Hydro-Demolition Being Used on Canadian Highway Tunnel

Canadian contractor GTS says it has taken delivery of the latest generation HVD Evolution robot from Sweden’s Aquajet Systems AB, to use hydro-demolition techniques on its contract for repairs on Montreal’s Ville Marie Tunnel. The company says it is the first HVD Evolution hydro-demolition machine in Eastern Canada.

The use of hydro-demolition techniques on the project will ensure no rebar damage, minimize the risk of good concrete removal, eliminate dust and provide a superior bond surface, according to the company.

Aquajet says it also features a substantially faster technique than mechanical removal methods and is less labor intensive.

The 3-kilometer-long tunnel (1.85 miles) features three-to-five-lane stretches along its route and is a key arterial east-west highway across the city, with more than 100,000 vehicle trips per day.

The GTS contract involves replacing approximately 1 kilometer of concrete on both sides of the eastern portals directly below the Montreal Palais des Congres and close to the downtown Jacques Cartier Bridge.

Concrete is being removed to a depth of 125 millimeters (4.9 inches) exposing the old rebar. An additional 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) and new rebar for further strength is being added, according to the news release.

In replacing the old concrete, electrical and telecoms cables and fibre optics are being rerouted into a common conduit and improved lighting in the tunnel is being installed.

Project Manager, Michel Francoeur has had previous experience with hydro-demolition techniques using a standard Aqua Cutter robot rented from Toronto for a bridge deck slab project in Montreal.

“We had been very impressed with the performance and quality of work recognizing the potential for this tunnel project,” he says. “On winning this contract we took delivery of the new unit together with the Power Pack – a PP700 and we have not been disappointed.”

GTS started work on the contract in mid-August with an October 2010 completion date, expecting to finish work along the slow lane tunnel wall by March next year.

More information about Aquajet hydro-demolition equipment is available at http://www.aquajet.se/hydrodemolition.asp.