Controlled Tower Collapse in Belfort: A Premys Deconstruction Project
On June 20, 2019, in Belfort, northeast France, residents witnessed an event that was both spectacular and silent: the demolition of three 15-story towers in the heart of the Les Résidences neighborhood. A far cry from traditional blasting methods, a unique jacking technique developed by Premys, a specialized Colas subsidiary, was used.
It took under a minute for the three buildings to be wiped from the urban skyline... with no loud noise and little dust.
Jacking: A Controlled and Innovative Demolition Method
Rather than using explosives or traditional mechanical demolition, Premys opted for jacking, a patented technology offering safety, precision, and less impact:
- Hydraulic jacks are strategically positioned to cause a controlled break in the load-bearing structure.
- The building gradually collapses in on itself, with limited impact.
- The process is silent, quick, and ideal for sensitive urban areas.
- This solution embodies a new approach to deconstruction, combining technical performance with reduced environmental impact.
Nine Mounths of Preparation for an Operation Lasting Just a Few Seconds
The jacking phase, although very short, required several months of preparation, to carry out interior cleaning, asbestos removal, and digital modeling of the structure; detailed risk analysis and the establishment of a rigorous safety perimeter; coordination with stakeholders (social housing provider, local authorities, emergency services, etc.).
Thanks to this methodical approach, the operation was carried out without a hitch, with zero incidents despite its complex nature.
An Urban Regeneration Project
This operation was part of an urban redevelopment project. The objective? To remove obsolete buildings and create a more open, diverse, and sustainable neighborhood. By contributing to this transformation of the urban fabric, Premys in supporting the redevelopment of existing land and preparing the ground for future responsible developments, while safeguarding the critical phases of an urban planning project.
Expertise Serving Communities
Jacking is a technique specifically developed by Premys that has already proved its worth on several demolition projects in France. The solution is particularly suited to densely populated areas, heritage sites or tight sites, and sensitive operations where safety is an absolute priority.
As a subsidiary of Colas, Premys is fully committed to the complete infrastructure life cycle: from construction through to demolition, pollution clean-up, and soil remediation.
A Page in History Skillfully Turned
In Belfort, it is more than just buildings that have disappeared. It is the remnants of outdated urban development, making way for new ambitions for the local community. A page in history skillfully turned thanks to Colas’ expertise.
