Chemical Bursting: The Silent Revolution in Concrete Demolition
While traditional concrete demolition often relies on hydraulic breakers, pneumatic drills, saw cutting, and explosives, some projects demand more subtle approaches. Chemical bursting, also known as chemical breaking, offers an innovative solution when projects face strict limitations on dust, noise, and vibration, or when access is restricted.
This sophisticated demolition method begins with a carefully planned pattern of boreholes drilled into the concrete. These holes are then filled with an expansive grout slurry that works gradually but effectively. As the grout dries over a period of up to one week, it expands steadily, creating a network of cracks within the first 12-24 hours. This controlled process breaks down the concrete into manageable sections that can be easily removed using hand tools or cranes.
The advantages of chemical bursting are significant:
*Virtually silent operation
*Zero vibration impact
*Minimal dust production
*Enhanced safety profile
What makes this method particularly versatile is its ability to handle mass reinforced concrete of any size. It's especially valuable in confined spaces where large demolition equipment cannot operate. Beyond concrete applications, this technique has proven equally effective for breaking rock in both construction sites and quarries.
About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in six sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities of over $20 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.
R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746
732-222-3553
Full News Archive
2025
2024
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2023
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2022
- R. Baker & Son Wins 3 Highwire 2022 Platinum Safety Awards
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2021
- Organization Mobilization on a Project
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- Emergency Generator Repair at NJ Hospital
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- R. Baker & Son Demo Team Completes Partial Plant Demolition
- Rigging and Anchoring Heavy Machinery and Equipment
- Baker Completes Selective Demolition Project on Christmas Eve
- 3D Rigging Using Building Information Modeling
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- Taking On Diverse Tasks on Renovation and Construction Projects
2020
- Crane & Rigging Operations and Safety During Winter
- Demolition Safety: Structural Shoring and Bracing
- Emergency Warehouse Demolition Brooklyn
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- Tank Rigging Project - Large Food Processing Plant
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- Proper Radio Communication on Construction Sites
- Demolition and Closing the Gap on Project Delays
- Rigging and Setting the Final Pieces of Process Equipment
2019
- Quick Mobilization on Interior Demolition Project
- Rigging and Installing Prefabricated Skids
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- Demolition Contractor: Earning and Keeping Our Great Reputation
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- Demolition Project Goes Underground
- Copper Recycling Offsets Dismantling Project Costs
- CUP Multi-Phase Selective Demolition Project: Demo by Color
- Rigging Safety Guidelines and Procedures
- R. Baker Salvages Fixtures for Reuse on Plant Consolidation
- Safety Planning for Rigging and Demolition Projects
2018
- Rigging Process Equipment Narrow Shaft
- Demolition Equipment Maintenance SOP
- Module Rigging and Installation
- Challenging and Dangerous Duct Demolition
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- Demo Protection on Pharmaceutical Project
- Plant Relocation Specialists - R. Baker and Son
- Baker Works w/ MEP Engineers to Accelerate Plant Relocation
- Fire Protection Requirements in Demolition
- Rigging Equipment - Plan of Control
- Confined Space Construction Rule
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- Virtual Reality The Future of Crane & Rigging Training?
