Dry hydrodemolition. The water is collected directly from the hydrodemolition eliminating much of the “mess” of the typical hydrodemolition project.

Filter fabric and aggregate dams.

Existing bridge drainage used to direct water to settling tanks.

Waster Water Recycling System consisting of multiple settling tanks, storage tank, pH adjusting equipment, filtration and flocculating equipment.

K-rails or Jersey barriers covered with plastic sheeting to create a settling pond.

Settling ponds dug at the end of the bridge to collect wastewater.

Waster Water Recycling System consisting of multiple settling tanks, storage tank, pH adjusting equipment, filtration and flocculating equipment.

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Dry hydrodemolition. The water is collected directly from the hydrodemolition eliminating much of the “mess” of the typical hydrodemolition project.

During bridge restoration the waster water is typically filter and discharged to the ditch along the roadway where the water will be absorbed.  Various methods have been used to filter the water including creating a series of dams, using hay bales or filter fabric and gravel.  These dams or berms not only filter the water as it passes through the hay or filter fabric but they also create retention ponds behind the dam which slows the flow of the water and allows the suspended material to settle out.  Another method is to dig a small retention pond at the end of the structure and direct the flow of the water to that location where the suspended solids will fall out of suspension as the water passed through.

Rampart recently introduced the concept of “dry hydrodemolition “ where a vacuum truck is connected directly to the hydrodemolition robot.  The vacuum truck collects 95%+ of the wastewater during hydrodemolition eliminating the need to set up any wastewater collection system on the bridge.  This method of water collection is particularly effective in environmentally sensitive areas or areas where the water must be completely contained to prevent it from crossing live traffic lanes.

Parking Garage Restoration – Because parking garages are located in residential or commercial areas, the water must be contained within the structure.  A water retention area can be established on the lowest level or slab on grade of the structure where the weight of the water is not a concern.  In order to meet discharge requirements it may be necessary to reduce the pH.  A typical wastewater handling system within a structure consists of settling tanks and pH adjusting equipment.  Rampart uses CO2 to reduce the pH, as it is not hazardous, can be easily bubbled in the waster water and will not acidify the water if two much is added.  It is also much more easily handled than acids such as muriatic or sulfuric.

Large water settling areas can be constructed using plywood, formwork materials, shoring or the structures columns and walls.  All the wastewater including the wash water can be directed to this location.  Once the work is complete the clear surface water can be pumped from the settling tanks and the slurry removed and disposed.

Water Recycling – Normally potable water from the local water source is used for hydrodemolition.  It is possible to recycle the water.  Because the high-pressure water pumps and nozzles are extremely susceptible to wear from any abrasive material in the water, recycled water must be carefully filtered to remove suspended and dissolved solids.  This can be done through the use of large settling areas, flocculants and filtration equipment.  While the process to clean up the water to a level where it can be recycled through the high-pressure pumps is expensive it may still be economically viable in situations where water is scarce, expensive, or there has been a drought emergency declared and water is not available.