Deep removal is typically performed to expose and/or assist in removing embedded metal items. During Hydrodemolition, the reinforcing steel and other embedded metal items are cleaned eliminating the need to sandblast.Areas in which deep removal may be used: Expansion joints - The expansion joint is located in an area of dense reinforcing. To remove the concrete around the expansion joint without damaging the hardware or reinforcing is difficult to accomplish with impact methods such as jack hammering. Slab edges - Hydrodemolition exposes all the reinforcing at the slab edge to allow splicing new rebar when joining a new slab to an existing one. Beam Exposure - During total deck replacement, hydrodemolition completely removes the concrete over the structural I beams, thus protecting the beam and shear studs from damage that may result from conventional removal. Steel grid decks - Hydrodemolition has been used to remove the concrete infill from steel grid decks. This is done to either replace the infill, or if replacing the grid deck, to allow easy access to the welds between the grid and the structural beams. Hydrodemolition may be used to prepare openings or penetrations in structural concrete such as dam, locks and nuclear containment buildings.
Deep removal ranges from 4 – 16 inch (102-405 mm). This may be accomplished using a single pass. Deeper removal may be performed by first removing up to 16-inches, then removing any reinforcing or other embedded items, and then moving the water jet into the demolished surface 16-inches and repeating the process. This process can be repeated until the full thickness of the reinforced concrete section has been removed. |