- Rigging, Hoisting & Heavy Equipment Careers
- Substantial Cost Savings in Space Repurposing Project
- Demolition: A Little Ingenuity Goes a Long Way
2017
- Substation & Mechanical Selective Demolition: Out With the Old
- Colossal Claw Revolutionizes Rigging of Sunken Oil Rigs
- Kosciusko Bridge Demolition UPDATE
- Innovative Plan in Manhattan High Rise Project
- Experienced in Cleanroom Demolition
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- IRAs Seven Rs for Asset Recovery
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- Hazardous Noise in Rigging and Demolition
- NYCs Busy Kosciuszko Bridge to be Imploded Summer 2017
- What is a Critical Lift - Crane and Rigging
- Rigging Near Overhead Powerlines
2016
- Compact Boom Lifts Fit Through Standard Doorways
- Rigging of Modular Prefab Pharmaceutical Plants
- Dismantling Clean and Green with R. Baker and Son
- Hydraulics: The Force Behind Rigging & Demolition
- Surgical Industrial Dismantling
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- Total Demolition, Stadium-Style
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- Construction Drones - Providing Eyes In The Sky
2015
- Preserving Old Buildings For Nostalgia
- Tank Farm Dismantling Project - New Jersey
- Expert in Transporting Oversize Loads
- BIM on Plant Relocation Projects
- Skilled Trade Workers: The Shortage Continues
- Understanding Basic Structural Physics Key to Safe Demolition
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- Excavation of Contaminated Soil
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2014
- Dismantling Electrical Systems
- Demolition in a Confined Space
- Utility Safety During Demolition
- Brokk Demo Machines on Pharma Project
- Demolition of Uranium Facility, Once the Largest Building in U.S.
- Crane Load Charts and Capabilities
- Selective Demolition and Preserving History
- Largest Container Cranes and Rigging
- How It Works: BIM in Rigging & Demolition
- September 2014 Issue of "The Outrigger"
- Mold Remediation on Demolition Projects
- Pre-Project Rigging and Demolition Safety Measures
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- Qualified Riggers vs. Certified Riggers: What is the Difference?
- Fluorescent Bulb Recycling and Mercury
- Outrigger Newsletter June 2014
- The Complexities of Plant Relocation
- Brownfield Sites and Land Revitalization
- Man Baskets in Rigging, Demolition, and Dismantling
- New York City Demolition Waste
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- Hard Hats - Safety Equipment and PPE
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- Check Out - The Outrigger Newsletter, March 2014
- Supporting Women, Minority, and Veteran-Owned Businesses
- Expert Professional Rigging Services
- R. Baker & Son Partners on Numerous OSHA VPP Star Projects
- R. Baker & Son Top-Rated by ISNetworld
- EPAs Website Simplifies Compliance
- Use of Robotic Equipment Expanding in Demolition Industry
2013
- R. Baker & Son Selected as ENR Top 600 Specialty Contractor
- First Aid Kits & Construction Safety
- Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning
- R. Baker & Son: Dust Suppression and Control
- Ruby Baker and the History of R. Baker & Son
- Wooden Rooftop Water Tanks: Familiar Fixtures of NYC Skyline
- Demolition Vibrations Used to Study Earthquakes
- Clean Projects Keep an Eye on the Environment
- The Future of High-Rise Demolition in NYC
- The Difference Between Riggers and Millwrights
- Plant Relocation: Working with a Multi-Phased Master Plan
- Asset and Investment Recovery in the Modern Market
- Demolition, History and Wrecking Balls
- NYCs Lesson in Preservation: Demo of the Original Penn Station
- R. Baker & Son the Clear Choice for NYC Demolition
- Keeping a Construction Jobsite Clean
- 3D Laser Scanning Excellent Tool for Project Planning
- Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association
- Smart Phones and Construction Apps
- 79th Annual Investment Recovery Seminar
- March 2013 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter
- Interior Demolition and the Work Environment
- Crane and Rigging Fundamentals
- OSHA Safeguarding Workers for Over Forty Years
- Air Casters Provide Simple Rigging Solutions
