What is hydrodemolition?
Hydrodemolition is a high-precision concrete removal technique that provides targeted and localised results without affecting the underlying reinforcements or overall structure.
Using jets of high-pressure water, it offers a variety of benefits to the user that give it the edge over other concrete removal techniques.
In this article, we’ll explore the question of exactly what hydrodemolition is along with its benefits and applications.
What is hydrodemolition?
Hydrodemolition is a concrete removal technique that directs high-pressure water jets at targeted areas to remove damaged or deteriorated material.
The jets of water offer an accuracy that is targeted to select pieces of concrete, asphalt or other solid material that needs to be removed without affecting other parts of the structure, such as rebars or reinforcements. The water is directed at cracks or other weak points in the concrete, breaking it apart into smaller pieces which then fall away.
It can also be used for more large-scale removals that don’t require the same degree of targeting. To achieve this flexibility, hydrodemolition can be performed with hand-operated demolition tools for smaller projects or with robot-controlled demolition tools for larger projects.
What are the benefits of hydrodemolition?
Concrete, asphalt and other types of solid materials can be removed using conventional tools, although hydrodemolition is an alternative removal technique that comes with a variety of benefits, including:
- Selective removal: The main benefit of hydrodemolition is its ability to remove concrete in a targeted and selective way without damaging or affecting underlying reinforcements, undamaged concrete or the overall building structure.
- Ideal bonding surface: The water from hydrodemolition leaves behind a surface that is the ideal texture for the bonding of fresh concrete.
- Free from vibrations: This method creates no vibrations, which protects structures from percussive effects. This lack of vibration also protects the health and safety of operators and reduces the likelihood of injuries.
- Ideal for repair jobs: Because this technique is so targeted and does not affect the underlying structure or reinforcements, hydrodemolition is very effective for repair work, allowing the repair concrete to easily replace the removed damaged concrete.
- Better for the environment: Hydrodemolition is a dust-free and noise-free technique that is beneficial for the overall comfort of operators, as well as significantly reducing impact on the wider environment. The water used during the process can also be captured to reduce the chance of any harmful contamination.
- Cost-effective and time-efficient: Hydrodemolition is often faster than other traditional methods, helping you stay on time and within budget.
- Cleans rebars: It also has the bonus benefit of cleaning rebars and reinforcements, freeing them from rust or corrosion.
So now we understand the benefits, where can hydrodemolition be used?
How can hydrodemolition be used in your project?
Hydrodemolition is not a suitable replacement for traditional demolition projects that require large-scale demolition. Hydrodemolition is instead best suited for more localised material removal.
Some of the applications of hydrodemolition include the repair and removal of concrete in both large-scale and hard-to-reach high-precision projects, including in the following locations:
- Decks, piers, ports, canals and quays
- Roads and bridges
- Pillars and columns
- Tunnels and pipes
- Facilities, warehouses and stadiums
Different pressure settings can be used to safely and effectively match the requirements of each job to ensure the most suitable pressure. If you’re wondering whether hydrodemolition can benefit your project, the team here at UK Diamond Drilling can help.
UK Diamond Drilling is a leading provider of hydrodemolition and diamond drilling services for Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Established in 1993, we have 30 years of industry experience, providing our high-precision services for a variety of different projects. To discover how we can help you, simply get in touch today.
