Implosive demolition of tall masonry and concrete chimney stacks within a designed footprint

G. J. McKenzie, B. Samali, C. W. Zhang

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Because of the physics involved tall masonry and concrete chimney stacks can fracture at specific points along the height of the structure such as the one third point, mid height and the two thirds point as they collapse as a result of an implosion (explosive demolition). This situation has both design and safety consequences in that the fracturing of the chimney stack along its length can lead to loss of control of the fractured length. Such a demolition is designed so that the structure falls within a designated footprint resulting in the debris pile confined within that footprint. If the structure falls outside of the footprint adjoining structures could be damaged and nearby individuals injured or killed. The process can best be demonstrated in advance of the actual implosion using Applied Element Method (AEM) software "Extreme Loading of Structures" that addresses the implosion process by simulating the stack collapse.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMechanics of Structures and Materials: Advancements and Challenges: Proceedings of the 24th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM24), Perth, Australia, 6-9 December 2016
PublisherCRC Press
Pages521-528
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781138029934
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventAustralasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials -
Duration: 6 Dec 2016 → …

Conference

ConferenceAustralasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials
Period6/12/16 → …

Keywords

  • chimneys
  • concrete
  • demolition
  • explosives
  • masonry

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