The Growing Role of Remote Controlled Demolition in Major Venue Upgrades
Large-scale renovation projects, particularly in the sports and entertainment sector, present unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. When the Atlanta Hawks embarked on a $192.5 million transformation of Philips Arena, the demolition phase alone required removing nearly 3,000 tons of concrete within a tight 12-week window. The contractor selected for this critical phase, SSD Demolition and Environmental, turned to remote controlled demolition machines to meet the aggressive schedule while maintaining worker safety and productivity. This approach has become increasingly common across the construction industry as arena construction standards continue to evolve toward faster, safer methodologies.
Remote controlled demolition equipment offers distinct advantages over traditional handheld tools and wire-cutting methods. The Brokk 160 machines used on the Philips Arena project are electric-powered, eliminating exhaust fumes in enclosed workspaces while delivering remarkable power relative to their compact size. Operators control these machines from a safe distance using a remote console, reducing exposure to falling debris, silica dust, and other hazards inherent in demolition work. The ability to precisely position breakers and cutting attachments from multiple angles also speeds progress and reduces the need for scaffolding and crane time.
Before the widespread adoption of remote controlled demolition technology, contractors relied heavily on handheld hydraulic breakers, wire sawing, and explosive demolition techniques for interior structural removal. Each of these methods carried significant drawbacks: handheld tools exposed workers to vibration injuries and falling debris, wire sawing was time-consuming, and explosives introduced safety and scheduling complications. The emergence of compact, electric-powered demolition robots has fundamentally changed how contractors approach interior demolition, particularly in multi-level structures where access and safety are paramount concerns.
Technical Capabilities of Modern Demolition Robots
Power and Precision in Compact Packages
Modern remote controlled demolition machines such as the Brokk 160 weigh approximately 1,500 kilograms yet deliver breaker impact energy comparable to much larger hydraulic excavators. The three-part arm design provides extended reach and exceptional maneuverability, allowing operators to work in confined spaces that would be inaccessible to conventional equipment. During the Philips Arena project, crews stationed one machine at the north end and another at the south end of the stadium, demolishing concrete suites by working systematically toward the center. This two-machine approach allowed the contractor to cut total demolition time roughly in half compared to using a single unit.
The compact footprint of these machines is a critical advantage in arena and stadium environments. Standard demolition excavators are too large to operate on upper seating levels, cannot fit through standard doorways, and impose weight restrictions on elevated slabs. Remote controlled demolition robots, by contrast, can be transported via service elevators, moved through narrow corridors, and positioned on slabs that would not support heavier equipment. This accessibility eliminates the need for crane lifting in many situations, further reducing schedule demands and equipment coordination complexity.
Attachment Versatility
The same machine can accommodate multiple attachments for different tasks, which streamlines operations on complex demolition sites. Quick-coupling systems allow operators to switch between tools in minutes rather than hours. Common attachments used in arena and large-venue demolition include:
- Hydraulic breakers for concrete and masonry demolition
- Steel-cutting shears for rebar and structural steel reinforcement
- Concrete crushers for reducing material to manageable sizes for removal
- Bucket attachments for material handling and debris cleanup
- Hydraulic hammers for concentrated impact work on thick structural elements
On the Philips Arena job, SSD paired its Brokk machines with an Atlas Copco SB 202 hydraulic breaker for concrete demolition and switched to a steel-cutting attachment for rebar, eliminating the need for handheld torches. Brokk salesman John Haugabook brought the steel-cutting attachment when delivering the machines, anticipating the contractor’s need. SSD tried the attachment, immediately recognized the productivity improvement, and purchased it on the spot. This flexibility significantly improved productivity and reduced labor requirements across the full scope of the project.
Electric Power Advantages for Interior Work
One of the most significant benefits of electric-powered demolition machines is the elimination of diesel exhaust fumes. When working inside an enclosed arena structure, ventilation is limited and air quality becomes a critical concern. Electric machines allowed SSD to operate continuously without requiring extensive ventilation systems or respiratory protection for workers in adjacent areas. This consideration becomes even more important when working near occupied areas, sensitive building systems, or facilities that must remain operational during construction.
Additionally, electric machines produce significantly less noise than their diesel counterparts, which helps contractors comply with local noise ordinances and reduces hearing protection requirements for workers. In a project like Philips Arena, where the building was surrounded by downtown Atlanta neighborhoods and businesses, minimizing noise disruption was an important community relations consideration. The quieter operation also improved communication between crew members on the demolition floor, enhancing coordination and safety.
Project Management Strategies for Accelerated Demolition Schedules
Workforce Deployment and Shift Planning
Meeting an aggressive 12-week deadline required meticulous planning and a substantial workforce. SSD deployed 42 crew members working in two 10-hour shifts, six days per week. Each of the two Brokk 160 machines was operated by a two-person team: one operator managing the remote control and a second person serving as a spotter to ensure safety and maintain communication with other trades working nearby.
The shift structure allowed continuous progress while providing adequate rest periods and preventing operator fatigue. During daytime shifts, the primary demolition crews focused on breaking concrete and cutting steel. Night crews handled debris removal and cleanup, clearing the level below the active demolition zone. This separation of demolition and cleanup tasks maximized equipment utilization, kept each work zone organized and safe, and ensured that each morning the demolition team had a clean, clear area in which to begin work.
