DEMOLITION | Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Truss Separation | 4K VIDEO

00:00 Intro
01:07 Prep Work
04:50 Demo
At 1:28 AM on March 26th, the container vessel, MV Dali, lost power while proceeding south on the Patapsco River out of the Baltimore, Maryland Harbor. The starboard shoulder of the bow impacted the southern channel pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing collapse of the pier and progressive failure of the entire 2,640’ long continuous truss that spanned the two (2), 720’ wide approaches and the 1200’ wide main channel that accommodated vessels having up to a 50 draft.
The collapse of the bridge tragically caused the deaths of six (6) workers performing maintenance on the bridge deck and resulted in the closure of one of the busiest ports in the US, putting an estimated 4,000 port employees out of work while impacting another 15,000 Baltimore residents who relied on port activities for their livelihood.
The City of Baltimore, State of Maryland and Federal Government immediately joined forces toward reopening the channel as quickly as possible under a Unified Command structure led by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Federal government assumed responsibility for clearing debris from the 1200’ wide main channel, Skanska was tasked with debris removal responsibilities outside the main channel and Resolve Marine of Fort Lauderdale, Florida was retained by the ship Owner and its Operations Company to remove debris that had fallen on the bow of the ship and to salvage the vessel.
Resolve Marine retained Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) to design, perform preparations for and carry out explosives separation of the 600’ long southern portion of the channel-span truss from the bow of the Dali.
The bridge truss, pier cap and roadbed debris fell vertically onto the bow of the vessel and the continued motion of the ship caused the truss to twist, adding additional stored energy to the already compromised bridge truss system. CDI’s scope to separate the truss from the ship included preparatory pre-burning operations that would identify and then cope with the stored energy in the box configuration and other truss elements that had flange thicknesses up to 4” thick to be severed with explosives. Strain gauges and other monitoring devices were installed to provide real time readings on truss stability so that pre-burning could be paused as necessary to ensure CDI employee safety.
CDI’s goal was to provide a 60’ wide space between the vessel and the remaining truss, in the water, while rolling as much of the truss as possible off of the bow of the Dali during the explosives initiation sequence. The presence of flammable materials in containers damaged by the bridge collapse necessitated cold cutting for preparation of shaped charge locations where hot work couldn’t be safely performed. Cold cutting could not be completed on all elements above the bow due to the energized truss elements, leading to a plan that would leave a small portion of the truss on the bow and other truss elements draped over the port side for post-blast crane removal.
Preparatory burning was carefully monitored by CDI and structural engineers and the sequence/nature of pre-burning was changed several times following twisting observed in bridge elements during torch work. Working out of 185’ manlifts and crane baskets proved challenging on the water due to wave action, winds and weather that limited working hours. Even as they otherwise prepared to re-float the vessel, Resolve Marine provided marine platforms/equipment to support CDI’s operations toward removing the truss from the Dali as quickly as was safely possible.
A total of 162 pieces of Linear shaped charge explosives were placed at 52 locations with a NET explosives weight totaling 312.69 lbs. of RDX and PETN explosives to create the separation between the truss and the vessel and to permit as much of the truss to rotate off the bow as possible during the blast. Conveyor belt at-source protection was placed by CDI to control the fly of debris from the detonation of the explosives charges.
Once the Unified Command cleared the CDI specified Exclusion Zone around the blast area, Resolve Marine turned on a water fire suppression system over the damaged containers at the bow to mitigate risk of fire.
The Dali crew was sheltered below decks at the stern of the vessel in a soundproofed area during the blast while Resolve Marine and CDI employees positioned themselves at the stern of the vessel during the explosives detonation. The non-electric initiated blast had an integral 9.6 millisecond delay directing the pressure bar away from the vessel and the windows in the bridge which represented the most sensitive element to remain on the vessel.
The charges were detonated at 5 PM on May 13th. The separation was completed, and that portion of the truss intended to roll off of the bow, did so, exactly per plan. There was no reported damage to the vessel, or its cargo and no fire was initiated on the vessel as a result of CDI’s operations.

