Dismantling with a view: Chimney in Chemnitz to be removed

In Chemnitz (Altchemnitz district), the controlled dismantling of a 225 metre high reinforced concrete chimney of a combined heating and power plant has begun. The chimney, a striking feature of the city centre skyline, is being removed piece by piece – around one to two metres of the structure are disappearing every day. According to the plan, the work should be completed by March 2026.

Specialised equipment such as mobile excavators and a so-called spider excavator are used for dismantling. The latter is operated by specially trained personnel from Mende Schornsteinbau GmbH & Co. KG, a DA member company. Due to the extreme altitude, the employees must be absolutely free from giddiness. In total, between four and six skilled workers are employed on the construction site, including trained height rescuers, in order to fulfil the requirements of occupational health and safety.

The chimney, which was built in 1974, consists of reinforced concrete and solid internal masonry. Around 3,800 tonnes of reinforced concrete and an additional 1,300 tonnes of internal masonry will be produced during the dismantling process. Disposal will be carried out professionally and in accordance with the environmental regulations TRGS 519 and 521.

The client for the project is Eins Energie Sachsen GmbH & Co. KG. The measure is linked to the planned coal phase-out. The site is to be cleared for new, more sustainable plants.

Photos: Mende Schornsteinbau GmbH & Co. KG

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