SSD Senior Vice President Gregory Gorman noted that the company’s plan to use specialized remote controlled machines was what won them the project. The general contractor team recognized that the innovative approach would deliver faster results with less reliance on the project’s shared crane, which was needed for multiple concurrent work packages across the arena. By self-performing demolition with compact, agile equipment, SSD reduced coordination overhead and kept the critical path moving.
Debris Management and Material Handling
Efficient debris removal was critical to maintaining demolition velocity. SSD implemented a multi-stage material handling system that included several coordinated components:
- Deflection shields and scaffolding to contain falling debris within each work zone
- Debris chutes to direct material to lower levels for collection and processing
- Mini excavators and skid steers for loading debris into hoppers at each level
- A service elevator for transporting material to ground-level containers
- Dedicated recycling streams for concrete and metal separation
Each arena level yielded between 300 and 410 cubic yards of concrete debris. In total, SSD recycled 2,760 tons of concrete from nine levels, demonstrating that well-planned demolition can support sustainable stadium construction goals through comprehensive material recovery. The recycled concrete was processed offsite and used as aggregate for new construction, reducing the project’s overall environmental footprint and landfilling costs.
Coordination with General Contractors
Unlike traditional project phasing where one contractor finishes before another begins, the Philips Arena renovation required all contractors to work simultaneously from the start. SSD coordinated closely with the general contracting team comprising Turner Construction Company, AECOM Hunt, SG Contracting, and Bryson Constructors. The general contractor’s 350-ton crane on the arena floor was used to move the Brokk machines between levels, making crane scheduling a critical coordination point that required weekly planning meetings and real-time adjustments.
Phase one construction wrapped up in late October, just in time for an Eagles concert and the start of the NBA basketball season. Phases two and three involved additional architectural work and the bulk of construction for new amenities, additions, and layout changes. The overall project was completed for the 2018-19 basketball season, coinciding with the Hawks’ 50th anniversary in Atlanta – a timeline that would have been impossible without the accelerated demolition phase.
Safety, Productivity, and Lessons for Future Projects
Measurable Productivity Improvements
SSD President Michael Gorman reported that the Brokk machines improved productivity by as much as 50 percent compared to conventional demolition methods. The ability to complete one arena level per week, working systematically from top to bottom, allowed SSD to finish its portion of the project in 74 days – three days ahead of the already aggressive schedule. Each level involved demolishing the suite walls, concrete slabs, pillars, utilities, seating, handrails, floor and wall coverings, and drywall before moving to the next tier.
The following table summarizes the key metrics from the Philips Arena demolition phase:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total concrete demolished and recycled | 2,760 tons |
| Concrete removed per arena level | 300 to 410 cubic yards |
| Project duration | 74 days (3 days ahead of schedule) |
| Work schedule | 6 days per week, 2 x 10-hour shifts |
| Crew size | 42 personnel rotating through shifts |
| Remote controlled demolition machines | 2 x Brokk 160 |
| Total arena levels demolished | 9 levels |
| Productivity improvement vs. conventional methods | Up to 50 percent |
Safety Advantages of Remote Operation
Worker safety was a primary driver behind SSD’s decision to use remote controlled demolition machines. By operating from a safe distance, workers avoided direct exposure to flying concrete fragments, falling debris, and the noise and vibration associated with hydraulic breakers operating at close range. The remote operation also completely eliminated fall risks when working near unprotected edges on upper levels, removing one of the most serious hazards in high-rise demolition work.
The deflection field system – composed of plywood and scaffolding installed at the edge of each level – provided both fall protection and debris containment. Combined with the remote operation of demolition machines, this created multiple layers of safety protection that would be difficult to achieve with handheld methods. No serious injuries were reported during the demolition phase, a testament to the effectiveness of combining engineered safety systems with remote operation technology.
Applicability to Other Construction Sectors
The techniques developed on the Philips Arena project have broad applicability beyond sports venue renovation. Remote controlled demolition machines are equally valuable for a wide range of construction and demolition scenarios:
- Industrial facility retrofits where hazardous materials may be present and worker exposure must be minimized
- Bridge and infrastructure demolition requiring precision work near active traffic lanes or utilities
- Interior demolition in occupied buildings where noise, dust, and vibration must be carefully controlled
- Nuclear and chemical facility decommissioning where remote operation is essential for worker safety
- Selective demolition in historic renovations where surrounding fabric must be preserved intact
As new stadium and arena projects increasingly incorporate flexible seating configurations, premium amenities, and improved sightlines, the complexity of demolition and renovation work continues to increase. The success of the Philips Arena project demonstrates that with the right equipment, careful planning, and a skilled workforce, even the most challenging schedules can be met without compromising safety or quality.
The broader trend toward large-scale venue renovation projects requires demolition contractors to continuously upgrade their capabilities and invest in modern equipment. Remote controlled machines represent a significant step forward in making demolition safer, faster, and more precise. For contractors considering investment in this technology, the Philips Arena case study provides compelling evidence that the productivity gains and safety improvements justify the capital expenditure, particularly for firms that regularly work on complex structural demolition projects in confined interior spaces.