CMU Wall Demolition - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

wilsongc · 10-07-2008, 10:49 PM

Anyone have any experience tearing down CMU walls? These are non-filled. However, they are on the second floor and the specs call for them to be removed whole. I guess that basically means we can't go in there and swing a sledge hammer. I am thinking we will need a small crane and run some anchors in them to attach to somehow. I guess, due to length, some of the walls will need to be cut in half somehow.

Advice?

MALCO.New.York · 10-07-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsongc

Anyone have any experience tearing down CMU walls? These are non-filled. However, they are on the second floor and the specs call for them to be removed whole. I guess that basically means we can't go in there and swing a sledge hammer. I am thinking we will need a small crane and run some anchors in them to attach to somehow. I guess, due to length, some of the walls will need to be cut in half somehow.

Advice?

Sounds a bit strange.....Unless there is something about the Physics of these walls that I know not about.

wilsongc · 10-07-2008, 10:56 PM

I guess they basically just don't want you to go in there and tear them apart. Causing dust and debris to be stirred up.

Chris Johnson · 10-07-2008, 11:12 PM

I had something similar 10+ years ago, remove them one by one, once you get it started the bond can break fairly easily without much dust

MALCO.New.York · 10-07-2008, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsongc

I guess they basically just don't want you to go in there and tear them apart. Causing dust and debris to be stirred up.

Makes sense. But I tell you this...............Start cuttin' walls to manageable sizes and the dust you create will far exceed ANYTHING a sledge will do!!!!!! That, my friend, IS a fact.

Just get the job and start removing the walls as you sit fit. If they complain, inquire as to how they wish it to be done. (remember to bid it as if you were paying for H/Mach and an operator and site insurance)

**Teetorbilt** · 10-08-2008, 12:44 AM

I take it that you are against explosive solutions? You are trying to save the lower floor?

wilsongc · 10-08-2008, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teetorbilt

I take it that you are against explosive solutions? You are trying to save the lower floor?

yes, lower floor is to remain

MALCO.New.York · 10-08-2008, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teetorbilt

I take it that you are against explosive solutions? You are trying to save the lower floor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsongc

yes, lower floor is to remain

That WAS a joke Wilson!!!!!

wilsongc · 10-08-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

That WAS a joke Wilson!!!!!

sorry haven't been here long enough to know personalities!

MALCO.New.York · 10-08-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsongc

sorry haven't been here long enough to know personalities!

Part of the initiation dues! There is MORE to come. I am sure of this!

concretemasonry · 10-08-2008, 10:59 AM

wilson -

Talk to the peple you are working for and find out what they really want.

A crane and swinging out panels sounds disruptive. Using a sledge sounds like an over-age teenager on testrostosone or an ego trip. If they are interested in minimum dust and disruption, going block by block on an unreinforced wall will make the the biggest problem being removal, which you will have any way. You can knock the block loose witha samll hammer and chisel faster than you can haul it away.

Make sure you check for any steel, plunbing and electrical in the wall before you go "full boat" on the destruction.

Jim-Hunt · 10-08-2008, 03:12 PM

Best advice on the board is when he says, "Talk to them".
Unfortunately the contract language is often written by someone that
hasn't a clue on how to do the job. The lingo from Minnesota where Concrete Pro is from and I was originally is totally lost by the time we
work together in Florida and we are tradesmen. Go to contract language and who knows if the writers even know what they want. This is the problem here for sure.

Most important thing in construction, before you start, EVERYONE see's the same pic.

I am guessing the contract says remove "In entirety"
Just take it out.

If I had a picture of the job site, this is right up my alley.
Going blind, One demo man with a little head start like "Pro" says with
an electric 30lb chipping hammer, bolt cutter, hammer and chissel will
work the runners into the ground. Will be minor dust and if noise is a problem, the demo man will rarely use the chipping hammer if he knows how to read the wall as he goes. Run the chipper down the right courses and loosen the top row, it will come out faster than it went up with little noise and no dust.

Jim

wilsongc · 10-08-2008, 03:56 PM

sounds like block by block is the best way to do it. Sounds good to me, I get a free foundation for my new house!

rusty1986 · 10-09-2008, 06:57 AM

I did something similar a few weeks ago. We had to remove a wall of brick and block for an addition and they were going to be re-used. The fastest and easiest way we found was with a small air chisel. Just touch the mortar bed and the brick/block will pop off.

MALCO.New.York · 10-09-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim-Hunt

Best advice on the board is when he says, "Talk to them".

Jim

Welcome.......How 'bout an introduction?????

You DO seem to know yer' Trade.

Allow your Experience and your Craft to flow!!!

We can ALL learn much!

nitrox2595 · 10-09-2008, 06:29 PM

There is this stuff.... i forget what they call it..... it's clear, weighs about 8.6lbs per gallon, could be applied w/a pump up sprayer.......... oh, yeah water, water that's it. Mist the area you are working on, break the joint w/ a cold chisel. I just did 120 tons of cmu demo 3 feet from an active classroom in a school.They complained if people farted.

concretemasonry · 10-09-2008, 08:00 PM

You definitely do not want a sledge hammer unless you are trying to be macho, wear a black T shirt, have tattoos and are trying to make a mess. (I watch too much of cable TV and motor cycle building shows where they like to throw things around and scream).

If you know or can quickly find out what is important, the walls can come down easily with little mess. You always have to get rid of the stuff, but you can make it much easier and mangeable.

masonking02 · 10-09-2008, 09:09 PM

il cut the bed joints while water run on the blade to keep down the dust, then once i do that i'll break the bond by hitting the blocks at the center where they wont break

concretemasonry · 10-09-2008, 10:11 PM

Block can be tougher to tear down than brick because of the size and greater separation of the weak points (mortar). fortunately the weight of the waste is less per square foot.

wilsongc · 10-10-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by concretemasonry

You definitely do not want a sledge hammer unless you are trying to be macho, wear a black T shirt, have tattoos and are trying to make a mess. (I watch too much of cable TV and motor cycle building shows where they like to throw things around and scream).

i do have a bald head and goatee...