An awesome sight to see is a demolition contractor’s use of implosion when demolishing a building. This spectacle can be seen throughout the internet and even on television. Large buildings are usually the types of structures that need to be imploded when being demolished. However, smaller structures are also increasingly being imploded, as well. It is a very fast process as it happens, normally only taking a few seconds to occur. However, the setup and preparation time is very intensive. There are also many safety concerns involved with building implosion, as a falling piece of a building can damage nearby structures and neighborhoods. Everything in an implosion needs to be as controlled as possible.

Errors that are made in the setup and implosion processes can be absolutely disastrous. There have been instances in history where failed demolitions severely damage neighboring structures. Flying debris can even injure, or worse kill, onlookers and workers. Another safety concern that is less obvious is when a controlled implosion fails to demolish a building. The structure is usually left unstable and tilting at a dangerous angle, ready to fall unexpectedly. There is also the matter of explosives that may not have exploded. This makes it extremely difficult for workers to approach the structure safely.

During implosion, overpressure can also occur and presents another danger. Shock waves are also dangerous and normally travel upwards and outwards from the blast site if the skies are clear during a controlled demolition. However, during cloudy days shock waves travel mostly outwards, breaking windows and causing damage. All in all, though it may be a more spectacular experience, it is more dangerous and uncertain to implement. Safety regulations must be strictly adhered to.

Most people think of implosions when they think of controlled demolitions even though it is normally a last resort in many cases. And though it occurs quite quickly, preparation can take weeks and even months. Firstly all valuable material, such as copper wire, are stripped and removed from the building. Normally glass is also removed as are other materials that can turn into lethal projectiles. Insulation is also normally removed to prevent it from being spread around. Different types of explosives are then set to certain columns and floors of the building. Other smaller columns are then wrapped with detonating cord. Only certain floors are rigged with explosives to increase safety and decrease cost.

Finally, when demolition contractors choose implosion as their main route to demolition, cleanup time can be quite long. Even longer than the demolition process itself, cleanup can be extremely important. All of the debris and material from the blast must be loaded into trucks and carried away. Despite its safety, cleanup and environmental implications, controlled demolition through implosion is a spectacle that should not be missed, if one is presented with the opportunity to observe. It is quite the experience.