[@JoshuaR.Collins]

Also love the inclusion of the prep work footage, please do more it in future videos too

[@chouseification]

That's really the part that I miss about their current KZbin video series. I'm used to learning about CDI decades ago when I was a little kid watching the various science shows talking about extreme engineering etc and they would have an episode talking about CDI. They would go through the entire preparation showing them knocking down non-load-bearing walls etc doing all of the drilling adding all the charges doing the wiring the whole deal. That was very exciting for me as I actually got to use commercial explosives when I was 13 helping at a project at my dad's factory. We blew up an old victory ship engine block using shaped charges

[@JoshuaR.Collins]

@@chouseification there was a series called blowdown that they were featured in, you can find the episodes on KZbin, really wish there were more episodes thought. Cdi if you see this, if yall want to do something like that again but just need a camera person, im down to help

[@chouseification]

@@JoshuaR.Collins I think I saw that back in the day. Thanks, will go looking for it. I forget what the OG show I saw was, something in the '80s - ever since then CDI and Loizeaux have been special names to me, and of course they pop up randomly as major projects happen. I really would love to see a modern (good video quality) full in depth "we were hired to drop these old apartment towers" or similar, with all the demolition, engineering discussions, charge loading, etc etc. That would be so cool to all see in HD.

[@JoshuaR.Collins]

@@chouseification thats what blow down is all be its like a 10 year old series (based off cross referencing the demolitions featured with a google search)

[@Youll_Love_It_At_Levitz]

I think they went the extra mile when putting together this video because of the very unique nature of the demolition.

[@ke6gwf]

It really says a lot about you that you are almost always the company called in to do these emergency projects, the Hard Rock Hotel cranes, the apartment building in Florida, this project, and so many others, because they know that no one else is as fast and reliable and willing and able to step in and remove the hazard perfectly. When you are willing to go into the danger zones, and do the planning and prep so fast, it just sets you far apart from everyone else.

[@ritchiedee6210]

that because they are the ones that are STAGING the emergencies.. its false flags dude. it does say a lot, that they should be arrested.

[@StreuB1]

I would bet people from CDI were on-site within 12 hours to put eyes and minds on things before they were even called upon. They are just the best of the best and situations like this, call for the best.

[@GABOvr-on3mo]

Even though this was a tragic event, this video was tastefully and professionally done👏 It focused solely on the project itself and how difficult it was to free the Dali. Great job, CDI, and whoever makes your videos! Your team worked so hard on this. I hope they know how much Baltimore appreciates them❤

[@RGB06084]

My guess is that alot of us CDI fans have really been waiting for this video! I know I have been!

[@alfabsc]

Experts always make it look easy. It's not easy.

[@ceilingunlimited-cp5kq]

Great work as always! RIP to those young construction workers. I pray for their Families.

[@chrispadula221]

I’m convinced that this video was one of the finest ever put out. Very dignified and well executed. You were able to tell a great story in depth.

[@dustinboyce25]

Much respect to your team for going up in 185' lifts while out on the moving ocean. Not sure I could handle it, being in a 125' on flat land is unstable enough out at full stick, a butterfly flapping its wings bounces you around, your experience must have been insane

[@abpsd73]

Agreed, the slightest touch of the controls at full extension almost tosses you around, I can't imagine how it would feel while secured to a barge.

[@jamessimms415]

Even @ age 65+, I still don’t like extreme heights. That would be a definite NO! for me.

[@dkillalegend]

Now THAT is what I consider an elite group of warriors, heroes and geniuses! Thank you, CDI.

[@tomrogers9467]

As soon as I saw men dangling in a steel cage cutting massive trusses under unknown tension, my first thought was how ridiculously dangerous it was. My second was GET CDI ON THE JOB! Good thing the experts were on side with me. Well done!

[@bradjtrains]

5:59 is a view i had not seen up until this point. Great work CDI! Love that a local company came to help out in a time of need.

[@juliedoerr7273]

Job well done. When I saw the implosion, I thought 'I hope they got CDI to do it'. Thank you for sharing the video!

[@ddc1104]

I was glad that the people in charge had the wisdom to call on the best, the hometown crew, "the Pros from Phoenix, Md". WELL DONE!

