He adds that dealing with the concrete structure's reinforcing steel, the area's poor soil conditions and the limited selection of low-energy and low-velocity explosives available in New Zealand were the job's greatest challenges.

The building came down in seven seconds after a week of preparation. Workers placed  47 kg  of explosives into 141 holes drilled on levels of the building.

No debris flew outside of the at-source protection placed within and around the structure, says CDI. There was also no damage to adjacent structures, including a two-story building located less than 35 ft away.

CDI and its team managed to avoid damaging   underground utilities, which was a major concern to government authorities. “Vibration  generated was very low, says Loizeaux.

The key task remaining is to compare actual vibration readings, taken from soil that has been called “the worst” in Christchurch” to see if CDI’s computer were able to accurately predict vibration at various distances to adjacent properties. The models are based  CDI’s implosion database of similar structures and soil conditions.

If the real data lines up with the models, it is likely that the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority will accept requests to use controlled demolition on other damaged properties, rather than razing using  slower, more conventional methods, says Loizeaux.