Understanding the Two Types of Demolition

In our pursuit of sustainable development, the importance of environmentally conscious practices in construction and demolition cannot be overstated. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification has become a hallmark for sustainable buildings, promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, and healthier indoor environments. However, LEED doesn't just focus on construction; it also extends its principles to demolition processes. Let’s take a look at key LEED demolition requirements and how they contribute to a greener future.

Spring is here, and the start of a new construction season. Whether a new building or an addition, the sound of bulldozers and excavators fills the air. It’s also the time of year when golf courses open for the season in Pennsylvania. As golf courses prepare for the season, many undergo renovations. For a Philadelphia golf course, this was the case. Empire Services is helping with the expansion of their first tee by providing earthwork and site demolition. This golf course has deep roots in Pennsylvania. In fact, Pennsylvania has a rich golf history. The oldest golf course in continuous use in the United States is Foxburg Country Club in Clarion County. Foxburg Country Club was founded by Joseph Fox in 1887. According to local legend, Fox designed the course after The Old Course at St. Andrews and helped to spread the game across the state. In 1874, Fox went to England with the All-American Cricket team to play in a cricket tournament. One of the matches was in Edinburgh, Scotland. While in Scotland, he visited St. Andrew’s to watch some golf and became an instant fan of the sport. He had Old Tom Morris, the golf pro at St. Andrew’s, teach him the game and purchased golf clubs and “ gutta-percha ” balls (golf balls) to bring to America. Once home, Fox created an eight-hole course around his summer estates. He then created a more spacious five-hole course, which would become Foxburg Country Club. After the creation of Foxburg Country Club, golf courses began popping up all over Pennsylvania. One of them is a golf course in Philadelphia County, where Empire Services is assisting with the expansion of their first tee, which houses the pro shop and restaurant. The project began with the demolition of sidewalks and the concrete building pad. The earthwork began as soon as the debris was cleared away. Since the first tee was built on urban fill, there was a need for dynamic compaction caissons. Our crew prepared the area for them plus excavated new foundations. They will also install a storm sewer to accommodate the renovation. The last step will be paving the entry road. With the arrival of spring and the onset of construction season, we eagerly anticipate the completion of this project, poised to elevate the golfing experience at the course. Leveraging our team's expertise in earthwork and site demolition, we are laying the groundwork for the expansion and ushering in a new chapter in the golf course's heritage.

The transformation of Allentown Metal Works into a contemporary production facility is underway, facilitated by Marcon Properties, LLC. This property holds historical significance, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century when Samuel Traylor's Traylor Engineering laid its foundation in 1902. Over the years, it became synonymous with producing heavy-duty steel components pivotal in industries like mining, construction, and concrete. Also, it housed a Mack Trucks plant, further enriching its industrial heritage. With the help of Marcon Properties, LLC, the site is poised for a renaissance, finding renewed purpose under Eastern Exterior Wall Systems. In collaboration with Alvin H. Butz, Inc ., Empire Services has been at the forefront of this transformation since 2022. Empire Services initially engaged in demolition works as contracted by the Allentown Economic Development Corporation. Following a partial roof collapse in building A, they swiftly moved to demolish its top floor, setting the stage for subsequent redevelopment efforts. Later, with Alvin H. Butz, Inc., Empire Services spearheaded selective demolition and excavation tasks, laying the groundwork for the site's revitalization. Additionally, Empire Services helped budget, plan, and value-engineer the project with Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Taking It Down to Its Shell With the existing structures deemed stable, they repurposed existing materials and infrastructure. The renovation journey commenced in October 2022, initially focusing on the smaller building. By mid-January 2023, significant progress had been achieved, with the 50,000-square-foot structure stripped down to its shell. The renovation encompassed a comprehensive overhaul involving the removal of windows, roofing, mechanicals, utilities, and more. Structural integrity concerns necessitated the removal of numerous roof purlins, which had succumbed to wood deterioration during the site's decade-long hiatus. Mechanical equipment pits underwent meticulous clearance, paving the way for new concrete slabs atop crushed concrete and clean stone infills. Steel Demolition & Civil Work Empire Services' involvement extends beyond demolition to encompass intricate steel demolition and civil works. Recent engineering assessments identified sections of supporting steel beams, columns, and crane rails unfit for reuse. Employing precision torch-cutting techniques, Empire Services adeptly disassembled and transported these components. Additionally, they are spearheading the installation of a new storm sewer system featuring seven inlets, further enhancing the site's infrastructure. Having dedicated over a year to the Allentown Metal Works site, Empire Services' efforts have been instrumental in reshaping its landscape. Witnessing the transformation of this historical manufacturing site is a testament to the power of revitalization. As the site prepares to embrace its new role in manufacturing, it brings new opportunities and employment prospects, strengthening Allentown's industrial legacy.

It's hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. Empire Services completed a variety of demolition, site, and civil projects. Each one required a strategic solution to achieve successful results. Let’s take a look at some project highlights from the past few months. 

When we envision trusses, our minds often conjure images of sturdy roofs, providing support and shelter. Yet, the roots of truss design lie not in roofing but in the strength of bridges. Truss bridges with their intricate network of triangular structures, have stood as testament to human ingenuity and engineering since the 19 th century. Initially conceived to span vast distances with minimal materials, truss bridges quickly gained popularity since they were economical to assemble. By harnessing the strength of triangles, these bridges distributed weight efficiently. The evolution of truss bridges is evidence of the ever-changing landscape of engineering. Many steel truss bridges have succumbed to the ravages of time and neglect. Thus, demolition is required, making way for newer, more efficient structures. This was the case for Empire Services’ bridge demolition project in Allentown, PA. The project presented numerous challenges, chief among them being working over water. With the bridge spanning a creek, ensuring the safety of the crew became paramount. Additional safety protocols were implemented, ensuring that each step of the demolition proceeded with caution and precision. The crew were in personnel lifts that kept them above the water while cutting up the bridge.