[@mtkroeger1219]

Job well done! Thank you for answering the call, documenting your response, and sharing it in the most detailed, tactful, factual and respective manner. Loizeaux Group & CDI are the best and a total class act.

[@user-jw7co9ci7t]

Fantastic video, your quality of production keeps getting better and better! Loved the behind the scenes prep work and the up close shots. You guys have the most interesting job in the world keep up the great work!

[@JoshuaR.Collins]

I wondered if you guys were involved, great work, love the video.

[@shackamaxon512]

Soon as I heard they were going to blow the bridge off the Dali I naturally thought of CDI. Very impressive, as usual

[@gus473]

Have been waiting for this one! What planning, placement and execution! Great coverage too! Thanks! 😎

[@johnmilovich2195]

To the six men that lost their lives, Rest in Peace!

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

I grew up watching CDI blowing things up on TV, and it's awesome to see them including some of the prep work that went into the blast too. After all these years, it gets no less impressive.

[@ChrisB257]

This was no mean feat - super challenging and brilliantly executed :).

[@Dave_9547]

Awesome video, great work and thanks for recording this portion for all to get a close up view of how it looked lying on the bow of the Dali.

[@wayneheigl5549]

i knew you guys did this job, beautiful job. they did not say that C.D.I. did the job on the news. you are always there when the chips are down.

[@DavidGlaum]

When I first saw the blast on television, the first thing I thought about was CDI

[@J3scribe]

I've witnessed your work firsthand several times in Las Vegas, and in your numerous videos, and it never ceases to amaze me how precise your work is. Bravo on yet another amazing job.

[@svenhaheim]

Nicely done as always consummate professionals.

[@TechGorilla1987]

I called your company as the ONLY company to do this on the first Sal video he made on the proposed demolition. You're the ONLY company for this.

[@uTube486]

I was so waiting for this video. Thank You

[@jackmeyers9291]

Makes me proud to be from Maryland when I watch the CDI videos. The world gets to see the World's best at what they do

[@MayaPosch]

It was amazing to see this blast on live stream. I had a good idea that it had to be CDI who got contracted for this, awesome to see this behind the scenes look of all the preparations. Meanwhile the Dali has been floated back to a mooring spot in the harbor and the last pieces of the bridge are being removed from the channel, all thanks to this amazing feat by CDI.

[@rodshelley1170]

Watching professionals doing their jobs never gets old - and these guys are the best in the business.

[@tedgerstenslager2949]

Who else, but CDI.

[@CroMagnon123]

The Goats

[@greggd3351]

Thx for including the prep work on this one. Very impressive.

[@paullacey2999]

One of your more poignant videos,after the sad loss of life.Your video shows just how awful that situation must have been and the careful work now required to clear the wreckage.Much appreciated👍

[@RonDevito]

I wish I could slam that like button 1,000 times! Great video. Loved seeing some of the behind-the-scenes prep work and "how the sausage is made." I also love how you respectfully treated this demo video.

[@raybame5816]

The quality of the video is superb. I hadn't had really good views of the ship and bridge carnage before and was impressed by the bridge components size and shape which required CDI to make things happen in the correct direction and sequence. Well done ppl. for sure.

[@StreuB1]

I so called it!!! On "What's going on with shipping" channel, when he reported that they were going to employ explosive cutting to free the Dali, I posted "There is only one _family_ that can pull this off, *_The Loizeaux Family_* is who they are going to call." I was so right, then again, who else? The Loizeaux's are the best in the world. When its the most complex, the most treacherous, the most high profile, the most important, requiring absolute precision, and when failure is not an option, there is only one phone number you dial. It's always CDI. Well done, as always!!!!! God Bless the workers who perished.

[@doofhund3526]

Great work. you guys are the best! Enjoyed seeing the prep work and reading about it as well in the description.

[@tomlayne5842]

wow, just wow, well done CDI, watched it live, but this the real deal, thanks

[@motorTranz]

May God comfort the families of the men who perished. My sincerest condolences.

