The circular hall had a diameter of 94 meters and was almost 30 meters high. Because of the enormous roof span, which was made entirely of concrete, prestressed concrete was used during construction. A concrete prestressed ring was placed on the outside of the concrete uprights. A specific construction that required a very specific approach from DDM.
All components, indoor hoisting facilities and conveyor belts within the building were removed, followed by the steel wall cladding and roof panels. The entire building was stripped until only the main supporting structure remained.
The concrete roof trusses were laid on the outer prestressed concrete ring and on the concrete top ring during construction. The trusses could only be removed if the top ring was supported by an auxiliary structure. This construction was placed against the ring with a jack system. Once this had taken over the weight, the trusses could be removed. They were cut loose and lifted off using the long arm and bolt cutters of the demolition crane.
The concrete top ring was removed with two hydraulic cranes. To release the tension from the prestressed outer ring, it was weakened in specific places by breaking the concrete. After this action, the rest of the hall could be demolished in a conventional manner. The demolition cranes were used to crush the concrete structure and separate the reinforcing steel.
The Quality and Health, Safety and the Environment policy is an ongoing process. That is why DDM is continuously working on improving all these areas to keep improving safety levels.
DDM was rewarded with a World Demolition Award in the Civils category.
Removing 5 arch bridges over the Amsterdam Rhine Canal was an intensive job. The schedule was tight and the expectations of all employees were high. But with a joint effort and incredible passion, DDM has successfully removed and recycled the 5 bridges within schedule.
Every year DDM holds a number of safety days to boost safety awareness.
Last year's objectives are evaluated and new objectives are determined. All managers and all operational employees discuss safety, policy and vision together. In addition to all regular training courses, DDM offers workshops and training to all employees during these days to take the qualities of the professionals to an even higher level. Together with all DDM employees, we are working on an increasingly higher safety ethic. Everyone at DDM carries out their work in a safe and healthy manner, with sufficient attention to the environment. And they're getting better at it. This applies to everyone; back to work healthy and safe and back home healthy.
Dow has awarded DDM a certificate for Outstanding Safety Performance.
Following various demolition and disassembly projects that DDM carries out worldwide for Dow Chemical Company, DDM has received recognition for its excellent safety performance during implementation. DDM always continues to strive for a higher level of safety. Safety First! Read below a quote from the letter that DDM received from Dow. “In summary, DDM continues to deliver excellent performance in safely planning and executing all work related to Dow demolition projects. We truly believe that your company's exceptional efforts continue to be a reflection of the leadership and support of you and the entire DDM Management team. "
Dirk was the architect of this website
