Case Study
Reinforced Concrete, Brick Lined, Chimney Demolition
At JBV Demolition, we successfully undertook the demolition of PQ’s chimney, combining technical rigour with a strong focus on safety and environmental care. Our approach reflected both our specialist experience and the stringent requirements prevalent in highly regulated industrial sites.
Scope of the Project
This assignment involved dismantling a tall, redundant reinforced concrete, brick lined chimney at an operational industrial facility. The chimney stood in a confined area, surrounded by live buildings, active access roads, and essential site services. Every step of this project called for careful planning, precise execution, and close coordination with the client’s on-site teams to ensure daily operations could continue without risk or unnecessary interruption.
Challenges Encountered
The site’s challenging nature set a high bar. We managed restricted access, continual plant operation, strict boundaries on noise and dust, and the presence of both heritage buildings and fragile infrastructure nearby. Through detailed surveys and early engagement with the client, we’d identified unknowns and potential risks, letting us address these in our working method. Robust safety arrangements and clear channels of communication helped us stay on top of evolving operational pressures throughout.
Demolition Methodology
Our team adopted a safe, methodical approach, drawing on modern mechanical techniques and eliminating the hazards associated with traditional hand demolition practices:
- A purpose-built scaffold allowed high level loading via specialist access equipment
- A bespokely designed mast climbing platform was utilised to provide access and a safe working platform for demolition robots at the top of the chimney. This also doubled as a shielding system, protecting adjacent structures from falling debris, whilst also reducing noise for site neighbours.
- Where reduced to a low enough height, high-reach excavators fitted with demolition attachments took down the lower section of the chimney under careful supervision; taking care not to impact adjacent infrastructure.
- Mini demolition machines were used to complete the base demolition. The full use of mechanical assistance throughout the demolition reduced the vibration exposure to demolition operatives completely
- Continuous monitoring ensured the structural stability of the chimney during each demolition phase.
- Debris was contained within the chimney structure and removed systematically through a designed opening created at the base.
- Detailed design with CAT II & III checks were carried out prior to project commencement, and daily checks and weekly inspections undertaken throughout. Exceptionally detailed RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) accompanied every stage, with particular attention paid to critical hold points.
Safety and Environmental Controls
We take safety seriously. Specific control measures included full enclosure for dust suppression, real-time air monitoring, and clear exclusion zones—well signposted and physically protected—for the duration of the works. Our operatives received thorough site induction and task-specific training, with daily briefings to adapt to any situational change. Where possible, noisy works took place outside of peak hours, minimising nuisance to other site users and its neighbours. Our fire risk assessment led to the setup of an emergency plan, shared with workers and safety representatives, ensuring everyone on site—regardless of role or ability—knew what to do in an emergency.
Collaboration and Delivery
Open, regular communication was crucial. We hosted weekly progress meetings with site management, giving transparent updates and adjusting schedules where the client had special access or operational needs. Our project manager, led a team of three to six specialist staff, supported by the site manager. This close-knit leadership structure helped us react quickly and decisively, always keeping the client’s priorities at the forefront.
Results and Outcomes
The chimney demolition was wrapped up on time—spanning a ten-week programme—and within budget, all without incident. There were zero reportable injuries, no environmental breaches, and, by repurposing bricks for future site landscaping, we supported our client’s sustainability goals. Our careful sequencing avoided unplanned site disruptions, and all key milestones were met to the client’s satisfaction.
This project stands as a practical example of how meticulous planning, tailored demolition techniques, and strong team collaboration can transform even the most challenging sites safely and efficiently.
