Hydrodemolition

Hydrodemolition offers a safe, effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional methods of concrete removal.

We are highly experienced in the use of UHP (ultra high pressure) hydrodemolition jetting and blasting on a variety of structures across range of industries, including service reservoirs, bridges and silos. Our team is trained in the use of specialist high-pressured water jets with pressures up to 36,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) to safely and accurately remove areas of deteriorated concrete without damaging steel structures or areas that do not require removal.

Why use hydrodemolition?

Hydrodemolition has many benefits over traditional concrete removal methods, including greater accuracy, less pollution caused by noise and dust and a significantly safer working environment for operatives with elimination of risk of contamination and a non-percussive process.  Waste water can easily be collected and filtered to prevent cross-contamination, and our operations comply with ISO 14001 for responsible environmental management.

Not only that, but because we can easily target the individual areas we need to remove, there is no damage to the surrounding concrete – reducing costs for your business. The process gives a clean surface with excellent profile for bonding of new concrete.

When do we use it?

Hydrodemolition can be used in the safe demolition of structures or materials such as concrete and masonry; the process is a safe and efficient way to cut and remove concrete without affecting steel substructures and other important parts of buildings or machinery.  Old coatings that lower pressures cannot remove can also be handled using this technique, such as bitumen, epoxy, limpetite and polyurethane.

At CSC, we also use hydrodemolition to in the surface preparation of concrete, steel and other materials to create a good surface profile that will aid adhesion and bond between substrate and the applied material/coating.

The process can be carried out both conventionally or by the process of hand-lacing.  Our high quality equipment allows us to select the right methodology for each job.

Safe for contractors and structures

As members of the Water Jetting Association, we are fully trained in the safe removal of concrete using hydrodemolition. This technique avoids the use of heavy machinery or hydraulic power tools which cause vibrations – prolonged use of which can cause long-term health issues. Over time, these vibrations can also threaten the structural integrity of buildings, something which can be safely avoided using hydrodemolition.

As some of the structures we clean are classed as confined spaces, our team are all trained in emergency rescue and procedures. We carry a fully calibrated tripod, rescue winch, gas monitor and 15 minute air fed saver setts (gas mask) as standard for use in our hydrodemolition services.

UHP Blasting

UHP Blasting is used to clean the surface of silt and dirt or to re-profile a surface prior to the application of coatings, or to simply clean a surface or structure on completion of works.  This method removes contaminants, corrosion, old paint and layers of protective coating without causing any damage to the underlying surface. You can read more about our Abrasive Blasting services here.

Our teams all have CSCS cards, EUSR Water cards, DOMS, Confined Space Certificates and are BSVR (baseline security vetting register) and CTC (counter terrorism check) vetted as a minimum. All operatives hold SSPC Train the Painter Gold-level accreditation which covers protective coating application, spray painting and abrasive blast cleaning.

Case Study
We restored a water tank that had been taken out of service through the effects of carbonation. Hydrodemolition techniques were used to remove the defected bitumen tank lining to effectively prepare the surface for coating application.

Let's talk

Talk to us about hydrodemolition for your project