Deep removal is used to expose embedded steel items, primarily reinforcing steel. With a single pass, between four and 16 inches of concrete can be removed.
As the photos show, we have removed up to 48 inches of concrete. If the specified depth is more than 16 inches deep, we remove layers in 16-inch increments.
Note that during hydrodemolition, the steel is thoroughly cleaned, which eliminates the need for sandblasting.
Deep removal may be used on:
Expansion Joints
When joint is located in an area of dense reinforcing, hydrodemolition removes concrete without damaging the hardware or reinforcing. The minimization of collateral damage is difficult to achieve with impact methods like jackhammering.
Slab Edges
Hydrodemolition exposes all the reinforcing to allow the of splicing new rebar when joining a new slab to an existing one.
Beam Exposure
During total deck replacement, hydrodemolition can be used to completely remove the concrete over the structural “I” beams. It protects the beam and shear studs from damage that could result from conventional removal.
Steel Grid Decks
Rampart has used hydrodemolition to remove deteriorated concrete infill from steel grid decks, and in situations where the deck is being replaced, to allow easy access to the welds between the grid and the structural beams.
In addition, deep removal hydrodemolition may be used to prepare openings or penetrations in structural concrete in dams, locks and nuclear containment buildings.
