Do yo know how Robotic Hydrodemolition Helps Simplify Concrete Repair Applications?
20/09/2022
New construction isn’t always practical, so contractors need an efficient method to remove deteriorated concrete and create a suitable surface for new material.
Traditionally, these methods require hours of manual labor using handheld water jetting equipment or pneumatic tools. However, to reduce injuries and increase efficiency contractors are turning to Hydrodemolition for concrete rehabilitation applications, including roads and bridges, dams, piers, parking garages, and other structures.
Here are five key advantages of Hydrodemolition:
- Superior bonding
Alternative techniques such as handheld breakers leave layers of dust and damaged concrete with small cracks extending as much as 25 millimeters into the residual concrete. As a result, the profile potentially spoils the bonding for new concrete. Hydrodemolition, on the other hand, leaves a rough, irregular surface. This “craggy” profile provides better bonding strength. Independent pull-off tests have shown that the bonding strength from Hydrodemolition robots is much higher than what’s achieved with a jackhammer or mechanical method. The average failure stress while using robotic Hydrodemolition can be more than 2 MPa.
- Extended structure lifespan
Hydrodemolition is an impact-free process compared to jackhammers, eliminating the vibrations that cause microfractures — minuscule cracks in sound concrete that significantly damage the structure’s integrity.
Handheld pneumatic tools and milling machines also leave rebar damaged and susceptible to rusting.
Although Hydrodemolition’s high-powered water jets are devastating to concrete, they don’t damage steel rebar. As a natural result of the high-pressure water, rust and scale is removed, leaving the steel clean and intact, even directly underneath. The method virtually eliminates “shadowing” as well.
This combination of benefits results in repairs that last up to three times longer. The Swedish Cement and Concrete Research Institute (CBI) determined a repair life expectancy of 21 to 35 years with Hydrodemolition robots compared to 7 to 12 years using mechanical chiseling.
- Increased productivity
A Hydrodemolition robot’s high-pressure water jet removes concrete by widening existing pores and micro cracks in the weakened structure. This process is more efficient than mechanical methods, allowing the user to complete jobs more quickly. In some cases, contractors have seen results up to 25 times faster than with hand lances.
A Hydrodemolition robot and a single operator can complete concrete removal tasks as fast or faster than multiple workers. Additionally, Hydrodemolition robots’ compact nature allows them to reach tight, confined spaces. Variousdesign features and additional attachments also allow for work on vertical, curved or horizontal surfaces.
This greatly increases productivity and reduces the number of tools needed on a jobsite.
Want to know the last two reasons? Then you should read the ACRP 2021 special publication.
