Demolition is a complex and highly specialised field, encompassing everything from the removal of a single internal wall to the large-scale decommissioning and rehabilitation of redundant industrial and mining sites. Selecting the appropriate demolition method is crucial to ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry best practices.
When retiring a high-rise structure, for example, top-down mechanical demolition and controlled implosion are both effective methods, but their feasibility depends on the specific project environment. If ample space and time allow, implosion may be the preferred solution. Conversely, in confined or operational environments, high-reach mechanical demolition often presents a safer and more controlled alternative.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to demolition,” explains Kate Bester (N. Dip. Civil Engineering), Contracts Manager at Jet Demolition. “Each project is carefully assessed based on its unique requirements, site conditions, and client objectives to determine the most appropriate solution. Our experience and resources allow us to deploy hybrid techniques that combine various demolition methods for optimal results.”
While Jet Demolition offers a broad range of demolition services, it primarily advocates for mechanical demolition due to its inherent safety benefits. This aligns with international best practice, which prioritises the separation of workers from potential hazards. To support this approach, Jet Demolition maintains an extensive fleet of specialized equipment, meticulously serviced and optimized for demolition applications to ensure reliability and readiness for any project.
However, not all projects lend themselves to purely mechanical demolition. In cases where controlled toppling or conventional pre-cutting methods are required, Jet Demolition relies on its experienced full-time team to execute these projects safely and efficiently. “Demolition is not a field where formal education alone is sufficient,” says Bester. “Practical, hands-on experience is critical. Our teams undergo continuous training and certification, but our true strength lies in their collective expertise and years of on-site problem-solving.”
One of the unique challenges in South Africa’s demolition industry is the frequent absence of as-built drawings and structural records. In such cases, extensive planning and structural assessments are required to determine the safest and most effective demolition approach. “We often conduct engineering assessments to understand the composition and stability of structures before selecting the most suitable demolition method,” explains Bester.
While various software tools exist to model predicted structural responses, Jet Demolition primarily relies on its in-depth industry knowledge and practical experience to make informed decisions. Where appropriate, structural modelling is used to verify and validate the suitability of the anticipated response.
Despite the high-risk nature of demolition, South Africa’s industry remains less regulated than in many other regions, leading to significant risk of persons undertaking demolition projects without the necessary expertise. “We have recently been asked by clients to assist with emergency safe-making works in instances where general contractors attempted complex works, resulting in hugely comprised structures,” states Bester. Clients must conduct due diligence when selecting a demolition provider to ensure they have the required skills, experience, and equipment to execute projects safely.
Encouragingly, there is a growing industry trend toward conducting thorough audits and assessments before awarding demolition contracts, promoting higher safety and accountability standards. In addition, global advancements in demolition technology are positively influencing the local market. While Jet Demolition can employ remote-controlled demolition equipment for specific applications – such as working within areas which are prone to sinkholes – the company prioritises direct operator control for most projects due to the critical need for real-time and appropriate responses to structural behaviour.
Beyond execution, Jet Demolition also supports clients with pre-closure planning, demolition closure assessments, and comprehensive site rehabilitation. “We assist clients in planning their end-of-life activities while operations are still active, ensuring a seamless transition when the time comes,” notes Bester.
Ultimately, Jet Demolition’s commitment to safety, precision, and international best practices sets it apart in the industry. “Since our founding in 1994, our unwavering priority has been to complete every project safely, on schedule, and to the highest standards,” concludes Bester.