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Concrete removal inside an active high-rise is never just about cutting concrete. It is about precision, planning, and complete control over risk.
In this project, RapidCrete was tasked with removing over 100 tons of suspended slab concrete between post-tension cables across three levels of a fully operational residential tower in downtown Vancouver. The work had to be done without disrupting occupants, without compromising structural integrity, and under strict environmental controls.
Project Type: Residential High-Rise
Location: Downtown Vancouver
Scope:
Shoring engineering
Work plan development and submission
Concrete cutting and removal
Disposal of suspended slabs on Levels 29, 30, and 31
Volume Removed: 100+ tons
The objective was to create three vertically aligned slab openings for a new internal staircase.
This project combined multiple high-risk conditions:
The building was fully active and occupied
Work had to be completed during night shifts
Strict dust, slurry, and silica control was required to protect the building
Elevator limitations made removal logistics complex
The slabs were post-tensioned, meaning any error could lead to serious structural consequences
This was not just a cutting job. It required full coordination between engineering, planning, and execution.
Precision in Post-Tension Slabs
The slab was post-tensioned, and cutting had to be performed exactly between tensioned cables.
GPR scanning was used to locate cables
No margin for error in cutting paths
Openings across three floors had to align perfectly
To achieve this, pilot core drilling was performed at the corners to ensure vertical alignment before full cutting began.
Engineering and Load Control
Removing large sections of suspended slab required careful structural management.
Full shoring design and engineering was required
Cutting and removal had to follow a strict sequence
Load had to remain balanced on the shoring system at all times
Full Responsibility Under One Sub-Contractor
RapidCrete was responsible for the entire scope:
Hiring and coordinating shoring engineering
Developing the work plan
Securing approvals
Executing the work
All approvals were obtained from the property manager, general contractor, and other stakeholders before work began.
Detailed Planning and Coordination
A comprehensive work plan was submitted that included:
Safety procedures
Technical execution details
Step-by-step sequencing
Day and night scheduling
Every aspect of the job was planned before execution started.
The project progressed largely as planned due to an accurate upfront assessment.
One challenge identified during scanning was rebar congestion in certain areas. This required adjustments to cutting locations and sequencing to avoid cutting directly through rebar.
These changes were made early and did not impact the overall schedule.
Instead of providing only cutting services, RapidCrete delivered a complete solution.
The client was given:
Multiple execution options
A clear and detailed plan
Full visibility into sequencing and safety
By handling everything from engineering to execution, RapidCrete removed the need for multiple subcontractors and simplified accountability.
The project followed a structured process:
Site review and internal planning
Development of cutting sequence and block sizing
Shoring design and engineering coordination
Submission of a detailed work plan
Approval from all stakeholders
Night shift execution according to plan
The work was completed without deviation from the approved plan.
Over 100 tons of concrete removed safely
Zero disruption to building operations
All work completed according to plan
Environmental controls maintained throughout
The outcome extended beyond the project itself.
The property manager, satisfied with the execution, introduced RapidCrete to other unit owners in the building, resulting in additional work within the same high-rise.
1. One Contractor, Full Control
Managing the full scope under one contractor simplifies coordination, reduces risk, and creates clear accountability.
2. In-House Capability Matters
Having scanning, cutting, shoring, and disposal capabilities in-house allows for better control, faster decisions, and higher confidence for the client.
3. Planning Drives Execution
When planning is done correctly, execution becomes predictable. This project was successful because every step was defined before work began.
Projects like this require more than technical skill. They require ownership, coordination, and precision at every stage.
RapidCrete continues to support complex structural work by delivering complete solutions that clients can rely on.