How Hydrodemolition Transforms Concrete Repair and Surface Preparation
Hydro cutting concrete, also known as hydrodemolition or hydroblasting, is a concrete removal technique that uses high-pressure water jets to precisely remove damaged, deteriorated, or sound concrete without damaging the remaining structure or reinforcing steel. This method offers significant advantages over mechanical methods, including reduced noise and vibration, environmental friendliness, and a clean surface with a good profile for new concrete bonding.
What is hydrodemolition?
Hydrodemolition is a technique that uses high-pressure water jetting for the removal or controlled demolition of concrete. Due its vibration-free and environmentally friendly nature, it is often the preferred method of removing loose, deteriorated or damaged concrete. One of the key advantages of the process is that selective removal of concrete is possible without any damage to steel reinforcements. The result is a clean surface with an excellent profile for bonding of new concrete.
How does hydrodemolition work?
ACR™ robots remove concrete by moving a high-pressure water jet over the surface in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined speed until the desired depth is reached. This is repeated over the entire surface in order to guarantee the same quality depth over the entire structure.
The remaining surface is free from delaminated or otherwise damaged concrete, leaving a perfect surface for the new concrete to bond to.
In the process of hydrodemolition, no microcracks are introduced to the structure. Neither does hydrodemolition cut the rebars. If there is corrosion on the rebars, it is removed in the hydrodemolition process.
Methods of Hydrodemolition
There are two methods of concrete hydrodemolition: manual hand lance and robojetting. Manual hand lance Hydrodemolition is perfect in instances where a small amount of concrete is to be removed, whereas robojetting is perfect where speed, access, and safety are of paramount importance.
Types of Hydrodemolition
* Conventional or Handheld in compact and difficult spaces, our expert operatives are able to perform hydrodemolition by hand-lancing. They can identify the correct water pressure and volume levels required and utilize a selection of high-quality nozzles and attachments to achieve the best results for your project.
* Robotic – robots such as our Aqua Cutter 410A Evolution are suitable for larger jobs and perfect when absolute precision is required. Hydroblast regularly invests in the latest hydrodemolition equipment for a fast, reliable service and minimal downtime.
Advantages of Hydrodemolition
Hydrodemolition and high-pressure water jetting offer numerous technical, environmental, safety, and financial benefits over other methods of concrete removal. The various benefits of Hydrodemolition are highlighted below.
Technical Benefits
* Maintains the structural integrity of reinforcing steel
* Reinforcing steel is cleaned during High Pressure Water Jetting
* Eliminates chlorides and other invisible contamination
* Permits selective removal of detective concrete, allowing unflawed concrete to remain
* Produces a clean surface ideal for bonding with new concrete
Safety Benefits
* Hydrodemolition is vibration free, thus removing the risk of operators of injuries associated with Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome
Environmental Benefits
* No dust pollution
* Hydrodemolition is non-percussive and reduces noise pollution
* Water can be captured after operation, eliminating the risk of contamination.
Financial Benefits
* Hydrodemolition operations are often quicker than conventional methods, resulting in shorter process times and reduced cost.
THE Ideal Areas Applications for Hydrodemolition Equipment
Hydrodemolition equipment enables a versatile, safe, and precise way to repair concrete for a wide variety of large-scale, small, and hard-to-reach projects ranging from concrete structure repair and removal, to surface repair and many more. Whether you need simple surface preparation or a complete concrete excavation and removal, ACR™ robots can help. Hydrodemolition equipment is utilized within several industries to help restore and repair structures and infrastructure such as, but not limited to:
* Roads, bridges, and runways
* Ports and quays
* Parking decks
* Canals and locks
* Dams, spillways, and turbines
* Pillars, piles, and columns
* Tunnels, aqueducts, and pipes
* Nuclear power plants
* Water treatment facilities
* Stadiums and warehouses
Conclusion
Hydrodemolition (or hydro demolition) is the controlled use of high-pressure water jets to remove or demolish concrete. The hydrodemolition process is an incredibly safe and efficient way to cut and remove concrete without affecting steel substructures and other important parts of buildings or machinery.
As well as being incredibly effective, hydrodemolition is also gentler on the environment. High pressure water jetting is much quieter than the heavy-duty equipment that is traditionally used, reducing the acoustic impact on surrounding areas. Waste water can easily be collected and filtered to prevent cross-contamination, and our operations comply with ISO 14001 for responsible environmental management.
To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO, which features leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy, through the following link:https://aquaenergyexpo.com/
References
1- The UK’s Leading Hydrodemolition Contractors
Hydrodemolition Contractors & Concrete Removal | Corejet
2- HYDRODEMOLITIO
Hydrodemolition – Concrete removal with high-pressure water
3- Hydrodemolition: Demolition Using The Power Of Water
https://hydroblast.co.uk/hydrodemolition/#
