800-664-3697

Controlled Demolition

Demolition & Dismantling

What Is Controlled Demolition?

Controlled demolition is a carefully planned approach used to dismantle structures, equipment and facility components while maintaining control over how and where demolition occurs. It is often required when work must be completed near active operations, adjacent structures, live utilities or areas that need to remain protected.

North American Dismantling Corp. combines detailed planning, experienced field crews and specialized demolition methods to complete controlled demolition safely and efficiently. Each project is evaluated individually to determine the appropriate equipment, sequencing and techniques based on structural conditions, site constraints and the surrounding environment.

Steel boiler structures at a power plant at dusk beneath transmission lines

A Planned Approach to Controlled Demolition

Controlled demolition requires careful planning, coordination and an understanding of how each phase of the work may affect the surrounding site. NADC evaluates project conditions and develops a demolition sequence designed to maintain control throughout execution while protecting adjacent structures, operations and infrastructure.

01

Site & Structural Evaluation

Review the structure, surrounding conditions, access, utilities, adjacent operations and other factors that could affect demolition.

02

Demolition Planning & Sequencing

Develop a project-specific plan that establishes the demolition sequence, equipment needs, work zones and protective measures.

03

Controlled Execution

Carry out the demolition using the appropriate methods and equipment while maintaining control over each phase of the work.

04

Material Removal & Site Preparation

Process and remove demolished materials in coordination with the project plan and prepare the area for the next phase of work

Controlled Demolition Capabilities

NADC provides controlled demolition services for structures and site conditions that require precise planning, specialized methods and careful execution. Each approach is developed around the structure, surrounding environment, available fall zones and project-specific constraints.

Plan

Demolition Planning & Sequencing

Development of a project-specific demolition sequence based on structural conditions, access, surrounding operations, equipment requirements and planned fall or removal areas.

Structural & Site Evaluation

Evaluation of the structure, adjacent properties, utilities, access limitations and other conditions that may influence the demolition method and execution plan.

Control

Mechanical & High-Reach Demolition

Controlled structural removal using high-reach excavators and other specialized equipment selected for the height, construction and surrounding site conditions.

Explosive Demolition & Implosion

Planned use of explosive demolition methods for structures such as stacks, towers, industrial buildings and other structures where controlled collapse is determined to be an appropriate method.

Execute

Controlled Felling & Specialized Removal

Engineered cutting, pulling and other controlled methods used to direct structural components or complete structures into planned areas.

Exclusion Zones & Site Protection

Coordination of work zones, fall areas, adjacent structures, infrastructure and surrounding operations to support controlled execution throughout demolition.

Controlled Demolition Project Experience

Explore selected projects that demonstrate NADC’s experience using controlled demolition, implosion and specialized structural-removal methods across industrial, power generation and commercial properties.

Steel generating structures at Hatfield Power Station during demolition
Power Plant Demolition

Hatfield Power Station Demolition

Southwest Pennsylvania

NADC used controlled implosions to remove major structures at the former coal-fired power station, including two 750-foot smokestacks, a 550-foot environmental stack, two hyperbolic cooling towers and a three-unit boiler structure. Extensive structural preparation and coordination around roads, rail operations, airspace and river traffic supported the planned demolition events.

View Project
Las Vegas Club hotel tower mid-demolition in downtown Las Vegas
Commercial Demolition

Las Vegas Club Casino & Hotel Demolition

Las Vegas, Nevada

Within a constrained downtown block, NADC dismantled a 200-foot steel-framed tower using high-reach equipment, crane-assisted torch cutting and carefully sequenced removal methods. The remaining west section was brought down through four controlled felling events using engineered cuts and pull cables.

View Project
Demolition of mill structures at the former Fraser pulp mill in Berlin, New Hampshire
Pulp Mill Decommissioning

Fraser Pulp Mill Decommissioning & Redevelopment

Berlin, New Hampshire

NADC decommissioned and dismantled 85 structures across the approximately 120-acre former pulp mill, including three concrete stacks reaching up to 320 feet. The stacks were removed through controlled implosions as part of the larger environmental remediation, dismantling and redevelopment program.

View Project

Controlled Demolition Across Complex Structures & Facilities

NADC performs controlled demolition across industrial, commercial and specialized structures where height, surrounding operations, limited fall zones or other site constraints require a carefully planned demolition approach.

Power Generation Facilities

Controlled demolition of stacks, cooling towers, boiler structures and other major power-generation infrastructure.

Manufacturing Facilities

Planned structural removal within manufacturing properties where adjacent buildings, utilities or operating areas must be considered throughout demolition.

Pulp & Paper Mills

Controlled removal of stacks, process structures and other large industrial components within active or decommissioned mill environments.

Chemical & Process Plants

Demolition of structures and industrial infrastructure within process facilities where surrounding systems and site conditions influence the removal method.

Commercial & High-Rise Structures

Controlled dismantling of multistory and large commercial structures in urban or otherwise constrained environments.

Stacks, Silos & Towers

Mechanical, controlled-felling or explosive demolition methods for tall or specialized structures based on height, construction and available fall area.

Active & Constrained Sites

Controlled demolition where limited space, adjacent structures, active operations, public exposure or infrastructure requires additional planning and coordination.

Planning a Controlled Demolition Project?

NADC works with owners, engineers and contractors to evaluate structural conditions, surrounding operations and site constraints and develop a controlled demolition approach suited to the structure and project environment.

Contact Our Team