In the ever-changing world of manufacturing, the integration of automated systems is often crucial to enhancing efficiency and streamlining production processes. However, when the time comes to upgrade or replace these systems, the challenges of dismantling them without disrupting daily operations can be both complex and demanding. In a recent project, Empire Services undertook the task of dismantling a local truck body manufacturer's current automated system. Empire Services took on the responsibility of dismantling portions of the current automated lifting system, which is deeply embedded within the manufacturer's facility. This automated system, serving as the backbone of their manufacturing process, needed to operate seamlessly every day. To navigate this challenge, the project was divided into four phases, with the crucial stipulation that the system could only be removed during facility shutdowns to avoid disruptions to daily operations. The entire project is expected to be completed this fall. The Intricacies of the Automated System The complexity of the automated system lay not only in its integral role in the manufacturing process but also in its extensive structural integrity. The system, responsible for lifting and transporting truck bodies from station to station and situated on a multi-level mezzanine that winds its way throughout the facility, required a strategic dismantling approach. To execute the dismantling, the Empire Services team employed a combination of tools and equipment, including aerial lifts and various forklifts. The primary tool for the task was an acetylene torch, skillfully wielded to cut the steel structures into manageable pieces. The precision required in this process was heightened by the challenges posed by the confined space and the need to navigate around existing production equipment that could not be easily relocated. Navigating Space Constraints One of the primary hurdles faced by the team was the limited operating space. The structures earmarked for removal were situated in the heart of the manufacturing floor, surrounded by various production equipment that couldn't be moved. This necessitated a careful maneuver around, on top of, and beside the operational machinery, emphasizing the team's adaptability and precision in their approach. Working with steel structures at significant heights added an additional layer of complexity to the project. Cutting and lowering steel components required heightened safety measures, and the team's expertise ensured a meticulous and smooth process. The use of aerial lifts allowed for controlled access to elevated sections while forklifts ensured safe handling of these materials, showcasing the team's commitment to both efficiency and safety. The dismantling of an automated system within a manufacturing facility is no small feat, and the success of Empire Services in navigating the complexities of this project stands as a testament to our expertise. From strategic planning and phased implementation to adapting to space constraints and ensuring safety at every step, the precision dismantling of this automated system exemplifies the delicate balance required in such endeavors. As manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, the ability to efficiently upgrade or replace systems while minimizing disruptions remains a crucial skill, and Empire Services has showcased its expertise in executing this intricate balance of precision dismantling.

The vacant echo of an office space stripped bare often heralds a transformation in progress. While the sight may evoke curiosity, the reasons behind the removal of contents are varied and hold insights into the dynamic life cycle of commercial real estate. In cases where an office space resides within a building slated for renovation or demolition, questions loom regarding the fate of the contents and the duration of building services. This intricate process becomes time-consuming, dictated by the square footage at play. When the square footage is almost a million square feet, the removal of contents is best done by a team of professionals experienced in interior demolition .

We find ourselves at the end of another year. Where has the time gone? Empire Services completed a variety of demolition, site, and civil projects. Each one required a strategic solution to achieve successful results. Let’s take a look at some project highlights from this year.

Technology has played a pivotal role in transforming businesses since the advent of the first industrial revolution. Over the course of history, we have witnessed four industrial revolutions , each leaving an indelible mark on the way businesses operate. These revolutions have not only accelerated manufacturing processes but have also brought about significant changes in how products are stored, managed, and distributed. In the wake of the first industrial revolution, mechanized processes emerged, leading to the creation of new facilities to house products – the warehouse. As businesses evolved, some warehouses were transformed into multifunctional spaces that house offices, retail, and residential spaces. Those warehouses dedicated solely to storage underwent a modernization process, incorporating advanced automated systems to enhance efficiency in product storage and shipping. One sector that has particularly benefited from warehouse automation is grocery distribution. The demand for timely and accurate distribution of perishable goods has driven companies to invest in cutting-edge technology. Recently, Empire Services took on a significant project in Lancaster County, PA, working in collaboration with Hansen-Rice to automate a grocery distribution center. The project involved a comprehensive overhaul of the existing facility, necessitating the removal of pallet racking, conveyor systems, and utilities to make way for a state-of-the-art automated conveying system. Given the facility's round-the-clock operational schedule, especially during its busiest hours from 12 AM to 7 AM, the project was inherently time sensitive. The team at Empire Services strategically moved materials to lower elevations accessible by mechanical equipment, facilitating the efficient disassembly of rows of pallet racks. Once the pallet racks were dismantled, the focus shifted to removing conveyors and utilities, creating a blank canvas for the integration of the new automated system. This meticulous process ensured minimal disruption to the ongoing operations of the grocery distribution center while paving the way for enhanced efficiency and productivity. The evolution of technology has been instrumental in reshaping businesses and industries across the globe. From the first industrial revolution to the current era of advanced automation, each phase has left an indelible mark on how products are manufactured, stored, and distributed. The recent project undertaken by our team exemplifies how automation is revolutionizing the way we handle and distribute goods, paving the way for a more technologically advanced and efficient future. At Empire Services, we are experienced in dismantling various materials to make way for new technology or workspace. Contact us today to learn how beneficial our demolition services are to your project!