What is Controlled Demolition?

What is Controlled demolition? The process of systematically demolishing a structure in order to achieve a certain objective. Often used for working on buildings where high control measures of safety and order are essential, controlled demolition ensures that disturbance to the surrounding structures and area is kept to a minimum.

Safety is paramount in controlled demolition , achieved by removing sections of the building in a timed process to ensure that no damage comes to the surrounding buildings, and that dust and debris can be cleared in an orderly way. All of our controlled demolition projects at M Hall Diamond Drilling are carried out using state-of-the-art machinery.

Controlled demolition can often be confused with the larger-scale demolitions involving explosives and bulldozers. Whilst this is an effective method to quickly demolish an entire building, the resulting damage to the surrounding area through large volumes of debris and dust, as well as potential safety issues, make it a far less efficient method of demolition in the long term.

Controlled demolition is not:

  • Blowing up buildings with dynamite
  • Using wrecking balls
  • Noisy! Actually, controlled demolition enables us to work with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.
  • Brokk demolition
A robotic arm is standing next to a set of stairs

 State-of-the-art Brokk demolition machines allow our team to carry out skilled demolition procedures in the safest, and most environmentally friendly way. Using three-phase electric power, Brokk equipment means there are no fumes from gas-fuelled power. Brokk machinery allows for a robotic demolition, minimising the risk to our team and everyone else in the surrounding area.

  • Drilling and bursting
A drawing of two yellow poles with holes in them

This method is used in controlled demolition by creating holes in the concrete structure to create weaknesses, with a hydraulic burster head to crush the concrete. This method is much quieter than when using Brokk equipment, and is ideally used in ‘live’ buildings or residential areas, although it will take significantly longer. Our structural engineers will often advise you use this method when you can’t use vibrations.

When you contact us regarding a controlled demolition project, we’ll need some information to ensure we can provide the safest, service for your requirements. Our qualified team will do a full site survey of the building, and will need to know what type of building it is, whether other areas of the building will still be occupied while the demolition of another part is taking place, timescales, and the setup of your site.

A woman wearing a hard hat and a lab coat is holding a clipboard.

Our useful Get a Price page allows you to fill out all the information we’ll require to understand your diamond drilling needs. Simply contact us today on 020 8012 7857 for further information or to discuss your requirements.

A drill bit is being used to drill a hole in a concrete wall.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling September 15, 2023
When it comes to precision drilling in the construction and engineering sectors, diamond drilling stands out as a premier method. But what is diamond drilling, and why is it hailed as a groundbreaking technique in the industry? Let’s dive deep into this advanced drilling process and shed light on its significance for those searching “What...
A man wearing a hard hat and ear muffs is talking on a cell phone.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling September 4, 2023
In the wake of the recent revelations surrounding the RAAC concrete crisis, public concern has understandably skyrocketed. As the Managing Director of MH Diamond Drilling, I feel compelled to address these concerns, not just as a business leader, but as a member of the community who shares the same worries about the safety and wellbeing...
A construction site with a lot of bricks and scaffolding.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling February 21, 2022
Works completed in Feb 2022. We were requested by our client to remove the concrete canopy and columns to the front of Number 1 Knightsbridge by means of Controlled Demolition. We used a 330 Robotic demolition machine (Brokk) to crunch down the concrete and finished of with a track saw cut to leave a smooth.
A man wearing a yellow vest and a hard hat is standing in a room.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling June 12, 2019
Statistically, construction is the most dangerous job to have in the UK. Out of all fatal injuries at work, construction workers make up over a quarter of these deaths. Construction is also one of the largest industries in the UK, employing more people than other sectors, but the rate of deaths is still disproportionately large.
A person is using a machine to drill a hole in the ground
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling November 29, 2018
Since its inception, diamond drilling has been a fundamental part of the mining industry and subterranean exploration in general. Without the vital information gathered from core samples, mines all over the world could not be explored or worked. On top of this, many of the world’s largest structures, such as buildings, bridges and dams, could.
A large building with a lot of windows and a balcony.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling August 28, 2018
The requirement of the project was to remove areas of York stone steps to the front entrance of the museum without damaging them, so that they could be reused. Our suggested method was to diamond saw cut using power hydraulic hand-held saws. Firstly, we used a pre-cut saw with a maximum cutting depth of 150mm,...
A drill is being used to drill a hole in the ground.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling May 15, 2018
Ever wanted to know more about the role of water in diamond drilling? Watch our video to learn about the benefits of water to the process of Diamond Drilling.   [transcript] Diamond drilling is a no-mess technique that avoids the production of unhealthy dust clouds. Quite simply, the use of water is key during many.
A group of concrete drill bits are sitting next to each other on a table.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling December 11, 2017
A broad range of materials can be cut with diamond drills and saws, including concrete, brickwork, asphalt, and marble. Due to its excellent versatility, high precision, and non-percussive nature, diamond drilling and sawing can be used for a wide spectrum of jobs and for multiple different industries. What materials can diamond drills and saws cut?
Two construction workers are standing next to each other on a construction site.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling September 25, 2017
Due to a design issue the clients requirement was to increase the width of 23 number loading docks to a new distribution warehouse at the London Gateway development. The method was to diamond saw cut vertically through precast concrete panels to a depth of 250mm using hydraulic ring saw to release the section. The high...
A large white archway with a red double decker bus in front of it.
By Prime Cut Diamond Drilling July 26, 2017
The client’s requirement was to form new staircase openings from Level 5 to Level 3 through 380mm-thick reinforced concrete slab – all within an occupied building. The works were carried out at night; however, no percussion vibration was permitted due to the close proximity of residential premises. This meant that a different method had to...
Show More