Wrecking ball

Video of a wrecking ball in operation to demolish the Raiffeisen Silo feed mill in Uetersen, Germany

A wrecking ball is a heavy steel ball, usually hung from a crane, that is used for demolishing large buildings. It was most commonly in use during the 1950s and 1960s. Several wrecking companies claim to have invented the wrecking ball. An early documented use was in the breaking up of the SS Great Eastern in 1888–1889, by Henry Bath and Co, at Rock Ferry on the River Mersey.

In 1993, the wrecking ball was described as "one of the most common forms of large-scale coarse demolition."^[1] With the invention of hydraulic excavators and other machinery, the wrecking ball has become less common at demolition sites as its working efficiency is less than that of long reach excavators.

Wrecking balls should be distinguished from overhaul hook balls, which although superficially similar looking, are different and serve a different purpose.

^ Lauritzen, Erik K., ed. (1993). Demolition and reuse of concrete and masonry: guidelines for demolition and reuse of concrete and masonry: proceedings of the Third International RILEM Symposium on Demolition and Reuse of Concrete and Masonry held in Odense, Denmark, organized by RILEM TC 121-DRG and the Danish Building Research Institute, Odense, Denmark 24–27 October 1993. London: E & FN Spon. p. 139. ISBN 0419184007.

[Lauritzen-1] Lauritzen, Erik K., ed. (1993). Demolition and reuse of concrete and masonry: guidelines for demolition and reuse of concrete and masonry: proceedings of the Third International RILEM Symposium on Demolition and Reuse of Concrete and Masonry held in Odense, Denmark, organized by RILEM TC 121-DRG and the Danish Building Research Institute, Odense, Denmark 24–27 October 1993. London: E & FN Spon. p. 139. ISBN 0419184007.

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