Albany Hotel

Background:

Reigart were asked to carry out the controlled demolition of this landmark, city-centre hotel which consisted of a 3-storey conference and restaurant area and 15-storey tower block.

Challenges:

• Demolition of a three-storey conference and restaurant area and a 15-storey tower block
• Busy city centre location, bounded by on and off ramps to the M8 motorway
• Located opposite the main BT exchange containing sensitive telecommunications equipment
• Live substation in basement of tower.

Solutions:

Busy city centre locations present logistical challenges that need to be overcome through careful planning and meticulous project implementation. Taking into consideration the location, the type of construction and the potential dangers to the public we took the following steps to ensure the safe deconstruction and removal of the building.

1. Radiation survey carried out to identify services in surrounding pavements.
2. Asbestos Removal and Soft Strip of Hotel.
3. Full height scaffolding was erected to allow the removal of the brick panels from the upper levels.
4. Structural propping of double height basement plant rooms.
5. Soil fines material was imported to protect pathways and retain other public structures.
6. Traffic management plan prepared to facilitate late night lane closures.
7. Crush material imported and compacted for a working platform and ramp for ultra long reach machines.
8. Scaffolding crash deck erected to protect a nearby foot bridge.
9. Ultra Long reach excavators were used to demolish this 45m high hotel.
10. Long reach work carried out over weekend night shifts to avoid disruption to city centre traffic.
11. The waste produced was sorted and processed through on and off-site recycling using the latest waste management techniques.

The project was completed within agreed timetables with minimal disruption to traffic.