Hydrodemolition of Concrete Overview

Hydrodemolition is a concrete removal technique which harnesses the power of ultra-high pressure water to cut and remove concrete. At RGL we specialise on “taking the man away from the job” and have a selection of semi-automatic, hydraulically driven equipment which can be remotely operated. There is always a need for some “hand gunning” works but we try to keep this top a minimum in favour of our remotely operated options.

The principal benefits of this method over percussive systems (jack hammers, breakers etc) are three fold:

• No risk to the operator of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) permitting operators to work safely and complete full shifts without harm
• The water jetting process leaves steel reinforcement and/or structural embedments undamaged and ready for re-use.
• There is no percussion therefore no risk of damage to other parts of the structure due to vibration or percussive shocks
• The “broken edge” left by water jetting has sufficient “key” properties to permit adherence of recast concrete without the need for additional surface preparation.

The method is widely used in the alteration or repair of structures in many industry sectors. It is recognised by many civil engineers, structural engineers and consultants as the safest, most effective, vibration-free method of removing concrete. 

RGL have pioneered the introduction of “Ultra High Pressure” water jetting  into the hydrodemolition industry and continue to build on our solid reputation that has been developed over the past 35 years.

 

 

 

Concrete removal at Coronation Arches in Folkestone, Kent

 

RGL’s Certifications

RGL is regularly audited and maintains certifications, including:

• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management)
• ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management)
• OHSAS 18001:2007 (Health & Safety Management)
• Achilles FPAL
• SSSTS Qualified Team Leaders – present on each and every job.
• CSCS qualified operators

RGL are active members of the Water Jetting Association and have worked closely with the organisation since 1984 when Mr John Twigg set up RGL. As the president of the WJA, Mr Twigg played a major role in developing the safety and technical standards that we respect today .

To this day, RGL maintain a presence on the WJA technical committee and actively contribute to the development of the highest possible standards for all forms of water jetting, including ultra high pressure(UHP) water jetting, high pressure(HP) water jetting, hydrodemolition, drain and sewer cleaning and surface preparation.

• 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
• Preserve expensive steel fabrication
• Removing concrete in close proximity to water/gas mains and high voltage cables
• Concrete damaged by salt and other chemicals
• Under water removal of concrete
• Removal of coatings, laitance, waterproofing, aggregate exposure, spalling or damaged concrete
• Concrete surface preparation for bonding with new concrete (known as concrete scabbling)
• Preparation and protection of steel structures
• Pipe Blockages