Hydrodemolition Guide

Hydrodemolition is an innovative concrete demolition method used mainly for the repair and restoration of damaged structures. Are you wondering whether this is the right technique for your projects? Read on to find out how it works, how you can use it and how it can help you.

Hydrodemolition is a concrete removal technique that destroys deteriorated concrete in sensitive structures such as buildings, bridges, tunnels or docks, without damaging the reinforcement. Capitalizing on the high porosity of concrete, it uses a very high-pressure water jet to penetrate the pores of the material and cause it to shatter.

In an industrial context, hydrodemolition significantly speeds up stripping and removal operations on a variety of surfaces, without damaging adjacent materials. It is mainly used for stripping concrete, preparing bridge deck surfaces for restoration and mechanically treating metal surfaces.

The main advantage of hydrodemolition over traditional industrial cleaning methods is its ability to extend the life of existing industrial structures by minimizing the impact on sound concrete. Unlike conventional jackhammer or mechanical techniques, hydrodemolition does not cause any vibration that could lead to concrete cracking or rebar delamination. What’s more, it creates an exceptional bonding surface for subsequent concrete and new elements.

Hydrodemolition has multiple uses when it comes to building repair and restoration, including:

• Surface profiling: This includes preparing deck surfaces, removing surface coatings and waterproofing membranes, and profiling concrete surfaces to remove a homogeneous layer.
• Concrete scarifying and bush hammering: This includes cleaning of interior tank walls, removing bitumen and tar, unclogging restricted areas such as ducts and heat exchangers, and removing limescale build-up.
• Specialized demolition: This includes selective, one-off demolition of concrete structures at various depths.

Hydrodemolition requires highly specialized, state-of-the-art equipment. Depending on the project, hydrodemolition work can be carried out with a lance, a robotic arm or an articulated robot. All three methods use a motor-driven piston pump to deliver a jet of water at variable flow and pressure. Lances are more precise, while robots deliver higher output. The robotic arm is used to clean hard-to-reach areas, while the articulated robot is suitable for large surfaces or work at height. In general, the ideal solution is to combine all three techniques, and carefully adjust the flow and pressure parameters to the strength of the concrete being treated.

Furthermore, it is imperative to use water management and treatment equipment to ensure superior work quality and to preserve the environment.

Hydrodemolition considerably reduces the need for raw materials in the industrial sector by extending the service life of existing structures. However, like any other demolition method, this process generates residues, mainly water, which must be treated before being discharged into sewer systems. That’s why the water management and treatment equipment mentioned above is so important! This equipment allows water to be collected at a low point, either with a pump or a pump truck, and separated from the concrete sediments contained therein. Water is then transferred to a basin where its PH is rebalanced to reach local municipal regulatory levels.

Hydrodemolition is renowned for its ability to significantly speed up stripping and removal operations on many different surfaces and in many different situations. Speed of execution varies according to various factors, including the number of reinforcing steel rows in the concrete, the hardness of the concrete and the thickness of the area to be demolished or the surface to be prepared. It goes without saying that demolition work on thick concrete structures will take longer than surface profiling, for example.

As with any demolition technique, hydrodemolition presents its share of risks. High-pressure jets and splashes of extracted concrete can cause injuries, while the presence of water can lead to falls or electrocution if the necessary precautions are not taken. That’s why it’s essential to work with experts who will ensure that safety measures are respected, including the wearing of protective clothing and the delimitation of the danger zone with nets, tarpaulins or cladding.

Hydrodemolition is a complex and innovative process that requires extensive knowledge and specialized, state-of-the-art equipment. Simplify your life by choosing an experienced partner who offers a turnkey service, including operation planning, surface stripping, contaminant removal, as well as residue management, pumping and disposal. You should also ensure that the company you work with complies with the most stringent health and safety standards and is committed to following the project schedule.

At first glance, hydrodemolition may seem more expensive than other demolition techniques, however, once you factor in its ability to preserve structures, it becomes clear that hydrodemolition offers significant cost savings. Of course, the cost of hydrodemolition can vary according to a multitude of factors, such as concrete hardness and the thickness of the area to be demolished or the surface to be prepared. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote.