How to destroy concrete using chemical and mechanical methods

Many people know how to prepare high-quality concrete and pour it into a foundation. But sometimes it becomes necessary to destroy concrete. This may be caused by the removal of part of the old foundation, the demolition of an old house and the redevelopment of the site for a new one, and a number of other reasons.

To destroy concrete, you can use a hammer drill, sledgehammer or blowtorch.

Destruction of concrete: methods. Use of powder. Application of acid mixture

Often, during the construction or reconstruction of a facility, it is necessary to first destroy old reinforced concrete structures. But the fact is that this material has increased strength, otherwise it would not be able to support the structure. Dismantling in this case is a difficult task, so several options can be used, including destruction of concrete with ultrasound or chemicals.

Dismantling of concrete products with diamond saws

General information

Let's look at commonly used methods that will help you understand how to destroy a concrete foundation with your own hands:

Tip: when dismantling reinforced concrete structures, cutting reinforced concrete with diamond wheels of the required density helps a lot.

To understand which method is suitable for a particular case, you need to familiarize yourself with each in more detail.

Destruction of concrete road foundations with a hydraulic hammer

The simplest method

You can use a sledgehammer to crush a small concrete structure into separate pieces. Moreover, the speed of destruction in this case will depend only on your physical capabilities. Therefore, if they are small, you can spend a lot of effort and time on the work.

How to destroy concrete with a sledgehammer

Alternatively, you can drill holes with a hammer drill in several places to reduce the strength of the material, then it will be much easier to destroy. It is believed that even a reinforced concrete slab can be crushed with a sledgehammer, but is it worth doing? Below you will learn about other easier methods.

We use powder

In this section you will learn how to chemically destroy concrete, since quite often chemical powders that do not burn or explode are used to dismantle solid building materials.

The popularity of this method is due to the fact that during the process there is no noise and no excess debris is generated, which can be observed during a regular explosion. NRS-1 powder is usually used, since it has a high fracture force (> 30 MPa).

In the photo - diamond drilling of holes

Below are instructions on how to use it:

1. Drill holes with a diameter of 80 mm in the concrete structure, the distance between them is from 560 mm.
2. Pour the prepared solution into them - powder with water.
3. Wait approximately 48 hours, during which time the chemical will begin to crystallize and begin to destroy the building material.
4. After the stated time, in place of the concrete structure there will be only pieces of scrap, which will be taken to the disposal site.

Advice: for work you may need a service - diamond drilling of holes in concrete with crowns of the required diameter.

How to cut holes of a certain shape and size in concrete?

In order to destroy concrete along a certain contour, there are several ways to carry out such an operation, depending on what kind of concrete needs to be cut. If the concrete is thin, then it is enough to cut a hole with an angle grinder along the approximate contour, and then you can refine the hole. For example, you need a round window. A hexagon is drawn, cut out with a disk, and then finished into a circle with a rasp by hand. If the concrete is too thick, then you need to make holes with a hammer drill, and then destroy the bridges between them with a chisel, or use the hammer drill as a drill.

There is a reliably known case when a doorway had to be cut out in an old house from the early 20th century. Wall thickness – 1400 mm. To do this, they used a directed explosion to knock out such a huge piece. However, this technology is more often used for dismantling buildings.

Instead of a conclusion

Now you know exactly how to break concrete. We can say that there is no universal recipe for carrying out this difficult procedure. You need to act according to the situation, use all possible previously acquired knowledge and ingenuity - then you will be able to cope with the task safely and quickly.

To demolish concrete

using improvised means, without resorting to expensive options, you need to look to the distant past, when there was no trace of laser cutting, chemical powders, or jackhammers. Everything was done wisely and at a minimum cost.

How to destroy concrete - simple ways

Let's start with the fact that the conversation will be about simple, so to speak, low-budget methods, where there is no need to use any complex tools and devices. All these options are available and cost-effective. The only thing is time, which sometimes will be required in large quantities.

