Concrete structures may require some maintenance work (such as patching or resurfacing) to fix small cracks or erosion issues. But when the surface has gotten too damaged, these short-term fixes won’t make any difference because the surface will quickly show the same characteristics of the concrete underneath. If your slab has deep cracks, shows signs of settling, or is flaking away large pieces, it may be time to get rid of it. Sometimes concrete slabs can be repaired, but if this is not possible, demolition may be the best option.
Concrete demolition is a necessary part of the abatement process for condemned or abandoned properties because once the decision has been made to tear it down, the slab must be removed so the site can be clear for new construction. Slab removal is a complicated and dangerous process, which is why you need to hire a professional.
Signs That a Concrete Slab Needs Replacement
Here are some of the conditions where a concrete slab replacement is recommended:
- Sunken Concrete Slabs — Concrete slabs may sink if the subgrade wasn’t prepared properly. Loose dirt may have been used, and it can settle because water is leaking under the concrete. This will cause the concrete slab to not have enough support, which will make it more prone to sinking. Another possibility is that the subgrade was properly compacted, but the slab was overloaded (which caused it to sink).
- Deep Cracks — Concrete slabs could develop deep and widespread cracks in areas where settlement has occurred. This can be caused by heavy loads (such as trucks, improper subgrades, or erosion).
- Severe Damage to Concrete Surfaces — If a concrete surface has too much spalling or pitting, it’s more economical to replace the entire slab than to repair the surface.
- Construction Additions — When a structure needs to be retrofitted or modified, any concrete elements that interfere with the project need to be removed.
- New Construction — Some structures are demolished when a new building with a completely different purpose or architectural design is going to be constructed.
- Faulty Concrete — If a piece of concrete has a problem that affects the quality of the project, it must be removed and repoured.
If you’re in a situation where a concrete slab needs to be removed, it’s always best to hire a professional.
Common Methods for Concrete Demolition
Here are some of the common methods for concrete demolition:
- Pressure Bursting — This is the best method if the removal process must be dust-free, controlled, and relatively quiet. Pressure bursting can be either mechanical or chemical. But in both cases, holes are drilled into the concrete so lateral forces can be applied. The concrete is split by inserting an expansive slurry. Once the concrete has been split, it can be removed by hand or with a crane.
- Pneumatic and Hydraulic Breakers — This method is often used in concrete demolition projects that involve foundations, pavements, and bridge decks. The complexity of this method will depend on the strength of the concrete, the amount of the reinforcing steel, the hammer size, and the working conditions.
- Ball and Crane Method — This is one of the oldest and most common methods for concrete demolition, and it involves the use of a wrecking ball that can be dropped or swung into the structure. This operation should only be performed by a highly-skilled professional. While it can easily break down concrete, some extra work may be required to cut the steel reinforcements. It will also produce a great deal of dust, noise, and vibration.
- Dismantling — Concrete elements can be cut with a saw, a thermal lance (in the presence of reinforcing steel), or high-speed water jets. They can then be removed with a crane, which will allow the concrete demolition to take place with a minimal amount of noise and dust. It will also minimize the impact it will have on the surrounding area. This is an ideal method when portions of a building (such as slabs and walls) need to be removed.
- Explosives — This method can be used to remove large portions of concrete. The explosives can be inserted and detonated inside a series of predefined boreholes, which will cause the structure to break up into smaller pieces. This method is both versatile and flexible, but the resulting blast and vibration can damage the surrounding structure (especially if it isn’t controlled). That’s why this concrete demolition method has the strictest safety regulations.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for the demolition of concrete in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.