Modern facelift in historic site
Overview
An Aquajet HVD robot was employed to rapidly remove the surface concrete of the Motala Ström dam wall at Norrköping, Sweden, prior to its resurfacing. This renovation project is part of the town's transformation from a textile manufacturing center to a hub of modern office, entertainment, and educational facilities.
Project Location
The dam wall is located in Norrköping, south of Stockholm, and is part of the striking Industrial Landscape area. Key features include the illuminated waterfall between the Stålbom paper mill and hydroelectric plant, which changes color every half hour, and the Louis De Geer Concert and Congress Hall, named after the factory's founder.
Renovation Details
- Initial renovation: 1991
- Hydrodemolition work: Employed by ISS Industriservice AB for DAB
- Concrete removed: Approximately 45 m³
- Average depth of removal: 5 cm
- Concrete removed per hour: 0.9 m³
- Pump pressure: Up to 1000 Bar
- Pump flow rate: Approximately 200 liters per minute
Benefits of Hydrodemolition
- Elimination of microcracks in remaining concrete
- Removal of air pockets behind rebar struts
- Clean and dust-free working environment
- No vibration to the surface
- Controlled and selective removal
- Secure removal of deteriorated concrete
- Minimisation of waste
- Elimination of operator injury risks
Technological Advantages
- Patented Intelligent Sensing Control (ISC) eliminates water, grease, and dust issues
- On-board computer automatically controls and manipulates the waterjet nozzle and tracks/vertical hoist
- Optimizes settings for minimum required force
- Does not damage rebars or cause additional structure damage
Future Outlook
The demand for hydrodemolition is increasing globally, particularly in Scandinavia, Germany, and new markets like India, China, and Russia. The EU is expected to introduce a new standard soon, further pushing the adoption of hydrodemolition techniques.
Conclusion
The successful completion of this hydrodemolition project demonstrates the effectiveness and versatility of the Aquajet HVD robot in preserving and enhancing the beauty of historical structures while ensuring efficient and safe renovations.