Minister Bačić – Vjesnik building likely to be demolished by blasting soon

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction Branko Bačić revealed on Tuesday, following yesterday’s meeting with experts from the Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, that it is likely the Vjesnik skyscraper will be demolished by blasting, which, as he announced, could take place soon.

“We are currently negotiating with experts and professors from the Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering. We will talk with other experts as well, but what can be concluded from their opinion and the opinion of the Croatian Centre for Earthquake Engineering is that demolition by blasting is likely,” Bačić said to reporters in the Parliament when addressing novelties concerning the Vjesnik skyscraper burned down in the fire.

Mechanical removal using large clamps is not applicable because the entire structure has been severely damaged, so, he added, heavy construction works on upper floors might cause the entire skyscraper to collapse.

Bačić announced the decision on demolition will be made in the following couple of days, but first it is necessary to develop the skyscraper removal project.

“We have all the documentation, it will be done by experts in two to three weeks at most, after which a contract with the contractor will follow, and the removal will take place,” he added.

When asked if it could happen as early as December, Bačić said he would be “very pleased.” “We were considering six months, but this could proceed much faster,” he added and highlighted that “the Croatian team is capable of doing it.”

With regard to the safety of citizens during the blasting process, Bačić highlighted the process itself and the safety zone will be defined in the removal project.

“The project will entail the blasting method, the required perimeter, the so-called safety zone, within which people and vehicles would need to be removed, and then the removal construction works, concrete recycling and everything else planned in the project would begin,” he said.

Source: HINA

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