Meston Chimney

Background:

The project required the controlled demolition of a 38m reinforced concrete chimney with three brick lined flues.

Challenges:

• Only metres away from occupied listed building
• Tight programme to complete the project prior to the return of undergraduate students.

Solutions:

This project required a multiphase demolition solution using a variety of different demolition personnel and techniques.

1. Scaffolding and dustsheets placed against building to protect the chimney.
2. Steeple jacks were employed to erect flying scaffolding.
3. Internal brick liners were removed by hand using zip lines and boson chairs.
4. Steel plates and protections were installed to protect landscaped paved area and live underground services.
5. Manual height reduction of chimney to facilitate machine demolition.
6. Long reach machine with telescopic boom utilised to reduce chimney in height to facilitate conventional machine demolition.