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Learn about hydrodemolition and how it's the best way to remove concrete and other materials of surfaces.
Updated 7 Dec 2022, Published 7 Oct 2022
Hydrodemolition is a process of using high-pressure water jets to remove concrete, asphalt, or other materials from a surface. The process is also known as hydraulic grinding or hydro-jetting. Hydrodemolition typically use abrasive materials and is often used to remove damaged or deteriorated concrete from bridges, highways, and other structures. The high-pressure waterjet not only removes the damaged material but also cleans the surface beneath, providing a clean substrate for repairs. In addition to its power and efficiency, hydrodemolition is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional demolition methods.
There are many benefits to using hydro demolition over traditional demolition methods, such as:
There are three primary methods of hydro demolition:
Hydroscarification is a process that uses ultra-high pressure water jets to remove the top layer of concrete. The depth generally falls between 1/4 to 3/4 inches. It is ideal for removing surface imperfections or preparing the surface for resurfacing.
Partial depth removal entails the selective excavation of concrete with a depth of more than 3/4 inch. This method often repairs concrete damaged by freeze-thaw cycles or deicing salts.
Full-depth removal involves the demolition of all deteriorated concrete. For severely damaged concrete, it is usually the last resort.
The most typical method of hydrodemolition is to use automated equipment such as a robotic cutting tractor that controls the water streams and thus the uniform removal of concrete. Additionally, high-pressure pumps and trailers collect and move water and fuel tanks. To minimize the danger of personal injury from debris, operators must wear protective gear.
High-pressure water jetting operates at 15,000 to 25,000 pounds per square inch (psi), while ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) falls in the range of 25,000 to 55,000 psi. Hydrodemolition uses about 20 times as much pressure as a typical household power washer.
Eliminate manual tasks and streamline your operations.
Contractors can use hydro demolition to speed up project delivery and minimize the impact of construction errors on the project. Here are five frequent concrete mistakes that hydro demolition may help you fix.
Formwork failures can result in a lot of wasted time and money. If the formwork fails to hold the concrete in place, it will have to be corrected using handheld equipment, which is slow, backbreaking work. Additionally, vibrations from the equipment can damage rebar and leave microcracks in the concrete, necessitating the demolition of most or all of the structure.
Hydrodemolition can often solve batch problems such as concrete segregation. This process selectively removes material from the surface, leaving the sound concrete intact. Setting the robot to remove just the segregated material makes it possible to repair the concrete without causing further damage.
Off-spec imbedded materials can be a real headache when removing them from concrete. Hydrodemolition is an effective method for removing these materials quickly and easily. The material is broken up using a high pressure pump of water. Hydrodemolition is a precise process, allowing contractors to remove just the right amount of material to reach the embedded item.
There are several methods for repairing concrete structures, but hydrodemolition is often considered the most efficient. It is because it can be used to selectively remove deteriorated concrete without damaging the sound concrete beneath. Additionally, it provides a clean surface for repairs, saving time and money.
Compressive strength failure is when the concrete fails to hold up under pressure. Several factors can cause it, such as an incorrect mix design, weak aggregates, or poor workmanship. When it occurs, the concrete will usually crumble or crack. Repairs can be made to damaged concrete using hydrodemolition.
Some drawbacks of hydrodemolition are:
When hydrodemolition is used for vertical and overhead works, it can be hazardous if not used properly and can also result to an increased risk of injury.
Here are some of the ideal applications of hydrodemolition:
Below are the two types of hydrodemolition:
Conventional or Handheld Hydrodemolition
Small projects or hard-to-reach areas usually benefit from this method. It involves the use of a handheld device that is connected to a pump. The operator controls the device, which emits a high-pressure stream of water that can remove concrete quickly and efficiently.
Robotic Hydrodemolition
Large-scale projects typically use this method. It involves the use of a robotic cutting tractor that an operator controls. The machine is used to remove concrete from large areas quickly and efficiently.
There are many benefits of hydrodemolition over percussive tools, such as:
Because hydrodemolition creates little-to-no dust and significantly lowers noise pollution, it is a more environmentally friendly option than other methods. Furthermore, the captured wastewater from hydrodemolition can be purified and reused instead of polluting natural water sources.
Hydrodemolition is a precise and efficient method for removing concrete. However, as with any construction project, it is essential to ensure that the work is carried out safely and correctly.
SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) is a multi-purpose inspection platform that can be used to create digital checklists for hydrodemolition and other projects in the construction indsutry. The checklists ensure you follow all safety procedures and perform the work correctly.
Some of the advantages of using SafetyCulture for hydrodemolition projects include:
Rob Paredes
Rob Paredes is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. He is a content writer who also does copy for websites, sales pages, and landing pages. Rob worked as a financial advisor, a freelance copywriter, and a Network Engineer for more than a decade before joining SafetyCulture. He got interested in writing because of the influence of his friends; aside from writing, he has an interest in personal finance, dogs, and collecting Allen Iverson cards.
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