Case Study: King George Dock Hydro Demolition

October 22nd, 2018

Case Study: King George Dock Hydro Demolition

Background

Built predominantly as a suspended quayside, North Quay consists of a series of bays on which cranes stand to unload cargo.

The Scheme Involves

• Surveying of defective crane beams
• Hydro demolition removal of concrete
• Reinforcement Replacement
• Cathodic protection
• Spray applied concrete
• Carbon Fibre Wrapping

The Challenges

• Only 1m in height between the water surface and the soffit of the crane beam
• Working over water
• Daily Shipping traffic
• Difficult access/egress
• Lack of clean potable water supply

The Solution

Volker Laser designed a work barge that could be weighted down. This artificially reduces the water level height and increases working room.

Following a detailed risk assessment it quickly became evident that working beneath a live dock creates a need for enhanced safety procedures. Volker Laser Top men have been trained in the use of VHF radio’s this enables them to liaise and help to organise work around shipping traffic with the Harbour Master.

Means of communication between the hand lance operator and standby operator are always of paramount concern. Top men are trained in how to identify a safety event with remote emergency stop buttons and air horns hydro- demolition works can be ceased immediately should the need arise.

Safety training is conducted regularly along with practice drills to ensure everyone involved is aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Buxton Water have the specialist knowledge and experience when it comes to all aspects of hydro demolition. One of our key areas of expertise is the environment to this end a water filtration unit has been installed to enable used water to be returned directly back into the dock. Removing the requirement to have tankers to transport used waste water for disposal.

Using one of our fleet of specialist hydro demolition hand lance crews Buxton Water are able to remove the defective concrete without any damage to the reinforcement or surrounding concrete, whilst leaving a perfect bonding surface for the spray concrete to be applied.

The Outcome

Buxton Water have had one hand lance crew onsite constantly since June 2015. Over the past 3 years works have been split between 12 quay and North quay with 12 quay approaching completion.

Once again this demonstrates our ability to adapt to a project that poses an unusual safety issue, Buxton Water will work with our client to establish a practical, safe, environmentally sound, cost effective solution.