Blowtorch

and water is the easiest way. To do this, you need to heat the concrete using a blowtorch, and pour cold water over the heating area. As practice shows, the material will not immediately deteriorate. A multiple process is required, but it is a very effective option. After literally three or four approaches, the concrete will begin to become covered with cracks. The rest can be finished with a sledgehammer.

To take advantage of concrete's low flexural and tensile strength, you will need the following tools:

• to use it to make holes in concrete.
• Jackhammer lance;
• Boaster.

The holes are made at a distance of twenty centimeters from the edge of the structure, be it a wall or a foundation. A pick from a jackhammer is inserted into the holes, which must be hit with a sledgehammer. If a peak cannot be found, then you can use a piece of metal reinforcement with a diameter of at least thirty millimeters, which is sharpened on one side. A few blows and the concrete will begin to collapse. Thus, it is possible to separate a fairly large piece if you drill holes along the contour of the destruction.

Sometimes a scarpel

. This is a weaker tool, so you need to drill holes for it in accordance with its diameter and you will need more of these holes. You can chip off small pieces this way.

Egyptian way

This ancestral method was used in Ancient Egypt

. To do this, use a hammer drill to drill several holes with a diameter of at least thirty millimeters exactly along the chip line. Plugs made of wood are inserted into the resulting holes.

Please note that you need very dry hardwood, but always from the core of the tree, it is denser there. By the way, you can use birch.

Wooden plugs are inserted into the holes with tension, that is, their diameter should be slightly larger than the diameter of the hole, so they must be driven in with a hammer. After which the plugs are watered. What's the best way to organize this? To do this, you can use a plastic cup or bottle, in the bottom of which a hole is made with a needle. Such a container with holes is placed on top of the cork and water is poured inside.

Dripping onto wood, water penetrates the material, expanding it. As practice shows, wood under such influence expands by 15% of its volume. The expansion of wood creates enormous pressure, which tears not only concrete, but also any natural stones, even granite. In this way, the Egyptians in those distant times divided stone blocks into even blocks, which were used in the construction of the pyramids. Rest assured that within ten days your concrete will break exactly along the intended line.

Modern methods of concrete destruction

These are the options today that can be used to break concrete. They are simple and also low-cost. But if it is possible to purchase special powder NRS-1

, then the process can be completed in one or two days.

This is a chemical that expands several times in contact with water. First, holes are drilled along the destruction contour, into which an aqueous mixture of powder is poured. Proportions: 1.0 kilograms of chemical per 0.27 liters of water. Mixing is carried out for ten minutes, then the solution is poured into the holes to the edge. NRS-1 can only be used at a temperature not lower than +5° C, but not higher than +30° C. If the wall temperature is high, then the water added to the powder should be colder.

It will take less than a day for the chemical to break the concrete. No sledgehammer or jackhammer is needed. The concrete will simply fall apart under the influence of the expanding chemical. A good method, effective, but will require some financial expenses associated with the purchase of NRS-1

.

Application of acid mixture

Experts know how to destroy concrete without physical effort, and what substance has a detrimental effect on it. Therefore, to dismantle durable reinforced concrete structures, an acid mixture is often used, which simply dissolves the material.

To remove a small amount of solid matter from the surface, simply pour a substance, such as hydrochloric acid, on top of it.

Tip: Be very careful, otherwise you may get burned or otherwise injure yourself.

Usually, acid is used in its pure form extremely rarely; a special mixture is prepared for this purpose.

With its help you can:

• dissolve concrete;
• remove it from bricks;
• wash off the residue from the wall.

The mixture contains concentrated acids and inhibitors. The latter are necessary to protect other surfaces when processing concrete. For example, if you need to clean a frozen concrete mixer. The mixture will quickly penetrate deep into the material and destroy it; as a result, after some time it will turn into dust, which can be easily swept away with a regular brush.

Tip: you can use the mixture again if the building material is not completely cleaned the first time.

