Unconventional Demolition

Yes, it's a 12 storey building lying on its back

Here, courtesy of Daryl Smith FIDE, is the story of how it got in this state

The apartment block was constructed and all was well

The next step in the plan was to excavate in order to construct an underground garage.  The spoil was piled up on the other side of the building

Unfortunately it rained, and rained and rained.   Water seeped into the ground

The building began to tilt.  Then it shifted and the hollow concrete pilings were snapped due to uneven lateral pressures.

Ooops!  Oh, dear!!

If the apartment blocks had been closer together there would have been a domino effect.

NFDC award for IDE Honorary Member

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) has presented ConstructionSkills' Specialist Training Advisor, Martin Morrell, with the Rebar Award in recognition for years of service to the construction industry.

The award was given to Martin in appreciation of the exemplary work he and ConstructionSkills have put in over nine years.  David Darsey FIDE, President of NFDC, made the announcement at the NFDC's recent  Convention in Killarney and NFDC CEO, Howard Button FIDE made the presentation, saying, "Whilst the Rebar Award is a bit of fun, it was given in true recognition of Martin's service to the industry and I think your efforts are starting to be appreciated by the members. Many thanks for all you have done".

Martin's tremendous work includes the following services:

• jointly administering the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) from 2000-2007
• assisting the transition from Supported Training Group to Independent Training Forum
• developing the NCC (East) Demolition Plant Apprenticeship in 2003
• linking closely the development of the NDTG accredited centre both for NVQ and CPCS delivery
• assisting in successful bids under the M&SDP fund for a wide range of programmes.

Thanks to Martin's commitment alongside ConstructionSkills, a wide range of courses and health and safety guidance notes have been developed to significantly boost training and qualifications in the demolition sector.

An expert lends a hand

Martin Bjerregaard MIDE of Golder Associates (UK) Ltd has flown into Haiti to assist the authorities there with assessing the safest means of removing the debris and planning for the future.

Martin was also on hand to clear up after the devastating results of the flooding in New Orleans.

"It is good to be able to use my experience and expertise to help in these situations and sometimes there are moments of happiness when, for example, families are reunited or special belongings found, but, for most of the time the work is harrowing.  One has a huge sense of what ordinary people have lost in such a disaster."

Martin would like to hear from Demolition Engineers and their companies who would like to help him either  through donations or providing their time.   Please contact the IDE Office in the first instance.

Don't forget that the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) are also collecting donations.

In sight for demolition - Richard pulls the trigger.

Richard Comley FIDE has brought his company, C G Comley and Sons Ltd, to BBC news to herald a new addition to the Fort Nelson (Royal Armouries) museum, Fareham.

Not satisfied with any old explosion, a World War II Sexton self-propelling gun was trained on the 1930s bungalow that had to be demolished to make way for a brand new Visitors Centre.

Richard comment, "When the opportunity occurs to promote a prestigious new development in a spectacular way, it cannot be missed.  We were glad to be involved at the outset of this project and wish it well.

BBC report and video

Ruth Scammell's report + video for The News, Portsmouth

Picture from the The News, Portsmouth

2010's first CSCS Card holder

December was a very good month for Doug Fox.   He attended for his Professional Interview on the 11th and IDE President, Terry Quarmby, with 1st Vice President, John Woodward, were pleased to congratulate him on attaining Full Membership.   The diary and portfolio that Doug submitted prior to the interview was impressive, showing experience in a wide variety of demolition projects and a commitment to continuing professional development.

Doug has been a regular at IDE Seminars and Regional meetings, giving him the required number of IDE-CPD points to apply for the CSCS Demolition Engineer Card on becoming a Full Member.   Doug now steps proudly into 2010 bearing 'MIDE' after his name and the prestigious card in his pocket.

There are a number of Associate Members who have completed two years in that grade and who should be looking to submit their diary and portfolio.   If you are among them please add the finishing touches and get them off to the National Secretary as soon as possible so they can be considered at the next Membership Committee meeting on 4 March.   If all is in order you will be invited for interview.   If you would like some help with your presentation please contact Wayne Bagnall, IDE Membership Adviser.

First IDE Ball and Chain event is a success.

Birmingham Frankfurt Market in Victoria Square

The first IDE Ball and Chain event was held in Birmingham over the weekend of 11/12 December and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

The event started on Friday evening with some of the Council of Management joining IDE members at the Shakespeare pub for drinks before all moving to Mister Wong’s restaurant at Summer Row for a Chinese Christmas banquet.

The food was superb and the seating in the restaurant of one large round table led to chat and discussion of all things demolition related whilst some of us were “star spotting” the TV personalities who were also in the room. Following the meal some of the party went on to the Armac Christmas party whilst others returned to the real ales of the Shakespeare and further discussion.

Saturday morning was spent, around the Birmingham German Market where crafts and German foodstuffs were on sale, and in the Bull Ring for Christmas shopping before we all met at Brindley Place for drinks and the canal boat trip. 26 members and guests went afloat on a 2 hour trip around the centre of Birmingham before travelling out to Edgbaston and back on the Staffs and Worcester canal which gave everyone a different view of Birmingham. A buffet was provided during the trip with all drinks sponsored by Kocureck excavators.

Free time for all followed disembarkation then all met again at the Shakespeare for early evening drinks before walking the few hundred yards to Milan restaurant for an excellent Indian Christmas banquet.
During the meal a tenner in the drum draw produced the sum of £200 as a donation to Breast Cancer Research (the charity supported by AR Demolition, one of the event sponsors).

Congratulations go to Adrian McLean and Lee Binyon who worked so hard to organise the event and raise sponsorship that meant that the whole event was provided at no cost to the members who attended.

Photo of narrow boat courtesy of Roger A, Panoramio

More CSCS Demolition Engineers

J Anthony Hewetson, Sellafield Ltd, and Craig MacWilliam, MacWilliam Demolition Ltd, are the latest members to have their applications for the prestigious CSCS Demolition Engineer Card authorised.

Many congratulations Anthony and Craig, you have proved your competence.