Hydrodemolition is generally used to describe the process of using high-velocity water jets to remove or demolish concrete.  Hydrodemolition is particularly effective as a restoration tool to remove deteriorated, delaminated or contaminated concrete. 

A surface prepared using hydrodemolition provides the best possible bond for all types of repair material.  The aggregate protruding from the existing surface provides excellent shear resistance across the bond line. 

There are many advantages to using hydrodemolition including the following:

• A rough, irregular surface profile is created to provide an excellent mechanical bond for all types of repair material:

• The rough, irregular profile contains more surface area per square foot then any other type of concrete removal process;

• Surface micro-fracturing (bruising) caused by mechanical removal methods are eliminated;

• Exposed aggregates are not fractured, split or damaged;

• Lower strength and deteriorated concrete is selectively removed;

• Vibration to the surrounding structure is eliminated;

• Reinforcement is cleaned, eliminating the need for sandblasting;

• Reinforcing and other embedded metal elements are undamaged.

• Minimizes disruptions to users of occupied space by significantly reducing transmitted sound through the structure;

• Increased speed of concrete removal can reduce construction time;

• Minimizes dust and the potential for silicosis;

• Robotic units reduce labor and minimize injuries compared to chipping hammers.

Please take the time to review the applications for hydrodemolition, the types of equipment used, how it works and some of the projects we have performed.  In addition, we have provided you with guide specifications for various types of work, a discussion on clean up and water issues including water supply, containment and disposal.  Finally, we answer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) such as "how do you measure the actual removal," or "how can the owner protect himself against excess removals," etc.