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

  • Millimetre accuracy for concrete paving
    July 30, 2019
    Concrete paving is now benefiting from the use of sophisticated machine control tools to deliver accuracy and high-quality surfaces Heavy use of concrete roads and runways over time will reveal any flaws in workmanship, the invasion of water, or the wear from use. Discolouration, scaling, crazing, cracking, or curling will sometimes occur due to a poor ready-mix batch, inadequate curing procedure, subgrade settlement, or improper bonding of the finish layer. Concrete surfaces are generally very durab
  • Proper GPR Surveying Techniques
    May 10, 2019
    A sustainably good road surface often depends on how well understood is the ground underneath the road’s route. Brian Jones* offers some best practice and advice for getting the most from ground-penetrating radar investigations Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the most accurate non-destructive testing (NDT) methods available. To get the most from GPR surveying, it is absolutely essential to understand how GPR tools work and follow best practices when conducting surveys. Key areas to be aware o
  • Spray paving with Vӧgele and Dynapac
    March 8, 2023
    Applying emulsion and carrying out asphalt paving in a single operation can boost efficiency and save much money.
  • New runway for US military airbase in Florida
    December 7, 2017
    A new runway surface has now been laid at MacDill Air Force Base in the US, located approximately 6.4km south-west of downtown Tampa, Florida. This facility is the base for the US Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, which provides airlift, special missions, aerial refuelling, and aeromedical evacuation for the armed forces. MacDill is home to 16 KC-135 Stratotankers and three C-37 Gulfstreams, which use the runway every day. At any point, there will be a steady flow of aircraft departing and landing on the