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Hydrodemolition is a method of breaking up concrete and cement using powerful jets of water without damaging surrounding materials. It reduces working hours and dust, making it safer for workers. It can be used on various structures and requires caution and protective gear due to the strong water jets.
Hydrodemolition is the use of powerful jets of water to break up deteriorated concrete and cement without damaging nearby materials. Construction companies began using this technique in Europe in the 1970s, primarily for restoration and refinishing projects where crews needed to be able to remove damaged material while leaving a structure intact. People can use this demolition method on buildings, bridges, roads, and other concrete structures such as sidewalks and manhole covers.
In hydrodemolition, a cutting head is connected to a machine capable of generating extremely powerful jets of water. Water can skim the surface to remove a top layer of concrete or penetrate deeper to cut through walls and other materials. The surrounding material will remain intact and the water retains dust, making the workplace safer. Construction crews use vacuum cleaners to recycle water and pick up debris as they work, which makes cleaning up a lot easier.
After hydrodemolition, a surface is often immediately ready for restoration and does not require further treatment. Construction workers can inspect rebar and other supports to see if they need to be replaced before proceeding with a new pour. This significantly reduces working hours. With jackhammering, another concrete removal method, people have to remove debris and resurface the material to prepare it for restoration. This significantly increases working time and workers are also faced with high levels of dust, a potential health risk, especially when the concrete contains toxic fillers or inclusions.
Construction crews primarily use this technique to break up old and damaged material, including bricks and mortar held together by decaying mortar. They can also use it on perfectly maintainable surfaces if it becomes necessary to remove layers of material for retrofitting or carrying out other work. The hydrodemolition team will meet with a contractor to discuss project needs, determine the best equipment to use, and set a demolition plan.
This job can be dangerous. While not as loud as jackhammering, ear protection is still required. The jets of water are very strong and can cause serious injury. People should exercise caution while working around a hydrodemolition site as well as wear protective gear such as steel-toed boots and bulletproof vests. In the case of people working with hand tools rather than an automated cutting head, workers need plenty of room in case they lose control, as being hit by a jet of water powerful enough to cut through concrete can be fatal .
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