HYDRO DEMOLITION ROBOTS FOR CONCRETE REMOVAL

Hydrodemolition robots or hydro demolition machines are developed with a focus to remove concrete in an environment-friendly way. The goal is to make it safe, easy, and efficient to obtain the best possible result during concrete removal. 

Hydrodemolition robots are classified as a type of industrial robots. They are used for the selective removal of concrete, using high-pressure water jets. The advantage of hydrodemolition robots is that they are more precise than traditional demolition methods, and they cause less damage to the surrounding structure.

Advantages of using hydrodemolition robots over traditional methods

Increased safety: 

With traditional methods, workers are exposed to a variety of potential hazards, including falling debris, flying debris, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Hydrodemolition robots remove the operator from these dangers by performing the work remotely.

More efficient:

Hydrodemolition robots can remove concrete up to 10 times faster than traditional methods. This increased efficiency saves time and money on your project.

More precise: 

The robotics technology used in hydrodemolition allows for a higher degree of precision than traditional methods. This means that you can selectively remove concrete without damaging surrounding areas.

Environmentally friendly:

Water is the only medium used in hydrodemolition, making it a much more environmentally friendly option than traditional methods that use harmful chemicals.

DRY DEMOLITION ROBOTS VS HYDRO DEMOLITION ROBOTS

Dry demolition robots look like mini-excavators, but without a cab. They run on tracks and leverage a hydraulic-powered arm to which breakers, crushers, drills, or loader buckets can be attached to break-through materials. They are designed to pack a strong punch in small spaces and will usually fit through doorways and stairways, but there is a great variety in sizes available.

Here is a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of demolishing equipment:

DRY DEMOLITION ROBOTS 

Advantages:

1. Greater flexibility in terms of the types of attachments that can be used.
2. Can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
3. Often smaller and more maneuverable than hydrodemolition robots, making them better suited for tight spaces.
4. More affordable than hydrodemolition robots.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited to breaking up concrete surfaces; cannot remove paint or other finishes from concrete surfaces.
2. Dust created by dry demolition can be hazardous to workers if not properly contained and controlled.
3. Not as effective at breaking through reinforced concrete as hydrodemolition robots.

WET DEMOLITION ROBOTS or HYDRODEMOLITION ROBOTS

Wet demolition robots, or as we will refer to them henceforth: hydro demolition robots, are demolishing machines using high-pressure water to remove concrete. It uses high-pressure water jets which travel over the concrete surface at a constant speed, taking advantage of the concrete’s permeability to create an overpressure that breaks it apart.

Today, demolition robots have become an integral part of the construction process, automating dangerous and labor-intensive work. Automating demolition is all about safety and efficiency, both of which can drive major cost savings for construction and demolition companies. These types of demolishing equipment offer much-needed safety, efficiency, and cost-savings in one of the most labor-intensive industries.

However, the dry demolition robot and hydrodemolition robot were not created equal.

Advantages:

1. More effective at breaking through reinforced concrete than dry demolition robots.
2. Less messy than dry demolition, containing dust and debris within the water stream.
3. Can be used to remove paint and other finishes from concrete surfaces in addition to breaking up the concrete itself.
4. Suitable for use in indoor spaces where dust containment is a concern.

Disadvantages:

1. Price: More expensive than dry demolition robots.
2. Limited to working with wet materials; cannot be used on dry surfaces such as asphalt or wood flooring

Example of hydro demolition robots

HYDRODEMOLITION ROBOT 327

The Robot 327 is an electrically powered, track-driven, fully automated hydro demolition concrete removal robot that is compatible with the Conjet ONE control system. The robot has been developed to work in confined spaces and areas. It passes through an opening less than 3 feet (0,9 meters) wide.

Image source: Conjet 

HYDRODEMOLITION ROBOT 557 MPA

The track-driven hydrodemolition concrete removal robot 557 MPA is equipped with a multi-purpose arm allowing full flexibility. Together with an adjustable chassis, the robot is a versatile and compact solution with great reach and stability.

Image source: Conjet 

HYDRODEMOLITION ROBOT 557 H

The track-driven hydrodemolition concrete removal Robot 557 H is the ideal choice for parking garages, bridges, and other horizontal surfaces. Together with an adjustable chassis, the robot is a versatile and compact solution with incredible maneuverability in confined spaces.

Image source: Conjet