The history of underwater demolition goes back to World War II when the United States Navy created the Underwater Demolition Team, nicknamed the Frogmen. They were the predecessors of the Navy’s Seal Teams, and today’s underwater demolition.
The latest in excavating and demolition includes hydrodemolition, aka water blasting:
A bridge with a damaged 66-inch diameter column, five feet above the water and 10 feet below, needed to have the damaged concrete removed while preserving the rebar. Typically, divers below and crews above would manually chip away the damaged concrete. But Aggregate Technologies was called to use their hydrodemolition process:
The ATI crew set up one of its Hydro-Bot systems on the damaged column. The operator adjusted the force of the high-pressure water cutter to remove only the damaged concrete, preserving the rebar and concrete that was still sound. By utilizing this unique service, they were able to speed up repairs to the bridge.
Hydrodemolition does not cause vibrations or micro-fracturing as in the past. It also leaves a better bondable surface for new concrete.
In the 1960s Lost in Space introduced us to the Robinson family robot, simply named, “Robot.” He was great at warning young Will of imminent peril by shouting his famous line, “Danger, Will Robinson!” while comically waving his accordion-like arms.
Today’s robots can do everything from cooking and painting, to filling prescriptions and bartending.
In excavating and demolition, they are a relatively new advancement. Mobile robots use end-of-arm tools such as breakers, crushers, drills, and buckets to handle dangerous jobs like structural weakening, high-reach demolition, and placing explosives for implosion. Remote operation by infrared or cable control enables robotic hammers to perform hazardous concrete work while keeping operators safe.
Next-gen demolition robots resemble cool remote-control toys, like the Brokk 70:
Brokk.com says the Brokk 70 has:
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material known to man with a Mohs Hardness Scale rating of 10. It follows that they can be used for cutting through tough substances like tile, steel, asphalt, and concrete – anything softer than they are.
Since diamonds are valuable, demolition cutting tools use synthetic diamonds. These are made into wires or blades and come in different styles, shapes, and grooves. They cut using friction force to grind the material. Spinning at a couple thousand RPMs, they are one of the most dangerous tools demolition contractors can use. Good protective gear is absolutely essential.
Since the extreme friction heats up the diamond-cutting tool very fast and hot, some use water to keep it cool, and some just need breaks to cool off.
Can diamond blades cut through chromium, the hardest metal on earth? The answer is yes, if the tool is made with that use in mind. Diamond wire saws can cut through stainless steel which is hardened with chromium.
From Demolition Techniques expert A A Kumar:
“Drones equipped with demolition capabilities can be equipped with cutting tools, such as thermal laser cutting devices, to remove specific components of a structure. They can also be used for surveying and inspecting.”
3D Imaging
Drone images of the demolition site can be fed into 3D models for effective planning, monitoring, and demolition project management software.
Advanced GPR
Aggregate Technologies: “Ground penetrating radar scanning is a reliable, non-destructive means to locate demo targets within concrete structures prior to drilling, cutting, or coring.”
RFID for Use During Demolition Services
“Radio frequency identification detection can transmit around corners, through debris, dust, smoke, and poor light. The site is fitted with base stations, while personnel have RIFD transponders. When a site worker breaches a predefined detection zone, both workers and drivers receive a warning.” – ecgcorp.net
70% of incidents happen because of poor visibility. However, with RFID technology in place, tags are detected regardless of obstructions like blind spots, or even adverse weather.
A ride-on scraper? Sounds uncomfortable, doesn’t it? This wild ride is used in excavating and demolition. It resembles the famous Zamboni used by ice rinks to keep the ice smooth, but the Scraper is a large flooring removal machine that runs on batteries or propane.
This powerful device also travels across floors and must be driven by professional demolition contractors. It will strip and remove all types of flooring such as hardwood, VCT, tile, terrazzo, vinyl, carpet, and much more. Some models of this new technology will also sweep the floor as well.
These handy demolition machines will cost the demolition company between 30 and 40 thousand dollars.
Ride-on scrapers are typically used in larger commercial projects. It works quickly and efficiently, however, if used in the wrong hands it can cause catastrophic damage to concrete and surrounding objects.
It’s best to wear protective gear when using a ride-on scraper because the flooring can release silica dust, or even asbestos.
Aggregate Technologies has a treatment system that can clean as much water as that found in one semi-tank, or about half of what’s in your family’s swimming pool, which is quite a bit of water!
This process is done through a series of treatment chambers that reduce the pH to between 7.5 and 8.5 and remove suspended solids. This allows for safe recycling and reuse during the process as well as a safe release into the community, as set by OSHA standards.
Their advanced water treatment system also allows for the reuse of blast water in the high-pressure pump, which is part of a high-tech, closed-loop system.
This is a huge change from the equipment that was first introduced over 30 years ago and is only likely to improve, as hydrodemolition is realized as the safer, smarter, more efficient solution for most demolition and excavation companies.
A demolition specialist in the military carries out raids against strategic enemy targets like railroads, fuel depots, and bridges; destroying critical components of infrastructure to give soldiers a tactical advantage.
Whether civilian or military, demolition experts are sometimes known as explosive workers, ordnance-handling experts, and blasters. They are responsible for dismantling, razing, wrecking, or demolishing any structure, or any part of it. Their demolition and excavation work often involves the use of explosives.
Real-life training is priceless and unique. While demolition excavation company webinars and training are offered by places like the National Demolition Association and 360training.com, nothing can replace years of hands-on experience in the field.
Perhaps the most advanced technology will always be the amazing skill of the trained, experienced demolition technician. There will never be a substitute for that fine dance between the operator, his target, and the symphony he plays with his savage instruments.
Our 40 years of combined experience in the field means You can feel safe in our hands. We are Delco Demolition and Excavation. Call today: 610-314-0990. Or email INFO@DELCODEMOLITION.COM. We’re ready to get your project DONE!
