Preparation of Design Documentation and Execution of Demolition Works for the Vjesnik Tower and the Western Annex

Marija Sojcic

Preparation of Design Documentation and Execution of Demolition Works for the Vjesnik Tower and the Western Annex is one of the most complex urban demolition projects currently being undertaken in the Republic of Croatia. Following a devastating fire that severely compromised the structural integrity of the 67-metre-high Vjesnik Tower, the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets initiated this Design & Build project to safely remove the damaged high-rise building while protecting the surrounding urban environment.

As Lead Demolition Design Engineer, Marija Sojcic leads the coordination of the complete demolition design documentation and execution of highly complex demolition works, integrating structural engineering, demolition engineering, occupational health and safety, environmental protection, construction waste management and logistics within one of Zagreb's busiest urban areas.

The project required several specialised demolition techniques. The unstable fire-damaged steel structure at the 16th floor was dismantled by controlled cutting. The severely damaged reinforced concrete structure of the 15th floor was separated using diamond saw cutting, with structural elements safely lowered by a 500-tonne crane. The remaining 53.3-metre-high reinforced concrete structure was demolished using a 52-metre high-reach demolition excavator with shears operating from the purpose-built 3.5-metre working ramps.

Public safety was the highest priority! A 50-metre-long, 9-metre-high protective container wall was constructed parallel to Slavonska Avenue, while a specially designed 8 × 20 metre heavy-duty rubber impact mat protected traffic in the underpass from potential falling debris.

The project has been executed with zero incidents and zero lost-time injuries. A total of 17 different European Waste Codes (EWC) were identified, all concrete and metal scrap were recycled, 48 tonns of hazardous asbestos was properly disposed.

Project Gallery

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Marija Sojcic HR

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