On September 9th, 2021, the Thunder Bay Generating Station witnessed a significant engineering feat with the controlled demolition of its towering 650-foot chimney. This challenging project was expertly managed by Budget Demolition Corp (now known as YORK1) in collaboration with Applied Science International (ASI). The demolition, completed in just 16 seconds, showcased the power of advanced structural analysis and modeling, particularly through ASI’s Extreme Loading® for Structures (ELS) software.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
The chimney, a reinforced concrete structure with a 68-foot base diameter, housed three crucial carbon steel flues. Predicting the behavior of these elements during demolition was no small task. ASI’s team leveraged their expertise in dynamic structural analysis, utilizing the Applied Element Method (AEM) within their ELS software. This approach allowed for precise simulation of the chimney’s collapse, considering interactions between the concrete shell, steel liners, and ground conditions.
By strategically weakening specific components and modeling various demolition scenarios, Budget Demolition Group ensured that the chimney would fall safely and accurately away from sensitive areas like the nearby boilers. The detailed 3D numerical model developed by ASI provided invaluable insights, consistently demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed demolition strategy with an estimated drop time of 15.8 seconds and a minimal deviation angle.
A Testament to Engineering Excellence
The successful demolition of the Thunder Bay Generating Station chimney is a testament to ASI’s commitment to precision, innovation, and safety in structural engineering. The project highlights how advanced numerical modeling and simulation can transform complex demolition tasks into controlled and predictable events, ensuring the safety of both the surrounding environment and the demolition team.
This collaboration between ASI and YORK1 exemplifies the potential of cutting-edge engineering practices in tackling challenging demolition projects. By integrating sophisticated software and expert analysis, ASI continues to set the standard for safe and efficient structural engineering solutions.
For more insights into how ASI’s ELS software can revolutionize your next demolition project, visit Applied Science International.