Demolition of incomplete South Padre Island “leaning tower” throws up interesting challenges.
The “implosion” of the faulty, 31-story condominium tower and interconnected four-level parking garage on South Padre Island in Texas is not going to be standard by any measure, says the demolition contractor.
The razing by explosives is complicated by the failed structural elements—a consequence of differential settlement between the structural concrete tower and the post-tensioned garage; post-tensioned beams; the tower’s robust frame; the high water table; and sand that conducts vibrations to nearby buildings, says J. Mark Loizeaux, president of Controlled Demolition Inc.
Tower core settled independently of stairwell core, which settled independently of tower perimeter, which settled independently of post-tensioned garage, causing at least 14 in. of differential settlement.
Contractor CDI expects to raze the topped-out, half-clad building at the end of November or in early December. “We’re not going to rush it. We have a lot to learn before we finalize the plan,” says Loizeaux.
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