Asbestos removal and full demolition Cerexagri

About the project

On behalf of Cerexagri B.V., DCC carried out the complete asbestos removal and full demolition of the production site at Vondelingenplaat in Rotterdam. Here, Cerexagri developed and produced crop protection products against fungi. On a site of approximately 55,000 m², we acted as main contractor for the full remediation and demolition. The assignment has since been extended with the soil remediation of the site — work that is currently still ongoing.

The work

• Method and lifting plans with specific work instructions per component and phase
• Asbestos removal and demolition of tanks, silos, process installations, factory and production buildings, laboratories, offices, sheds and warehouses
• Lifting out elevated structural sections and heavy equipment next to active installations
• Removal of cables and pipes in a live pipe bridge and cable route
• Demolition of foundations, including shortening and surveying piles
• Applying protection over pipes, cables and equipment that remained in operation

Demolishing next to a running business

Demolition on a factory site is always complex, but here an extra factor came into play: another company remained active on the site. Their employees had to be able to work safely past our demolition area, and their installations stayed in operation. Within our own scope, too, installations were taken out of service in phases. That meant limited space and a demolition method fully tailored to it.

Together with the client and the neighbouring company, we therefore drew up an extensive project and safety plan in advance, mapping out all risks. One of the resulting choices: lifting out the critical and elevated sections with a crane, so the activities around our demolition area could continue safely.

An eye for the surroundings

Before starting, we always look at the surroundings — not only the client, but also local residents, traffic, working hours and adjacent buildings. Because the site was gradually taken out of service, we kept tight control over dust, vibration and noise:

• Vibration meters were placed across the entire site to monitor vibrations continuously
• Instead of a demolition hammer, we cut the concrete with a concrete shear and then crushed it — keeping vibration to a minimum
• Against dust, we used a mist cannon and a fire hose to keep the floor areas wet

Soil remediation

After the demolition, the project was extended with the soil remediation of the site — currently in progress. Contaminated soil is excavated and responsibly disposed of in line with the applicable protocols, so the site can be handed over clean for a new purpose.

Result

The asbestos removal and demolition were carried out to the full satisfaction of Cerexagri B.V. The professional attitude of the operational staff and project management led to an incident-free, safe and pleasant collaboration — one we are continuing with the soil remediation.