Find the Best Non Explosive Demolition Contractors Near You

A non-explosive demolition agent is a chemical used as an alternative to conventional explosives or gas pressure blasting products during demolition, mining and quarrying. Normally, its active ingredient is calcium oxide "burnt lime" that is mixed with some Portland cement and possibly other modifiers.

The use of non-explosive demolition agents begins by drilling holes into the base of the rock, just like drilling holes when using conventional explosives. The slurry mixture of the agent plus water is then poured into the drill holes. This slurry mixture will expand over the next few hours. The rocks will crack as a result and in a pattern similar to the cracks that would occur when using conventional explosives.

Although in some cases, the conventional explosive is preferred and more economical, here are some advantages of non-explosive demolition:

• Noiseless.
• Safe.
• Does not produce vibration.
• It is available without much restriction in various countries, unlike highly regulated explosives.

Below are three methods you can use to break a rock easily without resorting to conventional explosives.

1. By sledgehammer. The first step of this method is to place the rock on a flat surface, if possible. Next, pick a point on the rock that you will hit without much difficulty. This is where you will apply repeated pressure later to force it to crack. Make sure to hold the sledgehammer correctly before swinging it a full 180 degrees to hit the specific point in the rock. Start slow and continue hitting the same spot. When you see a small fault line on the surface, that is a sign that you are close to breaking the rock.

2. By regular hammer. If you plan to break a small rock, then this is an excellent method to use. Find a larger canvas bag and put the rock inside. Make sure to tie it close. Next, lay it on solid ground and try applying firm pressure to it, so you are assured that it will not move around. Knock the rock gently at first, practising the swinging motion with the hammer to get the gist of what you are about to do. Start hitting the casing in precise points. Do this with progressively harder pressure until it cracks. When the job is done, be careful in opening the bag immediately because of the resulting dust inside it.

3. By splitting. In this method, you will need a drill to create evenly spaced holes on the surface of the rock. The following tools you'll need are chisel and feathers that you will drive into the holes. Finally, you can start breaking the rock by hammering on the chisels. When a large crack appears, pry it open with a crowbar.

There are many non-explosive demolition powders available in the market, all varying in prices. For instance, ECOBUST, a rock and concrete breaker product from Neoferma Australia, costs around $80.00 for 20kg. Each product and its installation can greatly vary in price depending on the project size.

Chemical cracking is the process of complex organic molecules being broken down into simpler molecules by breaking the carbon to carbon bonds in the precursors. For instance, breaking down long-chain hydrocarbons into light hydrocarbons. The speed of chem cracking is usually dependent on the temperature and the involvement of catalysts. Typically, it is a process that will require high temperatures.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality non-explosive demolition companies operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer chemical cracking hire solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Mackay, Toowoomba, Gold Coast and Newcastle then across the country to Bunbury and Mandurah.

Ready to try out non-explosive demolition rather than the conventional explosives? Then use iseekplant's get a quote tool so you can easily book a non-explosive demolition contractor in your area. You may also give us a call on 1300 691 912 or email at projects@iseekplant.com.au to find the right supplier for your project.

Non-explosive demolition involves breaking down structures or rocks using methods that do not rely on traditional explosives. These methods can include expanding grouts, hydraulic splitters, and mechanical equipment like excavators with demolition attachments. Expanding grouts are poured into drilled holes, where they expand and create pressure to crack the material. Hydraulic splitters apply force through a wedge and feather mechanism to break the rock or concrete silently and without vibration.

Using non-explosive demolition methods offers several advantages. First, it significantly reduces the noise and vibrations associated with traditional blasting, making it ideal for urban or sensitive environments. Second, it improves safety by minimising the risk of flying debris and unintended structural damage. Additionally, these methods are more environmentally friendly, as they produce less dust and contaminants and can be precisely controlled to ensure only the targeted areas are affected.

Non-explosive demolition methods are suitable for a variety of projects, particularly those in urban or populated areas where minimising noise and vibrations is crucial. They are ideal for demolishing buildings near other structures, underground construction, and mining operations where blasting could compromise safety. They are also effective in breaking down large rocks or concrete structures in confined spaces, where traditional demolition would be challenging and risky.

The best non-explosive demolition agent depends on the specific requirements of the project. Expanding grouts like Dexpan or Bustar are popular choices because they are easy to use and highly effective for controlled demolition. These grouts expand when mixed with water and poured into pre-drilled holes, creating significant pressure to fracture the material. Hydraulic splitters and mechanical splitters are also excellent choices for precision and efficiency, especially in projects requiring silent and vibration-free operations.

Breaking rock without blasting can be achieved using several methods. Expanding grouts are a common solution, where a chemical agent is poured into drilled holes and allowed to expand, fracturing the rock. Hydraulic splitters are another effective method, using hydraulic pressure to force a wedge into the rock, creating cracks. Mechanical breakers and pneumatic hammers can also be used to chip away at rock surfaces. These methods are particularly useful in areas where blasting is not feasible due to safety or environmental concerns.