Demolition - Part I
There’s a construction boom going on in Singapore. Everywhere you turn, a new luxury high-rise is being built. Either it’s private condominiums, or serviced apartments for expats. And it seems like all the firms are competing with each other to have the coolest design – and they are really cool designs. I love the architecture in Singapore.
And these places aren’t cheap either! I went out with a friend, while her cousin was looking for a condo. A 1000 sq ft place was going for about 1.6 million Sing dollars! (That’s about $1M US). And, the places that we were looking were in a good part of Singapore, but by no means the prime areas.Over the past year, I’ve been watching the construction of a few buildings down the street from me. Now, it’s time for something a little closer to home. About 6 months ago, I found out that the building next to me was going to be torn down, and a new modern residence would be put up.
They started prepping the building a few months ago. And, right after I got back from the US, the demolition began. It’s been really interesting to watch, but as I expected – it has not been a quiet one. Keep in mind that my bedroom is about 50 feet from the demolition (and they work 6-7 days per week). Well, at least I don’t oversleep.
The way they knocked down the building is pretty interesting. They didn’t use explosives (I guess I’m thankful for that), and they didn’t use a wrecking ball. One Saturday, a huge crane came to the building, and lifted 3 construction vehicles to the roof. Then the crane went away – it’s job was done.
Almost immediately, the vehicles on the roof went to work. Using big jackhammer attachments & shovels, they started tearing into the roof underneath them. This went on every day. They were able to completely knock down one floor every day. I’d leave for work & they’d be getting started, and by the time I’d get home – the building would be 1 story shorter.
Which made me wonder… as they destroyed the floor & walls each day – how did they all the equipment to the next level down????
How do you think they did it? Post your guesses to the comments section. (Have I ever mentioned that there’s not enough audience participation on this blog?) ;-)
In a few days, I’ll write the answer. Yes, I did let curiosity get the better of me one day. :-)
posted by CB @ 12:33 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Very observant. Takes a curious mind to notice all that. I have lived in Singapore all my life and not noticed any of the demolition process until you pointed it out.
Hmm....
I'm going to guess a debris ramp -- they build a ramplike structure of some kind to drive the equipment down using the debris from the destruction.
-GW
OK Chris,
Its obvious. They took the elavator.
Actually I am going to say that they use the day's debris to build a ramp down to the next level.
These gays are good.
Hey CB, Sounds like you're doing well - good to hear it! I'm guessing they ultimately push the debris over the side or down the elevator shaft of the building (removing it at the bottom), otherwise, the debris would keep getting deeper and deeper and they would no longer be able to access the floor to be demo'd with their jackhammers. So here is my guess: They create debris, get rid of some of it, and use the rest to make ramps to the next floor via holes they create. I don't think they take the elevator or the stairs. I wondered how one might use the elevator shaft other than a garbage chute, but I couldn't come up with anything.
Catch ya later, Justin
Ummm, I have no idea! Can't wait to see the answer. Everyone's thoughts about using the debris sounds good to me, so I'll go with that too. I'm not getting enough sleep to be creative. Glad to hear you are well and always looking forward to your next update! Take care!
They must be used the elavator.
They must be used the elavator.
Those are transformers aren't they. Don't lie, I can tell. You can see the Autobot logo peeking out in that one picture.
Now that the Decepticons are in hiding the Autobots have no other ways to pay the bills. I kinda feel bad for them, I bet they miss the limelight.
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