Hydro Demolition
Concrete Hydro Deomlition / Water jetting is a frequently specified as the preferred method of concrete removal on many contracts. Water jetting is the most cost effective and safe method for the removal of defective concrete and will not damage the insitu reinforcement. The result is a clean surface with excellent profile bonding. There is no likelihood of any further damage to the surrounding structure by cracking.
For the removal of smaller areas of defective concrete a two man gun operation would be more appropriate. However in large scale areas such as large bridge decks, road surfaces dam faces or piers both semi automated and robotic systems are more cost effective.
In many areas of the UK where traffic movement has been substantially increased in the last twenty years and where there are concentrated winter de-icing programmes, repeated thaw and freeze situations, salt ingress and pollution present in rain water has caused substantial damage to many concrete structures.
The damage usually starts on the outside with steady progress and caused carbonation of the structure. The chlorine levels are increased to an extent that causes reinforcing bars to corrode, this resulting in spalling. Damage to a structure can often be seen by rust marks. In the majority of cases defective concrete has to be removed and reinstated with new concrete of the same strength as to create a composite structure as the original for which Contech can perform. This requires full structure integration between the new and old therefore essential to achieve good bonding between the two.
Water jetting is also an effective and efficient method for removal of surface laitance using rotary equipment. Additional surface applications are: removal of defective paint / water proofing systems, removal of bituminous coatings, concrete scarifying, and removal of rust and scale prior to recoating all of which Contech can perform.
Contech are able to offer customers a customized Hydro demolition package with technical back up for the safe and effective removal and reinstatement if necessary of defective concrete and surface preparation.
All Contech operatives are fully trained: water jetting operatives hold WJA safety awareness certificates.