[@remmiemax3624]

They called in the BEST! This could be your best Video, Bravo!!!! Love the stills...I told you so they would be a hit....GREAT!👍👍😎😎💯💯

[@taotaoliu2229]

Rest In Peace to the 6 workers who were on the bridge. The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse has to be one of the most catastrophic bridge disasters in US history.

[@arvoitus4649]

Tampa Skyway bridge, May 1980, 35 lives lost.

[@nobility66]

TRUE HEROES! To all those who cleaned up the FSK Bridge wreckage, past and future. Especially those workers who lost their lives. RIP!

[@wayneheigl5549]

this video is fantastic showing all the hard work done by C.D.I. people and all that goes into a job. you guys have to be proud because you are all awesome people. god bless you all and be safe in all you do.

[@azbigjohn1]

I really appreciate the background footage and information! I would love to see that on the occasional other videos.

[@davidtoups4684]

Glad to see they contracted a Maryland based company to do this work, especially when they're the best in the business!

[@johnblair8146]

It doesn’t matter where, CDI is who you call. Forget Ghostbusters.

[@JPC-ku1tm]

I had a feeling CDI was going to be involved in this! Great job! 👍

[@MrCJHamill]

A big thanks to CDI / The Loizeaux Group for this footage! Everyone who put this video together and all the workers did a brilliant job! A very impressive presentation for certain.

[@davidmiller6010]

Whoa! Reset! I want a reset. Rewind my life 40 years so I can work for you. That's a job that's different every day, work outside alot and never gets old! That has GOT to be so satisfying!

[@wtxrailfan]

Great job, CDI! Thanks for the video! 👍

[@SJR_Media_Group]

Thanks for sharing... many media reported that Army Corp or Port Authorities did the blasting... one look at the perfect placement of the perfect amount of shaped charges on perfectly cut notches, and all timed to the millisecond was the work of CDI... they wrote the book on controlled demolition...

[@absurdengineering]

There’s several “them” who figured it out. Dr Rocknocker comes to mind, and the many people he trained over the decades.

[@SJR_Media_Group]

​@@absurdengineering Google Search failed to find anything about Dr. Rockocker... does he go by another name?

[@JohnShinn1960]

When I think of the news media, Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry" comes to mind.

[@SJR_Media_Group]

@@JohnShinn1960 Thanks for comment

[@WimsicleStranger]

Probably because the Army Corp of Engineers has a contract with CDI, and seemingly has for the last two decades, so of course it was the actual Corp of Engineers that they went to when they wanted a comment. Two minutes of Google-Fu was able to dig that information up lol

[@NickLombardi-zv7yc]

Very well done. This is one of the best videos you have made. I really enjoyed the little bits of information in this video. Please keep doing that in your future videos.

[@Vito_993]

I knew you guys did it , I told my wife ya do everything 😂

[@akbetz5602]

It had to be CDI! Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes. I told my wife the morning of the collapse- “ CDI is going to go there and use LSC’s to get the bridge off of the boat”

[@donnasypniewski574]

This is a freakin' awesome video. You guys are the best. Classy. Professional. I love the way you made this into a tribute to your crew and their expertise, and included shots of the work done beforehand. Excellent presentation.

[@runswithbeer]

This whole situation has been so interesting to me. I knew they would hire THE BEST. Thanks for showing us the prep!

[@jimkavalier2831]

Amazing work under such circumstances and conditions

[@nigel1964]

I was hoping that CDI got the job because you always document the process and the blow down so well. Thoughts to the men lost. An excellent video thanks

[@timtwichell1534]

Awsome work as always with CDI. True artists at work...Always callled to the toughest challenges. Always amazing.

[@walterfink9782]

As usual, this is beautiful. Love each video. The music played on this video, is exceptional. Thank you!

[@azpcox]

I would love to see the after report: where you expected it to go, where it actually went, and how that changes your placements in the future. In this case, it really came down to best case engineering stresses and modeling on where to place them, but how close were they? Fantastic and safe work! Thanks for the behind the scenes!

[@jimamccracken5783]

CDI is the only company to put trust in when in dire need of demolition. They really do a BANG UP JOB [yes pun intended} have a blessed day.