- Statue of Liberty Renovation Project
2012
- Tricky Job With A Very Aggressive Schedule
- Building Information Modeling Tools
- Borescope Use In Construction and Demolition
- Three Industrial Classes For Hard Hats
- A Tale of Two Projects - Red Bank, NJ
- September 2012 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Now Available
- ENR Magazine Ranked R. Baker #1 Demolition/Wrecking Contractor
- Clients Expect Total Care in Plant and Equipment Relocation
- Investment Recovery Reduces Project Costs
- Bringing Safety Home According to OSHA
- R. Baker & Son - Handling the Largest of Projects with Total Care
- June 2012 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Now Available
- R. Baker & Son Recognized by Skanska for Safety Commitment
- World Trade Center Transportation Hub Project H&M Wall Demolition
- Dust, Noise and Vibration During Demolition and Rigging
- Brownfields Go Green with Renewable Energy
- R. Baker & Son is ISNetworld Rated A
- Baker Rigging Services Make Room for Space Shuttle Enterprise
- Join Us at INTERPHEX 2012 May 1-3 2012 at Javits Center NYC
- Safety a Priority - R. Baker & Son Maintains VPPPA Membership
- R. Baker & Son March 2012 Outrigger Newsletter Available
- Proud Sponsor of Patty-Joe Goodwin Undefeated Snowboarder
- Dust, Noise and Vibration During Demolition
- R. Baker & Son Proud Members of the SC&RA
2011
- Demolition and Decommissioning Planning Document Available
- An Interview with David S Baker - President of R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son Rigs Russian Space Capsule at Intrepid Video
- R. Baker & Son in ACT Magazine Sept 2011
- Come Visit R. Baker & Son at INTERPHEX 2011 in Puerto Rico
- Slideshow Of Rigging Performed at National 9 11 Memorial Museum
- The Rising : Rebuilding Ground Zero - Discovery Channel Video
- 5000 pounds of Babbit Scrap Metal For Sale
- Video of FDNY Ladder 3 Lowered into 911 Museum by Baker
- LEED: Maximizing Your Rating Points
- R. Baker & Son Leading Demolition Company in North America 2011
- R. Baker & Son June 2011 Rigging Demolition Newsletter Available
- Water Tower Demolition Experts
- R. Baker Completes Fast Paced Pharmaceutical Rigging Project
- R. Baker & Son Video of Dustboss in Action
- Used Equipment Sale DC Motor Generators and Electrical Equipment
- R. Baker & Son Renews NJ Public Works Contractor Registration
- March 2011 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Available
- Visit R. Baker & Son Booth at INTERPHEX 2011 March 29 - 31
- R. Baker & Son Renews VPPPA Membership for 2011
- The Missing Work Scope In Mission Critical
2010
- Lock Out Tag Out Safety Practices
- Exhibiting at 2010 POWER-GEN International Tradeshow
- R. Baker & Son Dec 2010 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter
- OSHA New Final Rule on Cranes and Derricks
- Hard Hat News Sept 2010 Article Features R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son in Equipment Today Magazine September 2010
- R. Baker & Son Makes 2010 World Demolition Awards Shortlist
- Sept 2010 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Available
- R. Baker & Son Ranked #1 Demolition- Wrecking Contractor 2010
- R. Baker & Son Is Your Best Industrial Contractor Choice
- NDA Publishes High Reach Demolition Safety Document
- New NYC Dept of Buildings Safety Registration
- Website of R. Baker & Son Updated to Highlight Services
- R. Baker & Son June 2010 Outrigger Newsletter Now Available
- Dun & Bradstreet Reaffirms R. Baker & Son 3A3 Rating
- New Puerto Rico Business Development Manager
- R. Baker & Son Establishes Better EMR Safety Rating
- Demolition and Rigging Newsletter March 2010 Now Available
- Visit R. Baker & Son at the INTERPHEX Puerto Rico 2010
- R. Baker & Son Featured on Facility of the Year Awards Website
- R. Baker & Son Featured in Crane Hot Line Magazine
- R. Baker & Son Rigging and Demolition Blog
- R. Baker & Son Highlights Rigging Services Photo Album
- Plant Relocation and Reconfiguration Services
- R. Baker & Son Featured in Hard Hat News Jan 15 2010
- Highlights Industrial Demolition Contractors Services in NJ
2009
- R. Baker Featured on Building Design & Construction Website
- December 2009 Outrigger Newsletter Available From R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son is a Proud Member of the VPPPA
