Domed structure for demolition and method of demolition

Abstract

A method of modifying a domed structure for demolition comprises forming a hinge or pivoting arrangement in a wall of the domed structure. The hinge arrangement allowing the domed structure to rotate about a reaction line for controlled demolition of the structure. The domed structure can be modified with additional openings in the dome and wall for explosive charges to facilitate the demolition.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of demolishing a domed structure having a dome and dome-supporting wall comprising: 
 segmenting a dome of the domed structure;    forming a pivoting mechanism in side walls of the domed structure along a reaction line;    forming openings in a opposing wall portions, one wall portion facing a direction of intended fall; and    removing support portions of the one wall portion using explosives to rotate the domed structure about the reaction line and pivoting mechanism to demolish the domed structure.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pivoting mechanism is a roller cam or a hinge.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising removing portions of the remaining dome-supporting wall using explosives after the domed structure has begun to rotate.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying water to all or part of the domed structure during, before and/or after use of the explosives.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the dome is segmented radially.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the domed structure is a nuclear reactor.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein one or more materials are wrapped around a portion or all of the domed structure prior to demolition.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein explosive charges are placed vertically in the remaining wall portion.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein backfill is added to the domed structure base.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein opposing steel plates are used in the hinge to facilitate rotation thereof.  
     
     
         11 . In a method of demolishing a structure using explosives, the improvement comprising forming a pivoting mechanism in a wall portion of the structure to direct the structure along a predetermined fall line.  
     
     
         12 . A method of demolishing a domed structure comprising: 
 identifying a first side portion toward which a dome of the domed structure will fall;    segmenting the dome portion;    forming a plurality of openings in the first side portion, the forming step leaving a leg between adjacent openings;    forming a through slot in a second side portion opposite said first side portion;    forming a pivoting mechanism as part of remaining side portions of the dome;    demolishing the legs so that the remaining side portions pivot toward the first side portion so that said dome structure can collapse.    
     
     
         13 . A method of  claim 12 , wherein the pivoting mechanism is formed in the remaining side portions using opposing co-acting surfaces.  
     
     
         14 . A method of  claim 12 , wherein the pivoting mechanism is formed from the remaining side portions to provide a rotating surface.  
     
     
         15 . In a domed structure designated for demolition, wherein the domed structure has a domed roof, and a roof supporting wall, the improvement comprising a hinge arrangement positioned in the wall, the hinge arrangement adapted to rotate the domed structure along a reaction line for demolition purposes.  
     
     
         16 . The domed structure of  claim 15 , wherein the wall includes a plurality of legs between first wall openings having an elevation greater than an elevation of the hinge arrangement.  
     
     
         17 . The domed structure of  claim 15 , wherein the domed roof has a plurality of radial openings to form separations in the domed roof during demolition.  
     
     
         18 . The domed structure of  claim 15 , wherein the wall includes a number of second wall openings to receive explosives to facilitate demolition.  
     
     
         19 . The domed structure of  claim 15 , wherein the hinge arrangement further comprises a pair of paired opposing arcuate surfaces.  
     
     
         20 . The domed structure of  claim 15 , wherein the hinge arrangement further comprises a pair of cam surfaces.