Anspruchsvoller Vertrag, unterhalb des Flusses
The project to remove concrete from the Kingsway Tunnel under the River Mersey, which was significantly restricted by working hours, was completed by Buxton Water Ltd. using an Aqua Cutter HVD Robot from the Swedish specialist Aquajet Systems.
About the role
Buxton Water Ltd., a leading hydrodemolition robot operator in Britain, employed an Aqua Cutter Hydrodemolition Robot to remove large concrete pieces from the Kingsway Tunnel's roadway beneath the River Mersey in Liverpool. The tunnel is 2.4 km long and could only be worked on during weekends to minimize traffic disruption.
Responsibilities
- Highly efficient work method required due to limited working hours.
- Reduced personal presence at the demolition site and increased safety factor as the machine is remotely controlled.
- Removed 0.74 m³ of concrete per hour in 520 working hours over seven months.
- Used an Aqua Cutter Hydrodemolition Robot for areas larger than 0.25 m².
- Performed 26 weekend jobs within seven months.
- Worked in 20-hour shifts each weekend, with the tunnel closed after business hours on Friday.
- Efficient removal of concrete within 20 hours to allow main contractor Volker Laser to complete repairs with adequate curing time for reopening by early Monday.
- Gradual increase in workload over the first two weeks to ensure systems and processes were functioning properly.
- Average concrete removal target of 13 m³ per weekend.
Qualifications
The Aqua Cutter Hydrodemolition Robot system allows for more than five times the productivity compared to conventional methods. It operates without damaging the structure or reinforcement bars, using a high-pressure water jet to cut through the concrete. The robot can work in confined spaces and does not require personnel to be present during the work.
Skills
- Remote operation capability.
- High efficiency and productivity.
- Safe and effective concrete removal.
Benefits
- Increased safety due to remote operation.
- Reduced need for personnel at the site.
- Higher productivity compared to traditional methods.