Making Concrete Greener for Sustainable Restoration
Concrete forms the backbone of our urban environments. From bustling city roads to towering dams and bridges that stand the test of time, it’s everywhere—quite literally underpinning modern society. Yet, as reliable and adaptable as this material has proven, there’s an elephant in the room: its environmental impact.
While concrete production remains energy-intensive and is responsible for a sizeable chunk of global CO₂ emissions, the truth is there’s currently no silver bullet replacement. That’s why the industry is now pivoting towards restoration and repair, rather than wholesale replacement, as a more sustainable path forward.
“There’s no viable alternative to concrete right now, but we can do a lot by focusing on making what we have last longer,” says Keith Armishaw, business development manager at Aquajet.
The Hydrodemolition Revolution
One of the most exciting breakthroughs in the field of sustainable concrete repair is Hydrodemolition. This process harnesses the raw force of high-pressure water jets to surgically remove damaged or deteriorated concrete—leaving healthy material untouched. Unlike old-school jackhammers, this method doesn’t induce microcracks or weaken the underlying structure.
Armishaw explains: “Hydrodemolition is impact-free. Not only does it remove concrete with precision, but it also cleans and descales rebar without causing damage, preserving structural integrity.”
A rough, textured surface left behind after Hydrodemolition isn’t just a happy accident; it’s the perfect substrate for new concrete to bond. According to the Swedish Cement and Concrete Research Institute, repairs performed with Hydrodemolition can be expected to last up to 35 years, compared to just 12 years for traditional mechanical methods.
Why Hydrodemolition Is a Game Changer:
- Selective, waste-minimising removal: Robots calibrated to use lower water pressure can pinpoint and remove only defective concrete.
- Superior bond strength: Independent pull-off tests show higher bonding strength compared to mechanical chiselling.
- Extended lifespan of repairs: Studies indicate a two to threefold increase in durability for Hydrodemolition repairs.
Recycling Concrete and Water
Sustainability doesn’t end with careful removal. The industry is making great strides in recycling not only the concrete waste itself, but also the water used in the Hydrodemolition process.
Emerging recycling technologies mean even the slurry left behind—usually a headache for contractors—can be repurposed. Armishaw shares: “Specialist chemical companies have developed new processes that let us reuse Hydrodemolition slurry in fresh concrete mixes. It performs just as well as traditional mixes, closing the loop on material waste.”
Let’s break that down:
- Recycling the removed concrete: New chemical processes enable old concrete to be reincorporated into new mixes, achieving strength and performance parity with virgin material.
- Water reuse: Up to 90% of the water used during demolition can be captured, treated, and reused, dramatically reducing consumption on site.
Cleaner Processes, Cleaner Planet
Water might be plentiful in Hydrodemolition, but it’s hardly a free-for-all. Modern treatment systems are making it possible to treat and reuse most of the water involved, slashing environmental impact and operational costs.
Advanced water treatment setups now neutralise pH and filter out suspended solids, transforming dirty blast water into a resource rather than a liability. Automated systems can reduce solid concentrations from as high as 15,000 mg/L down to just 20-40 mg/L, making the water safe to discharge—or even reuse for the next round of Hydrodemolition.
As Armishaw notes: “With these technologies, 80% to 90% of the water can be treated and put right back to work or safely released into the environment. It’s a win-win, reducing water haulage and environmental risk in one go.”
Concrete’s Sustainable Future
There’s no question—concrete is here to stay. For centuries, it’s been an essential material in construction, and that’s not likely to change overnight. The challenge for industry professionals, policymakers, and investors is finding ways to shrink concrete’s carbon footprint while maintaining performance.
The solution? Embrace restoration, reuse, and recycling. By investing in techniques like Hydrodemolition, the construction sector can significantly extend the lifespan of existing assets, reduce waste, and move closer to a truly circular economy.
“Those of us in construction are called to reduce our ecological footprint. Through reuse, recycling, and innovative repair methods, we can give concrete structures a second life, which is crucial for sustainability,” says Armishaw.
Pioneering Restoration Technology
Aquajet, acquired by Brokk AB in 2016, has become synonymous with Hydrodemolition technology, setting the bar globally for quality and performance. With its headquarters and production base in Holsbybrunn, Sweden, the company’s reach extends across continents—echoing Brokk’s global footprint.
Aquajet’s machines aren’t just tools—they represent a shift in mindset towards sustainable infrastructure. Their commitment to continuous innovation is making it easier than ever for contractors to take the greener route without sacrificing quality or productivity.
Building a Legacy of Sustainability
With restoration at the heart of a greener construction industry, the future looks promising. The fusion of precise Hydrodemolition, closed-loop recycling, and advanced water treatment is charting a course towards lower emissions and longer-lasting infrastructure.
For those steering the construction sector, now’s the time to double down on restoration and sustainable practices. After all, making concrete greener isn’t just a lofty goal—it’s an achievable mission, one repair at a time.
