Completed precision hand held hydrodemolition works
Hydrodemolished track slab
Concrete Hydrodemolition
Overview
The technique of using high pressure (HP) or ultra high pressure (UHP) water jets to cut and remove concrete from a structure is known within civil engineering as concrete hydrodemolition.
The principal benefit is that the water jet leaves steel reinforcements and/or structural embedments undamaged and ready for re-use.
This method is widely used in the alteration or repair of structures in many industry sectors.
It is now recognised by civil engineers, structural engineers and consultants as the safest, most effective, vibration-free method of concrete removal. The remaining structure suffers no cracking, reinforcing steel is left undamaged and the concrete retains its original integrity.
Can precision cut cement and aggregate to tight tolerances
Creates no percussive noise or vibration
Does not cause micro cracks in the structure
Does not damage reinforcing steel or cause loosening within the structure
Superior surface is created for bond with new concrete or coating
Removes chlorides and other non-visible contamination
Uses mains water which is captured and treated, thus causing no contamination to the environment
Removal of new concrete that has been placed in the wrong place, has not reached the correct strength or was poured without the steel reinforcement in place
Removal of existing concrete to allow tying into existing structures e.g. concrete pockets can be accurately cut
Removal of concrete to preserve expensive steel fabrication
Removal of concrete in close proximity to water/gas mains and high voltage cables
Removal of concrete damaged by salt and other chemicals
Removal of concrete under water
Removal of coatings, laitance, waterproofing, aggregate exposure, spalling or damaged concrete
Concrete surface preparation for bonding with new concrete (scabbling)
Preparation and protection of steel structures
Removal of concrete blockages inside pipes
No HAVS issues – crews can work normal hours without risk
No heat/dust, sparks created or blades to clog or go blunt
Usually faster than jack hammering – see ‘UHP Waterjetting vs. jackhammers’ PDF
Noise caused created by percussive tools is eliminated
