Precise demolition in Nordenham

In Nordenham, a complex blasting operation was recently successfully carried out by the Hagedorn Group. This measure required detailed preparation and the co-operation of several specialists.
 

Structural strengthening and blasting preparation

Structural strengthening was essential for the blasting. At a height of 30 to 50 metres, 100-tonne slings were used for bracing. These were attached with a pretension of 1.0 meganeutron (MN), which ensured the necessary stability for the blasting. The preparations were carried out in collaboration with an external steel fabricator.

Flood protection and drop-bed protection

Flood protection was also an important aspect of the project. The existing flood protection wall was dismantled before the blasting in order to enable restoration after the blasting. Protecting the drop bed posed a particular challenge. A fleece was used to protect the drop-bed material supplied by the customer, which was not allowed to be contaminated.

Timing and execution of the blasting

The blasting could only be carried out at high tide in order to minimise the load on the quay wall. Prior to the actual blasting, the steel structure was pre-blasted using high burners in order to increase the efficiency of the blasting.

Protection of underground infrastructure

Another critical point was the protection of the underground infrastructure, including conductor line ducts and the rail system. It had to be ensured that these important infrastructure elements were not damaged.

Challenges posed by ongoing harbour operations

The work was made even more difficult by the ongoing operations in the harbour. Despite these difficult conditions, Hagedorn managed to carry out the blasting successfully and safely.