Advanced energetics - Latest Advanced energetics & Rockjack PBC News

Nuttalls were not allowed to use explosives but took advantage of a new deflagrating low explosive concrete breaking technique which aids the removal of concrete without damaging the surrounding reinforcement.

Specialist manufacturer Advanced energetics has developed a pyrotechnic device that uses low yield gas cartridges to break up the concrete. The cartridges are dropped into predrilled 32mm diameter holes.

They are then 'ignited' with an electric charge to produce a large volume of gas, which because of its containment cracks open the surrounding concrete.

"This halves the column removal time to just one week," claims Binns.

Such time savings, have helped to shave 10 weeks off Nuttall's 23 month contract.

Source: New Civil Engineering Magazine