Aquamax has expanded its infrastructure service offering with the addition of an Aquacutter hydrodemolition robot. Aquacutter, a Swedish firm, is the world leader in this technology.

Hydrodemolition is a process utilising ultra-high-pressure (1450 bar or 20,000 pounds per square inch) water blasting to cut away concrete without impact or damage to steel reinforcing. Engineers specify the process particularly when remediating or modifying existing concrete structures.

Hydrodemolition robots dramatically increase the productivity and safety margins of the hydrodemolition process by taking the operator off the gun. The machine can handle significantly higher reaction loads and, therefore, higher fluid power. The robot is programmed to cut complex shapes with varying parameters, depending on the situation.

Manual blasting can deliver productivity in the range of 0.2–0.3 cubes of concrete per day. A robot can easily cut one cube per day, representing a four- to fivefold improvement. Manual blasting still has a role, tidying up or reaching those hard-to-get places.

The robot can also be fitted with a scabbling head with similar productivity benefits. Weighing around a tonne, the robot is easily craned into tanks or onto upper floors.