[@pilotgrrl1]

Probably your best video yet! The drone shots were superb, and showing how everything was prepared was really interesting. CDI, you always do a bang up job (pun intended)!

[@adamstephens99]

I knew you would be doing this one.

[@imbok]

I should have known it was you guys that did this shot. Excellent work in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

[@MikeKobb]

I wondered who did this project. Good on them for hiring the best of the best. What a pity about the camera at 6:29. That would have been an awesome angle to have more of. Looks like it took a direct hit from some debris.

[@cyberhornthedragon]

great work CDI

[@queeg6473]

Greetings from the UK. I watched this demo online on a couple of live streams. It's probably the most watched demo you've done...

[@AggiePhil]

Fantastic work!

[@timbrown1280]

Absolutely incredible

[@TheHuesSciTech]

Great production. I really appreciate leaving the music out while the demolition itself is happening, really good stuff!

[@JohnShinn1960]

Dang, this KZbin channel doesn't have a thank$ option. Dang. Sharing the link to this video on Minorcan Mullet and other channels. GOOD SHOW CDI!! 👍🤠

[@davidschick6951]

As fast as the project is moving, I'd say there are some terrific leaders and incredible technicians at scene. CDI has done amazing work for a very long time.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Great Video!

[@JackColeman1952]

Amazing work. Great video. Good job.

[@otho03]

CDI, absolute legend.

[@LouT1501]

Thank you for the insider's look at this job. Incredible video!

[@robertmailhos8159]

That was definitely a sketchy Job for c.d.i but got it done ✅

[@timmer711]

I knew CDI would be the go to experts for that

[@SMOBY44]

I have video I captured of Jack Loizeaux performing a controlled demolition of the original Fred Meyer's building in downtown Portland. Controlled demo was relatively unheard of back then, just called implosion. Think it was 84, but might have been 85. I have been amazed at the technology ever since, and the name Loizeaux is always involved.

[@jimk8520]

i don’t really know why but the video quality on this is stunning.

[@JohnShinn1960]

An absolute premium perspective. Yep, yessiree, uh huh and amen! 👍🤠

[@jimsvideos7201]

I think we should all be grateful that the skills and experience to accomplish this exist.

[@Illustriousdarnellofficial]

CDI the demolition expert indeed

[@WildRiceRDMC]

Nice work CDI...very professional job.

[@johnvogel641]

Great footage. Thank you for sharing

[@dmaeder]

Excellent job and great production!

[@FrancSchiphorst]

@6:11 that bird went full overdrive

[@pisom4314]

very cool job & great video!!! thanks for sharing the awesome footage with us!!!

[@karaDee2363]

Great job guys!👍

[@charlesreediii5083]

Amazing work once again.

[@zee6810]

This is a great movie, thanks!

[@lokiva8540]

Weeks ago in a discussion with another engineer, I commented it'd make a lot of sense for coveniently local CDI to be part of that salvage. It seemed like politicians were bloviating an awful lot about Army Corps, which has some serious resources, but they're not CDI.

[@samuelcollins1331]

No, the ACE are NOT CDI,,,,,,,but then neither is anyone else👍👍👍

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

The day this happened I said the only safe way to get the truss off the Dali was controlled demolition because all of the cuts had to be made at almost exactly the same time and CDI were the ones to call.

[@Mr.Eldric]

I mean, who else could you call. These guys have done work a few miles from my house and I live in a small town in the north east of England. CDI baby!!!! Oh yeah.

[@mikkelnielsen888]

cool stuff

[@carolinafrog4365]

"The First Family of Bang'!! ive always loved seeing yall's work! is it wrong that im irritated that they didnt get you guys on scene earlier to get that debris cut down faster?

[@eddjordan2399]

cdi are a fantastic company you want it down right call them.

[@kylewalton7005]

very cool. you guys coming out to vegas to take care of the tropicana hotel tower?

[@johnmanthey2683]

Maybe in their long range planning they might recall the old saying "haste makes waste". Perhaps they would be wise to take a long look at Detroit=Windsor Gordie Howe bridge.