Controlled explosion flattens a German power station

In Görlitz in Germany, DDM set off a controlled explosion that levelled part of a power plant. The resultant rubble was then removed.

Part of the Hagenwerder power plant at Görlitz in Germany had already been removed. Only the bunker building and the machine room were still standing. DDM was given the order for demolishing the buildings. After an extremely short preparation period of 8 weeks, everything was stripped and the explosive demolition was prepared.

The glass, sheeting and cladding material were removed first, along with the secondary structures. Holes were then drilled and 980 explosive charges applied. More than a kilometre of detonating cord was required for the bunker building, which was over 187 metres long and 55 metres high. At 211 metres, the turbine hall was even longer. As the final precaution, a large area was covered with sand and tarpaulins in order to dampen vibrations and prevent dust from forming. Continuously spraying the surroundings with a water mist ensured that the demolition produced as little dust as possible. Safety officers cordoned off a wide exclusion area.

Other than the DDM experts, nobody was allowed to access the work area. And then the moment of truth: after a rapid series of concussions, the extremely large building subsided gracefully and completely. Exactly as planned.