In many industrial demolition projects, certain structural elements must be preserved because they remain necessary for future operational or maintenance activities. In this project, INCIMAT developed the complete engineering solution required to preserve a multi-level steel industrial staircase that originally formed part of a larger facility undergoing partial demolition. The primary objective was to structurally separate the staircase from the adjacent structures scheduled for demolition, ensuring its stability both during the execution of the works and in its final standalone configuration.
The project required a detailed inspection of the existing structure, an assessment of its connections to the elements being demolished, and an evaluation of the geometric and operational constraints present within the facility. The staircase also supported various permanent loads associated with equipment and auxiliary installations located at different levels, making it necessary to develop a solution capable of safely transferring these loads to a new independent structural system.
To achieve this, a new steel support structure was designed, consisting of columns, beams, bracing systems, connections, and support elements specifically engineered to progressively assume the loads carried by the existing staircase. The solution was developed using advanced structural modeling techniques and verified for performance throughout the different construction stages, considering both the final configuration and the transient conditions associated with the gradual load transfer process.
One of the most significant aspects of the project was the definition of a detailed construction sequence designed to maintain the stability of the structure throughout all execution stages. Due to access limitations, the coexistence with ongoing demolition activities, and the condition of certain existing structural components, specific procedures were established for geometric control, structural monitoring, and progressive validation of each intervention phase.
This type of project represents one of INCIMAT’s core areas of expertise in structural engineering for existing industrial facilities, combining advanced structural analysis, strengthening and temporary support design, construction planning, and the assessment of structures undergoing transformation, rehabilitation, or demolition processes.