Demolition - AES Barbers Point Cogeneration Plant
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In April 2024, North American Dismantling Corp., in collaboration with Applied Science International (ASI), successfully completed the demolition of the AES Barbers Point cogeneration plant, located in Oahu, Hawaii. Through its proprietary Extreme Loading for Structures software, ASI developed a high-fidelity 3D model of the structure to support the safety of the demolition activities.
The stack consists of a steel structure comprising a cylindrical steel shell with variable thickness, lined internally with a reinforced gunite membrane. Stiffeners have been installed at the breeching openings and along the height of the shell. At the base, the chimney is anchored by 48 bolts, each with a diameter of 2-1/2 inches.
The demolition plan includes cutting 41 anchor bolts opposite the intended fall direction and removing the nuts from 7 bolts on the fall side, which define the hinge region and provide lateral stability prior to collapse. The stack will be felled using a pulling cable installed at 180 ft, causing the structure to rotate about the hinge and the base to lift slightly during overturning.
ASI performed non-linear dynamic analyses to evaluate pulling cable forces under different anchor bolt removal configurations, optimizing the demolition plan and supporting pulling system design. Two cases were considered, leaving 3 or 7 bolts in the hinge region. The analyses enabled evaluation of the collapse behavior in the different configurations and the evolution of the pulling force, which reaches a maximum value of 39 Kips.
ASI evaluated vibrations induced by the collapse in the surrounding area, including a critical structure 420 ft to the north (switchyard). Results show PPV exceeding 1 in/sec in the impact zone, while remaining below 0.25 in/sec at the switchyard. This successful demolition highlights the effectiveness of the Applied Element Method (AEM) in reducing risk and enhancing safety in complex demolition operations.
Detail of the hinge area behavior during the drop with 3 or 7 bolts remaining
Side by side between simulation and real demolition
