During demolition of the gasholders on Wednesday 11th May 2016, VHE were joined by BBC Radio Derby to discuss the demolition process and the challenges of the job.
During demolition of the gasholders on Wednesday 11th May 2016, VHE were joined by BBC Radio Derby to discuss the demolition process and the challenges of the job.
Mark Bratcher, VHE site manager, explained the practical concerns with removing the two above ground gasholders and provided some facts on the process such as hot cutting to burn a hole in the outer layers to gain access, use of hydraulic shears that can cut through 25 mm of steel, the controlled method of taking the structure down from the inside layer by layer and the bubble-gum smell of the odour suppressants.
The dewatering of both structures resulted in approximately 88 million litres of contaminated water being removed and the volume of residual sludge in both structures is expected to be 900 cubic metres. 100% of the steel will be recycled and the project is expected to lead to the recycling of approximately 5,000 tonnes of steel, nearly twice the weight of Blackpool tower.
The project will see VHE demolish gasholders 6 and 7. Gasholder number 6, built in 1957, was 70.1 metres in diameter and 12.8 metres in height with 4 lifts. Gasholder number 7, built in 1962, was 68 metres in diameter and 11.3 metres in height with 5 lifts. The demolition programme for both gasholders is approximately eight months with VHE currently four months into the project. Along with two additional gasholders in Leicester VHE are currently demolishing four of our largest gasholders to date.
Samantha Rendell, a Land Remediation Manager from National Grid, who own the site, explained the iconic gasholders former use, heritage considerations taken by National Grid, details of the nationwide removal programme and potential for future use of the site.
You can listen to the whole show here:
Skip to the interviews at these approximate times:
Mark Bratcher, VHE – 02 hours 12 minutes
Samantha Rendell, National Grid – 01 hour 09 minutes
VHE are currently working under a framework agreement with National Grid and to date have completed the demolition of 11 gasholder structures. A total of 15 will be completed by end of September 2016. Of the 15, 11 are above ground and 4 are below ground. The diameters range from 31 to 82 metres with heights of between 7 and 13.7 metres. The gasholders are typically water filled but sometimes are filled with film oils and often contain sludges in the base.
To discuss your building and structure demolition or land remediation requirements, please contact VHE on 01226 320150 or alternatively use our quick enquiry form.
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