Builders & Contractors Magazine, Issue #113

Page 22

Cement & Concrete

Concrete hydrodemolition specialists Founded by Kiwi owners in 1996, Aquamax has built a reputation based around ultra-high pressure (40,000 psi) water jetting.

The process can be conducted in-situ on standard panels and utilises low-flow rate equipment and is dust free, and creates minimal mess which is easily contained and vacuumed away. Recently the company has been successful in winning and delivering two high profile projects, a large wharf repair in Auckland, and hydroblasting work on the Moorhouse Ave and Durham St over bridges in Christchurch.

The company became a forerunner in using water jetting for road line removal, paint and corrosion stripping, aircraft paint stripping and descaling of geothermal turbines. Over the past four years, Aquamax has embarked on a programme of expansion and investment in newer, high-powered equipment. Seven pumps from the wellknown German manufacturer, WOMA, have been purchased to fill out the range delivering heavy-duty hydrodemolition work right down to precise blasting on oil and gas pipework. The current construction boom has driven the need for further concrete related services. Concrete related services: • Hydrodemolition such as rebar exposure

Hydrodemolition through concrete floor.

This is usually required when a new structure is being tied into old. Other examples are cleaning up pile caps and cutting holes and slots when there is a lot of steel in the structure. Recent successes have been the Devonport Training Jetty, Moorhouse and Durham Overbridges, and some significant seismic repair work on a prominent Wellington tower block.

• Creating specialist finishes such as stencilled images.

Hydro-scabbling is a very fast and effective method for creating a Type-B construction joint with, for example, a 10 mm peak-totrough roughness in the concrete surface. This ensures a good, roughened surface for new concrete to key into.

Hydrodemolition is being increasingly specified as it allows concrete to be removed without damaging the immediate structure or rebar.

The appearance of bare concrete can be significantly enhanced with etched decorative designs. Ultra-high pressure water-jetting cuts through the concrete

• Hydro–scabbling such as for Type-B construction joints • Paint stripping of concrete and blockwork

laitance to expose the aggregate and create a much darker, textured surface. By using a stencil, very accurate and crisp designs can be applied.

Aquamax looks to have a bright future as it continues to develop its reputation as New Zealand’s leading specialist water jetting company. Aquamax operates nationwide with depots in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. For more information, contact Hamish Coop on 021 316 844 or refer to Aquamax.co.nz.

Stencilling close up.

Hydrodemolition and Scabbling Specialists Health and safety paramount Modern equipment

www.aquamax.co.nz 22 | B&C - Issue #113

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Blasting in accordance with AS/NZS 4233 Experienced team

Contact Hamish Coop on 021 316 844


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