Machine-mounted breaker destroying reinforced concrete walls of residential block during demolition for urban renewal project


Around the world, urban regeneration is the on-going process of adapting inner-city commercial and residential areas to the projected needs of future generations. Urban regeneration is highly controversial and its effect on community revitalisation is the subject of intense debate. The intention of regeneration is to enhance the attractiveness of cities for living, working, and recreation but opponents argue that vibrant communities have often been destroyed in the process. Demolition contractors, who must apply the highest standards of protection both to the working site and the surrounding local population, usually carry out their demolition of existing structures in heavily populated areas. Hazards to workers and local people include falling masonry, dust, vibration and noise and, prior to the start of demolition, specialist companies will remove all traces of asbestos or other toxic waste. The stability of any building depends on the interaction of its component parts and, therefore, if demolition is carried out in an incorrect sequence, premature and dangerous collapse of the entire structure may occur. During the demolition, machine-mounted concrete breakers with telescoping booms for reach and manoeuvrability are used to break up the structure, whilst water is continuously sprayed to suppress air-borne dust. Usually, much of the demolished structural material will still have value and can be reused or recycled.


Size: 3307px × 3307px
Location: London, UK
Photo credit: © qaphotos.com / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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