Total Deconstruction of the Horne Smelter Chimney in Rouyn-Noranda, QC
This was the first major project ever taken on, and was a challenge that revealed Démex’ truly creative and innovativeof approach. After removing the physical barriers at the base of the chimney, including the cone, both the machinery and employees were lifted to the top of the structure from inside the chimney. Once asbestos abatement was completed, the structure was deconstructed in 2.1-m by 6-m high sections while the plant continued its usual operations. Depending on the wind’s direction, the team was required to wear respirators to protect against smoke from the operating chimney nearby.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
- Total deconstruction
- Asbestos abatement
- Recycling
- Waste management (concrete, brick and insulating wool)
- Brick segregation for copper recovery
- Concrete crushing
- Structural engineering
VARIOUS CHALLENGES:
- Very tall structure (163 m, the tallest in Quebec)
- Demolishing within an operating site
- Adjoining building
- Developing an innovative and unique methodology
- Complex logistics
- Hazardous materials management
- Debris segregation
- Copper recovery in bricks
- Smoke contamination from the new chimney
- Adhering to a tight schedule