Explosive demolition techniques were used to remove a bridge structure in the US at the weekend. In California on the west coast, the removal of a pier from the old Bay Bridge structure was carried out. The explosive demolition was organised by 5246 Caltrans, with around 10tonnes of explosives being used to blast the redundant bridge pier. Protective layers of wood and steel were used to prevent debris from the massive 24.4m x 42.7m bridge pier from being thrown into the air. Meanwhile a special bubble curtain was also used around the pier to minimise the effects of the blast on wildlife in the surrounding area. Although water was thrown over 30m into the air by the blast, the mat prevented and debris.
