Proposal sought for a directive safeguarding workers from ionizing radiation hazards, as directed by the Commission.
The historic "Old Lady" ski jump in Brotterode, Germany, came tumbling down on Friday evening, much to the amazement of around 500 onlookers. The demolition, carried out by the local company MB Special Demolition from Breitungen, was a carefully planned and executed operation that required an additional excavator to ensure the complete dismantling of the structure.
Built in 1969, the ski jump, known as the Inselbergschanze, was remarkably resistant and well-built. Despite showing remarkable resistance during the demolition process, the company opted not to use an explosion due to the increased risk of uncontrolled scattering of parts, vibrations, noise, and dust. Instead, common methods for demolishing ski jumps, such as the use of heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes, were employed.
The demolition process was not without its hiccups. A remote-controlled excavator deployed for the pulling force during the demolition tipped over, causing slight damage. However, the side mirror and window were promptly repaired, and the excavator will be fully operational again. On a previous attempt on June 28, a plan to heat the steel supports with electrical impulses failed due to a technical problem.
The additional steel reinforcements in the inner area of the supports made the ski jump much more stable than indicated in the available plans, causing a delay in the demolition process. This unexpected sturdiness demanded more machinery for an efficient teardown, leading to the deployment of an extra excavator.
The structural engineer was satisfied with the way the ski jump collapsed, first downwards and then sideways. The recycled steel from the ski jump will be dismantled, and the disposal of the steel will begin on Monday, taking only a few days to complete.
The International Ski Federation FIS has demanded the construction of a new ski jump for the hosting of the international Continental Cup. The managing director of MB Special Demolition, Anne Mittelsdorf, expressed interest in demolishing another ski jump, stating that the project was a labor of love for them as a family-run business from the region. The new building is expected to be constructed at a cost of 2.1 million euros by February.
This demolition marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the Brotterode landscape, paving the way for the construction of a new ski jump and the continuation of the town's rich winter sports tradition.
Science and health-and-wellness enthusiasts might find the study of the demolition process of the old ski jump fascinating, analyzing the techniques used and the unexpected sturdiness of the structure, while sports fans eagerly anticipate the construction of a new ski jump for continued fitness-and-exercise and sports activities in Brotterode.
