bridge demolition services.