Ports & quays

Sustainable restorations using automated concrete removal

Automated concrete removal – the sustainable way to restore ports & quays

Ports are a vital part of a country’s infrastructure, and an engine for GDP growth. Normally, you will find activity in the port 24/7/365, where precision and efficiency are crucial. This means that any type of maintenance in connection with the port – for instance, the quays – requires a minimum disturbance so that “business as usual” may take place.

Quays are often located in an environment exposed to the weather and water, which causes the concrete age at a faster pace compared to more normalized circumstances. Quays typically consist of different concrete elements, such as the quay’s horizontal and vertical surfaces, pillars grounded in the water and sometimes a pier.

Conjet’s Automated Concrete Removal robots, using the hydrodemolition technology, are the right choice if you are looking for a solution that will maximize repair speed and lifespan of the structure. We call it ACR™.

Challenges when restoring ports and quays

Quays are often placed in an environment that is exposed to tough weather conditions and water, which makes the concrete age at a faster pace than under normal conditions. They can also be difficult to access for repairs, while at the same time, speed of repair work is often critical. As a result, restoration challenges to consider include:

  • On-time delivery
  • Waffle slab
  • Gantry crane rail bed
  • Pillars
  • Berths

This is how ACR™ helps:

With today’s high shipping volumes the schedules in ports are tighter than ever before. The ACR™ robots with ConjetONE control allow for ease of operation and less downtime, helping you keep on schedule. In addition, the ACR™ robots are designed to handle the unique setup requirements for quays.

  • Waffle slab: The integrated arm of the robot allows you to remove the slab with the robot positioned on a solid area.
  • Gantry crane rail bed: With the variable cutting speed setting, the pass speed can be adjusted for precise removals.
  • Pillars: As the foundation of the quay, they are located partially or entirely under water. The Jetframe 101 Nalta has no electrical power or cables running to the frame, making it ideal for restoring pillars.
  • Berths: Located along the edges of the quay, these require a robot with flexibility to reach around and down to the area requiring repair. If the robot arm does not allow you to reach the removal area, a tower attachment or a frame system are available.

Safe

After completing the daily safety routines, the operator configures the robot on the remote control box. He or she then stands at a safe 5-10 meter distance and monitors the work. The ACR™ robots are designed to be multipurpose, meaning that the same robot can operate on surfaces that are horizontal, vertical and even overheard on the ceiling.

Reliable

The ACR™ robots have very little unplanned downtime, and the time to shift operation mode is optimized thanks to the innovation and engineering behind the ACR™ robots.

Another key feature is the capability of switching between selective and non-selective removal. This is a very important aspect when calculating the longevity of the restoration, where selective removal normally gives a better, longer-lasting result, thus supporting the sustainability agenda and circular economy challenges that structure owners are facing.

Sustainable

Since ACR™ uses hydrodemolition technology and creates no vibrations or micro-cracks, it is the most sustainable technology used for restoration of concrete structures like ports and quays. At the same time, it keeps the rebar intact and leaves a surface ideal for bonding. This results in a longer structure life after repair.

Successful project

Gävle Port
Gävle

Successful project

Kapellskär Port
Sweden

Find the right solution for your structure

Fill out the form and we will get back to you with a tailor-made offer to your specific needs.