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Creole, LA High School: Hurricane Rita Recovery
Removal of transite (asbestos-containing) panels
The abatement of asbestos-containing roofing material was a challenge, but MARCOR's crew handled the project without a flaw.
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A MARCOR crew of eight technicians, one supervisor, and two equipment operators performed asbestos abate-ment and demolition of five, one-story school buildings (each approximately 70' x 100') that were damaged in Hurricane Rita. Located about 1/4 mile from the ocean, a 15-ft. wave surge had knocked down the school's brick and block walls and totally ruined the interior walls and furnishings. Approximately 18,000 sq. ft. of hazardous vinyl asbestos floor tile (VAT) and 50,000 sq. ft. of asbestos-containing (transite) built-up roofing had to be removed before demo could proceed. MARCOR also had to remove wood flooring and bleachers in two gyms.
The roofing abatement was the most challenging aspect of this project. The roof was 8-16 inches thick overall. It consisted of two, 1/4-inch transite panels with fiberboard sandwiched in-between, a built-up roof on top of that, then 4-8 inches of lightweight concrete, and another built-up roof on top of that. In order to safely access and remove the transite, notches were cut into I-beams, and bolts at the bottom of supports were burned off. Then a heavy cable was hooked to an excavator, which carefully pulled each building over while keeping the roofs intact. An excavator peeled away the concrete/built-up roof layers, exposing the intact transite panels for removal.
The VAT was removed using traditional methods. All hazardous material was packed in 30-cu.-yd dumpsters for transport and disposal at an approved hazardous waste facility. A hose supplied constant water spray to control dust during the demolition process. Aluminum, copper, and steel were salvaged for recycling. Non-hazardous construction debris was hauled to a landfill.
