Swimming pool removal with swelling explosives: efficient, safe and precise

Project description

Removing a swimming pool can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially if it is made of solid concrete and is located in a populated or densely built-up area. Traditional demolition methods, such as using excavators or chiseling with large equipment, can often lead to unwanted vibrations and noise emissions, which is particularly problematic in densely populated areas. A modern and safe alternative is the demolition of a swimming pool using swelling explosives - an explosion-free blasting method that enables precise, controlled disintegration of the concrete without affecting the surrounding area. The removal of a swimming pool using swelling explosives is an environmentally friendly, vibration-free and safe method of disintegrating concrete into tiny fragments. Swelling explosives, also known as swelling concrete, blasting concrete or swelling pressure agents, consist of special substances that generate an immense expansion force when activated. This controlled development of pressure breaks up the concrete without explosion or vibration, allowing the pool to be dismantled quickly and precisely. An expanding explosive is particularly suitable for removing swimming pools, as it works specifically inside the concrete and blasts it from the inside out. This is particularly advantageous if the pool is located in hard-to-reach places or in areas with sensitive surroundings such as gardens, sidewalks or building facades.

Project schedule

The demolition of a swimming pool with swelling explosives follows a well-structured process designed for safety and efficiency. The first step is to thoroughly analyze the pool to determine the appropriate drilling locations and the required amount of swelling explosive. The size of the pool and the thickness of the concrete play a decisive role here. Once the planning is complete, precise holes are drilled into the concrete. The drill holes should be between 25 mm and 45 mm in diameter, depending on the specific requirements of the pool and the surrounding area. A spacing of 10 times the drill hole diameter is common to ensure even distribution of the swelling explosive. The boreholes are drilled in such a way that the swelling explosive can develop its maximum effect without unnecessarily damaging the remaining concrete. After drilling, the boreholes are filled with a special mixture of swelling explosive and water. The mixing ratio is 1.2 liters of water per 5 kg of swelling concrete. Once the swelling explosive has been activated, the expansion process begins, which breaks up the concrete evenly. Cracking usually occurs quickly and the concrete pieces are deposited in controlled sizes, which makes it easier to dispose of the material later.

Drilling information

The drill holes are the key to successful demolition of a swimming pool with swelling explosives. Choosing the right diameter and spacing is crucial to the efficiency and speed of the whole process. The borehole diameter should be between 25 mm and 45 mm. A smaller diameter results in finer fragments, while larger drill holes generate more expansion pressure and allow faster cracking. The minimum drill hole depth should be five times the diameter to allow the swelling explosive to work effectively. For thin surfaces or over-concrete, which are common when removing a pool, a smaller drill hole diameter may be more appropriate as it will result in faster cracking when combined with closer drill hole spacing. The narrower the drill hole spacing, the faster cracks will form and the smaller the fragments of concrete will be. For larger fragments and less rapid decomposition, it is advisable to choose slightly larger spacings.

Consumption

The material consumption of swelling explosive depends on the borehole diameter and the amount of concrete that needs to be broken up. The consumption per meter of drill hole is as follows: 25 mm borehole diameter: 0.9 kg swelling explosive per meter 30 mm borehole diameter: 1.24 kg swelling explosive per meter 35 mm borehole diameter: 1.68 kg swelling explosive per meter 40 mm borehole diameter: 2.2 kg swelling explosive per meter 45 mm borehole diameter: 2.78 kg swelling explosive per meter The average consumption is around 10 kg swelling explosive per cubic meter of concrete. The exact amount of material required depends on the size of the pool and the thickness of the concrete used. An important advantage of the swelling explosive is that it enables precise decomposition of the concrete without wasting large quantities of material. Disposal of the demolition material is also efficient, as the fragments break down into manageable pieces that are easy to transport and dispose of.

Time / Costs

Demolishing a swimming pool with swelling explosives is generally quicker and cheaper than conventional methods such as using excavators or heavy demolition equipment. The time required depends mainly on the size of the pool and the number of holes drilled, but this method saves time overall as the concrete breaks up relatively quickly and no further demolition work is required. In terms of cost, swelling explosives are an economical solution as no expensive machinery or explosives are required. The costs for transportation and disposal of the demolition material are also manageable thanks to the small fragments. The exact cost of demolishing a swimming pool with swelling explosives varies depending on the size of the project, materials required and labor involved, but compared to traditional demolition methods, the overall cost is significantly lower.

Expert opinion

Removing a swimming pool with swelling explosives is one of the safest, most efficient and cost-effective methods of removing concrete precisely and without unnecessary destruction. The targeted use of swelling concrete, which breaks up the concrete from the inside out, enables explosion-free and vibration-free disintegration of the material. This method is ideal for demolishing pools in inhabited areas as it does not cause any vibrations, noise or environmental damage. With the right planning, the choice of the right drill hole diameter and spacing and careful execution, the swimming pool can be removed quickly and in a controlled manner. Disposal of the demolition waste is simple and efficient, and the overall costs are significantly lower than with conventional demolition methods.

Customer review

We decided to use swelling explosives to remove an old swimming pool in our garden. The whole process was quicker than expected and, above all, the vibrations were minimal - a decisive advantage as our house is in the immediate vicinity. The pool was completely removed after a short time and the material could be disposed of without any problems. We can only recommend this method.