Specialist Concrete Cutting & Robotic Demolition
Core-ECT was appointed to carry out specialist concrete cutting and controlled demolition works at the Nottingham War Rooms, using a combination of diamond cutting equipment and remote-controlled robotic demolition machinery.
The project required multiple openings to be formed through the existing structure, including roof openings and more than 50 openings to the sides of the building.
With substantial reinforced concrete sections to be removed and access presenting its own challenges, the project called for a combination of specialist cutting techniques rather than relying on a single method.
The Challenge
Working with an existing substantial concrete structure requires careful planning, particularly where numerous openings need to be created while maintaining control over the cutting and removal process.
At the Nottingham War Rooms, Core-ECT’s work included the formation of roof openings together with more than 50 window openings through the sides of the structure.
Specialist equipment also needed to be positioned at roof level, requiring machinery and materials to be craned into the working area.
The scale and nature of the concrete meant that Core-ECT deployed several different cutting and demolition techniques to tackle different elements of the project efficiently.
Brokk 170 Robotic Demolition
A Brokk 170 remote-controlled demolition robot was deployed as part of the works.
Robotic demolition provides a highly controlled method of breaking and removing concrete while allowing the operator to control the machine remotely from a safer working position.
The compact nature of Brokk demolition equipment also makes it particularly useful on projects where conventional larger demolition plant would be difficult or impractical to deploy.
For the Nottingham War Rooms project, the Brokk formed part of an integrated approach combining controlled demolition with specialist diamond cutting techniques.
Wire Sawing
Core-ECT also utilised diamond wire sawing during the project.
Wire sawing is particularly effective for cutting substantial sections of concrete and heavily reinforced structures. A diamond-impregnated wire is driven around the section being removed, allowing extremely deep and large cuts to be completed where conventional circular saws may not be suitable.
The technique provides a controlled method of separating substantial concrete sections ready for safe removal.
Track Sawing & Diamond Cutting
A specialist track saw was also brought onto site to undertake further cutting operations.
Track-mounted diamond saws provide accurate, controlled cuts through reinforced concrete walls and structural sections. The saw follows a securely mounted guide rail, enabling openings and straight cuts to be produced accurately.
Using track sawing alongside wire sawing and robotic demolition allowed Core-ECT to select the most appropriate technique for each part of the structure rather than attempting to complete the entire project using one cutting method.
Creating Roof & Window Openings
One of the major elements of the Nottingham project was the creation of new openings within the existing concrete structure.
The works included openings through the roof and more than 50 window openings through the sides of the building.
Projects of this nature demonstrate the advantage of using a specialist contractor capable of providing multiple concrete cutting and demolition disciplines as part of the same package.
Core-ECT was able to combine diamond cutting, wire sawing, track sawing and Brokk robotic demolition according to the requirements of individual sections of the building.
Specialist Equipment & Site Logistics
The video from the project also demonstrates the logistics involved in specialist concrete cutting work.
Equipment and materials were craned onto the roof, enabling the Core-ECT team to position the machinery required to undertake the roof-level operations.
Planning the positioning and movement of specialist equipment is an important part of projects where access is restricted or work takes place away from ground level.
By combining the appropriate equipment with experienced operators, Core-ECT can undertake complex concrete cutting and controlled demolition projects across a wide variety of commercial, industrial and specialist environments.
Multiple Specialist Services – One Contractor
The Nottingham War Rooms project demonstrates Core-ECT’s ability to bring several specialist disciplines together on a single project, including:
- Controlled and robotic demolition
- Brokk demolition
- Diamond drilling and cutting
- Diamond wire sawing
- Track sawing
- Formation of structural openings
- Concrete removal
- Specialist access and equipment positioning
Using one specialist contractor for multiple elements of concrete cutting and controlled demolition can help simplify project coordination while ensuring the appropriate technique is selected for each stage of the works.
Nationwide Concrete Cutting & Controlled Demolition
Core-ECT provides specialist diamond drilling, concrete cutting, wire sawing, floor sawing and controlled robotic demolition services throughout the UK.
With experienced operators and specialist equipment including Brokk demolition robots, diamond wire saws and track-mounted cutting systems, Core-ECT can undertake projects ranging from individual openings to substantial commercial and structural concrete cutting programmes.
For advice on a forthcoming concrete cutting or controlled demolition project, contact Core-ECT for a free quotation and technical advice.
