Remote Demolition of a Brazilian Cement Plant Chimney

Published: 15/1

Brazilian demolition and concrete cutting contractor Furucon in São Caetano do Sul recently performed a controlled demolition of a chimney at a Lafarge cement plant in Brazil. The controlled demolition of the nearly 200-ft (60m) structure, flanked by two chimneys that were not be affected, was carried out using a Husqvarna demolition DXR robot with remotely operated controls. Demolition was necessary due to severe deterioration in the chimney walls, with many cracks and fissures. The DXR robot, weighing approximately 2t, was placed on a metal platform specially manufactured for the application, then lifted by crane to the top of the structure to begin the carefully planned demolition process. As this was Brazil’s first use of this type of demolition, Furacon made several visits to the site to ensure that it was the best methodology to be used. The result of good planning was continuous, accident-free demolition completed five days—less than half the original schedule of nearly two weeks.

www.furacon.com.br