Scholarly record

CONTROLLED DEMOLITION OF A REINFORCED CONCRETE WATER TOWER USING COMBINED BLASTING TECHNIQUES

Stefan Ilici, Robert Laszlo, Edward Gheorghiosu, Bogdan Garaliu, Mircea Grecea

Abstract

This paper describes the controlled demolition of a reinforced concrete water tower located in an industrial area in Lugoj, Romania. Due to advanced structural degradation and high rehabilitation costs, demolition was selected as the most viable solution. The adopted method combined blasting works with conventional preparatory operations, using a controlled toppling technique in a predefined direction. A detachment wedge was created by drilling and charging 196 boreholes arranged in eight horizontal rows, initiated by a non-electric system to eliminate risks associated with nearby railway infrastructure. The total explosive charge was approximately 8 kg, distributed to ensure effective structural separation while limiting secondary effects. Seismic effects generated by both blasting and structural impact were evaluated using particle velocity criteria, demonstrating vibration levels below admissible limits. The study confirms that combined blasting techniques offer a safe and efficient solution for demolishing tall reinforced concrete structures in sensitive industrial environments.

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