Reducing the concrete layer

Sometimes builders have to reduce the thickness of the concrete layer, for example, screed. Because of this, furniture or some kind of structure may not fit. Therefore, you have to trim the concrete screed. To make the concrete thinner, for example, by two centimeters, you should use an attachment designed for. With its help, the size of special disks is reduced. Before cutting it must be soaked with water. Water will help clean it of dust and debris. When soaking with water, you need to remember to follow safety precautions.

Destroying reinforced concrete

The above methods for destroying concrete in this case are not so effective. You will have to contend with a material that is much stronger. Using a hammer drill to make holes is simply pointless, so it is better to immediately prepare special devices - powerful drills with diamond tips.

Only such a tool can do such a job. In this case, you can drill holes at almost any angle.

Rope cutting of reinforced concrete products

Any methods of dismantling concrete structures described above cannot be combined with diamond cutting. The high strength of the material is not a hindrance for the drill, so it will cut through any thickness. The price of the method is high, but it allows you to quickly cope with the task.

Tip: to cut large concrete blocks, you can use a machine with a diamond wire.

Only a professional can work on it, as it has rather complex controls. The principle of dismantling is to use hydraulic pressure after the block is wrapped around the rope. The cutting speed directly depends on the strength of the concrete. For example, in particularly difficult cases, about 2 m of structure can be cut through in an hour.

Equipment for dismantling concrete products

At the same time, working with ordinary concrete does not cause difficulties. It runs 5 times faster. The machine is usually used for products with a thickness of more than 1 m.

During operation, the following requirements must be observed:

• constant cooling of the machine mechanism is required , since it quickly heats up due to constant operation;
• There should be a source of cold running water near the workplace . In addition, water also serves as a kind of protection for the diamond coating, preventing its destruction and washing away excess dust that is formed during the work;
• you need to have a permanent connection to three-phase voltage , otherwise the equipment will not work.

How to prevent concrete surfaces from crumbling

The following recommendations will help prevent the destruction and crumbling of concrete surfaces:

• When preparing the solution, water-repellent additives must be added to it. To achieve uniformity of the solution and increase its strength, plasticizers are added to the mixture. These substances are aimed at reducing vapor formation.
• After pouring, the concrete surface is treated with a hydrophobic agent, such as a primer. But it needs to be applied in 3-4 layers.
• If the finished structure is constantly exposed to water, it is impregnated with a water-repellent agent. The procedure is carried out under high pressure, and special equipment is used for this.
• Do not use the structure until it has completely hardened. This will take at least 28 days. It's better to wait 5 weeks.
• To prepare the concrete mixture, use only high-quality building materials with a normal shelf life.
• After pouring, protect the surface from direct sunlight. This will prevent the mixture from drying out too quickly.
• Monitor the integrity of the formwork so that there are no cracks. Leakage of the solution can lead to dehydration.
• Defects must be eliminated within the first 2-3 hours after pouring.
• Protect the newly poured mixture from physical impact.
• 8 hours after pouring, water the surface. Make sure that there is no evaporation or weathering of the liquid.

In order for concrete structures to remain intact as long as possible, they must be poured, following all rules and recommendations. Otherwise, the concrete will quickly collapse.

How to destroy concrete - 2 methods of dismantling

The demolition of any building structure always involves the destruction of concrete. This type of material has a fairly strong structure and is the basis of rebuilt structures. Dismantling of reinforced concrete is carried out in several ways. If the work area is small, you can handle the task individually, using a sledgehammer. But when disposing of large-scale arrays, you cannot do without the help of professionals and special equipment.

When is concrete removal necessary?

Many people are aware of how to properly prepare concrete mortar and in what directions to use it. But if necessary, not everyone is informed about how to competently dismantle durable material. Do not forget that we are talking only about low-budget disposal options, the use of which will be relevant for small-volume structures. Workflows arise for various reasons, for example:

• redevelopment of residential premises;
• demolition of an unsuitable structure;
• partial recycling of the old foundation;
• dismantling of concrete pours.

