World Demolition Awards shortlist: Contract under US$1 million

The category recognises outstanding demolition projects with a contract value below US$1 million, highlighting the technical skill, planning, innovation and project management required to deliver smaller-scale projects successfu

Congratulations to the following companies and projects selected for this year’s shortlist. They are (in alphabetical order):

CARDEM (France)

PROJECT: MAGUE Port Crane Emergency Dismantling

CLIENT: Port de Sète Sud de France

Following the collapse of a 630-tonne MAGUE port crane onto the cargo vessel Glorious Sky at the Port of Sète, France, the project team faced an unstable structure supported by both the vessel and quay. Drone surveys and digital modelling were used to assess the collapse and evaluate three recovery options before a land-based dismantling strategy was selected.

Cardem

A key challenge involved a 247-tonne section calculated to be just 16 cm from its tipping point once surrounding sections were removed. Four engineered restraint systems were installed to stabilise the structure before the section was removed in a single 247-tonne lift using heavy lifting cranes and bespoke rigging.

Despite adverse weather, critical lifting operations were completed in two days rather than the four planned. The project recorded zero injuries or lost-time accidents and achieved a 99.3% recycling rate.

COLEMANS (UK)

PROJECT: Rolls-Royce DF69 Altitude Test Facility Deconstruction

CLIENT: Rolls-Royce Plc

Colemans

Coleman & Company carried out the deconstruction of Rolls-Royce Building DF69 within a live UK aerospace manufacturing environment, with adjacent production remaining operational throughout the 32-week programme.

The works involved dismantling more than 2,000 tonnes of structural steel, removing a 100-tonne overhead gantry crane and deconstructing a structure reaching 25 m in height. A digital-led approach combined 3D laser scanning, BIM modelling, Ground Penetrating Radar surveys and structural analysis to plan and monitor the works.

Real-time monitoring covered structural movement, dust, vibration and noise, while a bespoke containment system was installed to limit airborne particles and protect neighbouring ventilation and air intake systems. The project recorded 14,490 working hours without an accident, reportable injury or disruption to the surrounding manufacturing operations.

DELSAN-AIM (Canada)

PROJECT: WESP Dismantling at Operational CEZinc Facility

CLIENT: Canadian Electrolytic Zinc Limited (CEZinc)

The demolition of three Wet Electrostatic Precipitators (WESPs) at Canadian Electrolytic Zinc Limited (CEZinc) chemical plant, in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, required the controlled dismantling of heavily corroded, lead-contaminated process vessels within a fully operational metallurgical facility.

Delsan-AIM

The works had to maintain plant operations while preserving permanent structural steelwork surrounding the units. Engineering controls included detailed demolition sequencing, lift studies, lockout/tagout systems and hazardous material management procedures. Remote-controlled demolition equipment was used in higher-risk areas, while the lead lining was cut using specialist handheld tools to reduce worker exposure.

Each WESP contained 126 process tubes, which were individually severed in a controlled sequence alongside continuous debris management and structural monitoring. Engineering inspections were carried out throughout the works to assess structural behaviour and introduce reinforcement where required. The project was completed without disruption to production and in compliance with environmental requirements.

DESPE (Italy)

PROJECT: Lake Maggiore Villa Demolition and Rock Excavation

CLIENT: Private

The complete demolition and subsequent rock excavation of a villa overlooking Lake Maggiore presented a significant logistical and technical challenge. Access was limited to a narrow, winding road with a maximum width of 2.60 m, preventing the use of conventional vehicles and machinery.

Despe

A continuous, synchronised flow of smaller vehicles, each with a capacity of just 4 m³, was used to remove material and keep the site clear. The restricted access, height of the building and unstable ground required two spider excavators, equipped with independent hydraulic legs and removable wheels, to dismantle the villa while operating on a slope over a void.

The second phase involved excavating 2,000 cubic metres of heavily fissured rock. To avoid vibrations from hydraulic breaking, a chain saw was used to make preliminary orthogonal cuts, isolating the rock being excavated from the slope that had to remain stable. As excavation progressed, the rock face was secured with anchors, while surveying was used to continuously verify excavation dimensions.

TINY’S DEMOLITION & RECYCLING (US)

PROJECT: DSCO Detention Center, Harding Place Demolition

CLIENT: Capital Project Solutions

Tiny’s Demolition & Recycling

The structural demolition of the former Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center in Nashville involved the removal of a 146,000 sq ft facility while surrounding buildings on the secure campus remained occupied and operational. The project required close coordination with Metro Nashville and the Sheriff’s Office, particularly during the staged removal and replacement of perimeter security fencing shared with the active facility.

An initial soft demolition phase separated materials before structural demolition began, supporting the project’s recycling programme. More than 634 tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals – over 1.2 million lb – were recovered and diverted from landfill. The workforce increased from around 10 personnel to a peak of 45 during the most intensive phases, allowing demolition sequencing to be adjusted as requirements changed. The project was completed on schedule and budget with zero recordable safety incidents.

The winner will be announced at the World Demolition Summit in Madrid, Spain.

BOOK now to attend the event which takes place 3–5 November.