Volpe Demolition
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Proven Protection Technology for Safe Urban Demolition
The Volpe Demolition Project in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is preparing the former National Transportation Systems Center site for the future Kendall Common mixed-use development. To safely dismantle the existing 13-story structure under challenging and changing site conditions, Doka supplied an integrated protection and shoring solution centered around its hydraulic Protection Screen Xclimb 60 system.
Demolishing an aging high-rise structure requires more than careful planning. At the Volpe Project, incomplete building documentation, limited structural capacity, and unforeseen façade conditions created significant challenges before demolition could begin.
Working closely with JDC Demolition and structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti, Doka developed a customized safety concept based on the Protection Screen Xclimb 60. The solution enabled the building to be fully enclosed while adapting to the actual site conditions and maintaining the project schedule.
The project marked the first hydraulic down-climbing application of the Protection Screen Xclimb 60 in the United States, demonstrating how proven protection technology can be successfully applied to new challenges in urban demolition.
Building type
Mixed-use building.
Challenge
Incomplete and outdated building documentation
Complex façade conditions and limited structural capacity
Full building enclosure required before demolition
High safety requirements and tight project schedule
Solution
Customized Protection Screen Xclimb 60 concept
First hydraulic down-climbing application in the USA
Integrated protection and shoring solution with 10K Shoring and Super Props
Comprehensive engineering and field service support
Continuous perimeter protection throughout demolition
Flexible Protection Throughout Every Demolition Stage
Unlike new construction, demolition changes the building structure continuously. As each floor was dismantled, the Protection Screens were hydraulically repositioned to follow the reduced building height and maintain continuous perimeter protection.
Combined with 10K shoring, Super Props and customized XCF Safety Nets, the solution provided safe working conditions throughout every stage of the demolition process. Comprehensive engineering support, pre-assembly, site supervision, and operator training ensured safe and efficient execution from start to finish.
Christian Neumann | Product Expert GEC High Rise | Doka HQ, Amstetten, Austria
„Nearly 20 years after its introduction, Doka's Protection screen Xclimb 60 continues to prove its adaptability. The first hydraulic down-climbing application in the U.S. showcase how engineering experience, customer collaboration and practical project know-how can extend proven technology into new fields of application. After all, the best innovations are often not completely new — they are proven ideas applied in a new way.“
Project data
Year of completion
2026
Country
USA
City
Cambridge
General Contractor
GMA
Demolition Contractor
JDC Demolition
Building data
Building height
175 ft (53 m)m
Number of floors
13