- Follow R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services on Facebook
- Highlights of Interior Demolition Contractors Services
- R. Baker and Son Veteran Owned and Operated
- Equipment Today Features Demolition Project by R. Baker and Son
- Baker Highlights Demolition Services in NJ
- Petrochemical Plant Dismantlement Project in The News
- R. Baker & Son Completes Demolition Project for Con Edison
- R. Baker & Son Highlights Recent Safety and Industry Awards
- Global Rigging Services and Machinery Moving
- R. Baker & Son Ranked in Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies 2009
- Baker on NY Constructions 2009 Specialty Contractor List
- Demo and Remediation Project in NYC Featured in Magazine
- BioPharm Plant Relocation in NJ Safely Completed
- Preserving the Past Article Features R. Baker & Son
- Hard Hat News - Story on R. Baker and Son Demolition Project
- Construction Equipment Guide Story on Dismantling Project
- R. Baker & Son Dismantles Cooling Towers at Active Facility
- How to Think Globally and Act Locally
- R. Baker and Son Safety Record Featured in Hard Hat News
- Historic Preservation of Coastal Defense Gun Battery
- R. Baker Named as a Leading Demo Company in North America
- Yankee Atomic Nuclear Plant Dismantling Project
- R. Baker & Son Rigging Project Featured in Hard Hat News
- R. Baker Contributes to Pharmaceutical Client Winning FOYA
- R. Baker & Son Featured in Site Prep Magazine
- Pre-Engineered Modular Construction by R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial in the LEED on GREEN Since 1935
- R. Baker & Son Wins EBJ Business Sustainability Achievement Award
- R. Baker & Son Announces 5th Year of Non-Recordable Incidents
- To All of Our Valued Employees, Subcontractors and Customers
- R. Baker & Son Featured in American Recycler Magazine
2008
- Rigging and Machinery Relocation Completed
- R. Baker & Son Featured in Blasted - Show on Science Channel
- R. Baker & Son Featured On Environmental Expert Website
- C&D Recycling Magazine Features R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son Featured in Construction Equipment Guide
- Baker Listed in Directory of Building Deconstruction Companies
- Plant, Machinery and Facility Relocation Contractors Services
- R. Baker & Son Featured in C and D Recycling Magazine
- Nationwide Building Demolition Contractors Services
- R. Baker & Son Listed as 2008 Top Specialty Contractor
- Highlights Water Tower Demolition Services
- Completed Relocation and Installation of Intrepid Brass Propeller
- Completes Critical Installation of Generator for Private Client
- R. Baker & Son Completes Selective Demolition of LNG Vaporizers
- R. Baker on Cover of American Cranes and Transport Magazine
- Constructioneer Magazine Features Baker Demolition Project
- Service Highlight - R. Baker & Son
- Building Demolition Contractor Services - New Jersey
- R. Baker & Son Makes Quick Work of Fast Food Project
- Awarded Large Rigging and Relocation Project in New York City
- Baker Celebrates 73rd Year in Business
- Large Hospital Demolition Completed by R. Baker and Son NYC
- R. Baker & Son Maintains 3A2 D&B Rating
Recent News
Demolition and Rigging: A Half Century of Safety Innovation
Safety stands as the cornerstone of everything we do at R Baker and Son's demolition and rigging operations. Those of us with decades of experience in the field understand the importance of...
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R. Baker was awarded a large demolition project in an existing 130k sq/ft laboratory facility to make way for a new modern lab facility. Our client had presented us with a very aggressive demolition...
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Safety is contagious, much like many other human behaviors. We are naturally inclined to be influenced by positive examples set by others. When a driver buckles up, passengers often follow suit. This...
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R. Baker & Son was awarded a project to perform interior demolition of a 55,000 sq/ft three-story patient area in a New York hospital. The wing, erected in the early 1980s and renovated in the...