Skip to main content

Hydrodemolition for repairing airport runways

Hydrodemolition is being used for repairing airport runways, making the process faster and improving quality. According to Aquajet Systems, its high-pressure water jets can be used for the controlled removal or scarification of concrete, as well as the removal of paint and rubber, leaving a fresh surface. The Aqua Cutter hydrodemolition robots are said to be highly efficient when working on concrete runway surfaces. The operator controls the high-pressured ceramic nozzles from a distance, adjusting the s
October 1, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
The Aquajet Rotolance attachment can be paired with a hydrodemolition robot to remove a thin layer of concrete
Hydrodemolition is being used for repairing airport runways, making the process faster and improving quality.

According to 2784 Aquajet Systems, its high-pressure water jets can be used for the controlled removal or scarification of concrete, as well as the removal of paint and rubber, leaving a fresh surface.

The Aqua Cutter hydrodemolition robots are said to be highly efficient when working on concrete runway surfaces. The operator controls the high-pressured ceramic nozzles from a distance, adjusting the stroke to control the depth of cuts and vary the pressure of the water jet. The process allows operators to remove just the top layer of concrete or remove the slab in its entirety. During hydrodemolition, the rebar is cleaned and descaled.

Aside from removing the concrete, Aquajet’s Rotolance attachment is used by maintenance crews to remove paint and rubber from the airstrip. The Rotolance uses its high-pressure water jets to roughen the top layer of concrete to provide a better bonding surface. The tool provides water pressure up to 2,500bar and also removes the rubber left by aircraft tyres.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Powerful reclaimer/stabiliser aids road upgrade
    March 15, 2012
    A US contractor is upgrading rural Pennsylvania roads with the aid of a powerful new reclaimer/stabiliser Much of the United States highway infrastructure continues to deteriorate due to lack of a comprehensive road bill and eroding investment in the nation’s roads. However, some of the country’s secondary and rural roads are being upgraded, and funding is coming from unlikely private sources. Energy companies with stakes in the Marcellus and Utica deep shale gas reserve development are working with local
  • Using radar to deliver a fine runway finish
    April 4, 2014
    Radar Portal Systems (RPS) has spent a lot of time developing its sophisticated pavement top-surface photometric imaging system so it can cater specifically for the aviation market. This has now been specially developed for use on aircraft runways and taxiways The system was recently used at Brisbane Airport to survey runway and runway shoulders, collecting photometric top-surface data at a 4m width at speeds of up to 100km/h. This dataset allows the firm to display meshing data of the runway surface showin
  • Airport repaving project using machine control
    April 24, 2023
    Luxembourg Airport, located in Findel, is handling a growing number of passenger as well as cargo flights. However, to meet international standards the airport’s runway, measuring 4,000m long x 60m wide, was in need of complete renovation and repair
  • Road repairs fuel demand for milling machines
    February 13, 2012
    A need for road repairs is fuelling demand for new milling machines, Mike Woof reports. With many roads in Europe and North America needing repairs, manufacturers continue to meet demand by offering improved compact milling machines, as well as full-sized planers. The versatile and manoeuvrable compact machines can play a useful role in on-site recycling jobs for urban road improvements while the larger mills can be vital for in-situ recycling work.