HYDRO-DEMOLITION
Ultra High-Pressure Robotic Concrete Removal and Host Pipe Remediation by UV Lining
Location: Zetland NSW
Scope: Robotic Cutting, Jet-Vac Recovery, UV Lining
Contractor: Draintech Solutions Pty Ltd
Date: June 2024
DrainTech Solutions was engaged by the Client to undertake specialist hydro-demolition works at Zetland.
The scope involved the safe and precise removal of hardened concrete grout obstructing a stormwater drain using ultra high-pressure water jetting (UHPWJ) with a robotic cutter system.
These works formed a critical part of the broader remediation activities on site and required careful planning, skilled operation, and strict adherence to safety protocols due to the confined location, high-risk nature of the task, and proximity to other infrastructure and the general public/pedestrians.
DrainTech’s methodology ensured efficient material removal while protecting the integrity of the host pipe and the public and complying with relevant standards and environmental controls.
Following the robotic hydro-demolition and CCTV assessment, sections of the stormwater drainage network were identified as requiring structural rehabilitation.
Draintech Solutions proposed the use of Saertex UV-cured liners due to their proven 100-year design life and compatibility with a range of pipe materials and diameters.
- A 600mm diameter section was relined using a Saertex UV liner, including pre- and post-installation CCTV inspection, confined space entry, and epoxy sealing at termination pits.
- A 375mm diameter section was relined using the same UV-cured liner system, with all standard inclusions.
- Additionally, a 675mm diameter section was relined. These repairs were performed to restore structural integrity and hydraulic function of the pipeline.
All liners were supplied and installed by trained and accredited DrainTech personnel in accordance with Saertex specifications.
- High-risk environment requiring strict adherence to UHPWJ protocols
- Noise mitigation and work scheduling to comply with urban operating hours
- Managing slurry and potential contaminants in a confined space
- Deployed large robotic cutter operating at 40,000 PSI for precision concrete removal
- CCTV used to identify location and monitor real-time progress
- Periodic Jet-Vac recovery to maintain visibility and clear debris
- Completion of prestart, SWMS, JSA, and permit protocols prior to each shift
- Standard Saertex UV Lining installation protocols, procedures and certifications
- UHPWJ Robotic Cutter (40,000 PSI rated)
- Confined Space Entry Equipment
- JetVac Recycler Unit
- Trailer mounted HPWJ Pump
- CCTV Tractor Camera System
- Comprehensive PPE and medical alert protocols for hydro jetting
- Custom built robotics and lining truck
- Concrete grout successfully removed with no damage to host pipe
- Works completed in compliance with UHPWJ, CSE permit and risk controls
- Site maintained clean with responsible slurry and debris disposal
- Host pipe remediation using Saertex UV liner with 100-year design life