Skip to main content

Challenging bridge demolition

DEMOLITION and blasting experts Philipp Halter of Berlin, Germany, faced a challenging job: in just 48 hours it had to demolish the southern section of the Spandau Dam Bridge crossing the A 100. The efficient interaction of Atlas Copco hydraulic breakers and hydraulic CombiCutters, mounted on seven Volvo excavators, is said to have played a crucial role after following a carefully planned schedule. During Friday night a bed of sand was placed under the bridge to allow the girders and reinforcements torn dow
March 2, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
DEMOLITION and blasting experts 1215 Philipp Halter of Berlin, Germany, faced a challenging job: in just 48 hours it had to demolish the southern section of the Spandau Dam Bridge crossing the A 100.

The efficient interaction of 161 Atlas Copco hydraulic breakers and hydraulic CombiCutters, mounted on seven 2394 Volvo excavators, is said to have played a crucial role after following a carefully planned schedule. During Friday night a bed of sand was placed under the bridge to allow the girders and reinforcements torn down by the Atlas Copco CombiCutters to be safely collected
and transported.
 
Three 283 MB 1700 hydraulic breakers (each weighing 1,700kg and suitable for carriers in the 19-32tonne weight class) began with preparations on the bridge foundations. An SB 302 was used for the less demanding preparatory and finishing work, such as in narrow places. The light hydraulic breaker weighs 304kg and is suitable for carriers in the 4.5-9tonne weight class.

The main part of the work was handled by two Atlas Copco hydraulic CombiCutters (a CC 1700 U and a CC 2500 U) equipped with 'Universal' jaws, which crushed the concrete and cut the strong rebar of the bridge in one go. The cutters weigh 1,680kg and 2640kg, respectively. The roadblocks were removed at 5am on Monday, according to schedule, making way for one of the most significant roadwork projects in the capital on the banks of the River Spree.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Caterpillar is offering improved hydraulic breakers
    June 10, 2019
    Caterpillar is now offering its new GC S Series top-mount, hydraulic, silenced hammers. The firm says that its H115 GC S, H120 GC S, H130 GC S, and H140 GC S models are specifically designed for use with hydraulic excavators weighing from 13-40tonnes. The firm says that the new GC S Series models combine high power-to-weight ratios with simple design. The units are said to be robust, reliable and easy to maintain, suiting duties in general construction, demolition and quarrying. Caterpillar-designed hydrau
  • Alberta’s peaceful partnership
    May 4, 2020
    A bridge project in northern Canada threw up some unexpected challenges, reports David Arminas, from the banks of the Peace River in Alberta
  • New Angolan bridge offers improved connectivity
    September 30, 2013
    Drivers in Angola are benefiting from a bridge that spans the Catumbela River, taking the place of an old structure that had proven not fit for purpose. The US$35 million cable stayed bridge is located in the highway between Benguela and Lobito, around 7km from Angola’s Atlantic coast and is one of a series of new infrastructure developments in the country. Angola suffered a long period of war that impacted on its people and infrastructure. The war resulted in severe damage to the country’s road system alon
  • Atlas Copco adds three LED models to HiLight tower range
    December 15, 2017
    Atlas Copco has expanded its HiLight tower range with the launch of three advanced LED plug-and-light models - P2+ as well as the V2+ and V3+. The company said that all three models can be powered directly from an auxiliary power source, the grid or a portable generator. They need minimum maintenance and feature easy portability. The manufacturer said that they are ideal for illuminating outdoor events anywhere in the world, the HiLight P2+ floodlight provides 360-degree coverage across a 2,000m²