Terminal Demolition

Terminal 2 at Changi Airport in Singapore is currently undergoing a major re-fit and upgrade, which includes the rebuilding of the building's frontage. Before a new facia could be installed, the old concrete and cladding work over two storeys, roof, and interior walls, had to be demolished.

Initially, contractors envisaged using conventional hand-held hammers to complete the demolition phase of the works, but due to restriction on working during the day and concerns about noise and dust, an alternative solution was sought.

Demolition sub-contractor, Choon Construction, opted to use a Brokk 180 demolition robot to start the demolition works. According to the contractor, the first unit worked well and consequently two further units, a top of the range Brokk 330 and a Brokk 90, were added to the operation.

Starting at the east end of the terminal building, demolition and rebuilding has been split into six sections, each covering approximately 50 m (160') of the building. Demolition also includes interior walls, raised floors and escalator wells.

For demolishing the major structural elements at the front of the building however, Choon utilised the larger, top-of- the-range Brokk 330 (pictured). With concrete thicknesses of between 400 and 550 mm (16 - 22ø) with pre-cast concrete slabs and cast in-situ wall thicknesses of 300 mm (12ø), the Brokk 330 is being used to remove the roof, two storey façade, and for internal works. The 330 robot can be equipped with a variety of tools weighing up to 550 kg (1220 lb) and it has a reach of up to 6.5 m (21'). The 180 model has a 5.1 m (17') reach when using the extra telescopic facility and the smaller Brokk 90 can reach to 3.6 m (12') But, according to Choon Construction director, Tommy Lim, one of the major advantages of using demolition robots is the labour saving as just one man using the remote control is required. Remote operation also means that the operator not only has a good view of the works but that he can stand a safe distance from the working area and falling debris.