Methods of destruction

Mechanical method

This type of dismantling is characterized by the impact of physical force on the material. The simplest method is to use a hammer drill. You can use a hydrocline to break up concrete. The tools are presented in the form of special working tools equipped with jackhammers, which are used to destroy hard rock. The only difference between them is in the mechanism of the power supplied, the hammer drill is activated using an electrical network or a gasoline engine, the hydraulic wedge is equipped with an air valve, which is activated by a compressed air system. If a small area of ​​reinforced concrete is to be disposed of, you can use the following tools:

Destruction of concrete manually involves the use of a special sledgehammer, and the force of the impact depends on the physical activity of the worker.

• Sledgehammer. The force of the impact and the speed of destruction will depend only on the physical activity of the worker.
• Blowtorch and water. Heat concrete to high temperatures. When the material becomes very hot, immediately pour cold water on it. After several steps of this method, the structure will become covered with cracks and begin to collapse.
• Pike and jackhammer. A metal pin is wedged into specially formed holes on the dismantled structure and struck with a hammer. If such tools are not available, they are replaced with a small piece of reinforcement and a sledgehammer.
• Boaster. Minimum power holding used for dismantling steps and weak structures.
• Quiet explosion. It is used in rare cases when dismantling of an integral structure is envisaged. Explosives are planted in all directions of the building and detonated. A rather dangerous method of destruction, which is recommended only in exceptional cases.

Chemically

Dismantling with powder

Modern methods of destruction of reinforced concrete structures are distinguished by their efficiency and sound insulation. The use of chemicals will allow the disposal of unsuitable structures without dust, construction debris and noise.

The active chemical destroyer is HPC-1 powder. When using it, the dismantling of a concrete foundation or other small structure is carried out in 2 days. The procedure is carried out as follows:

1. Holes are drilled in a reinforced concrete structure along the entire radius of the intended area.
2. A solution is prepared from the powder, the proportion of which is 1 kg of substance per 0.32 liters of water.
3. The disintegrating drug is stirred for 15 minutes. It has a dense structure; it is worth monitoring the presence of sedimentary material.
4. The resulting solution is used to fill all previously prepared holes.
5. Mechanism of action: in reactionary contact with water, the powder increases in volume and breaks the concrete.
6. When using a chemical, you need to monitor the temperature; use is recommended from +7 to +28 degrees.

Chemical liquids

If durable concrete structures require dismantling, acid mixtures are used. They act on durable materials by dissolving their constituent components. The method is very effective, the concrete is destroyed, and the residue is easily removed from additional surfaces. The procedure also has a disadvantage - dismantling it chemically, using acids, is an expensive option. As a rule, the active component of such liquids is hydrochloric acid. Excipients are inhibitors that are responsible for maintaining the integrity of other building materials, such as bricks or metals. Acid etching is carried out by deep impregnation of concrete with a chemical liquid. Destruction lasts from 15 to 24 hours. The procedure requires strict adherence to safety precautions. The person carrying out the dismantling must be equipped with gloves, a face mask or a gas mask.

Source: znaybeton.ru

How to break a block of concrete?

A problem arose - it was necessary to break 5 concrete blocks (1mX1mX1m) in the ground (inherited from the previous foundation).

How to break them quickly? Now it takes half a day to make one block, which is not good.

There is no jackhammer and there is no chance of getting one.

There is a 3-joule hammer drill, but it is too weak for such things. The grinder makes the cuts well, but you still have to chip away pieces.

M.b. drill holes in the block and then do something using some technology?

It is better not to suggest ways to insert wood into the hole and wet it.

Drill holes, stick explosives in them and detonate them. But seriously, maybe. they are easier to bypass or use. Breaking a cube of concrete with a sledgehammer is not an easy task.

Yes, half a day for such a task is normal, if only it is very labor-intensive. Nothing will be faster except explosives.

isbist wrote: Ways to insert wood into the hole and wet it

then set it on fire

look for an electric bumper in the arena, but until you find it, until you bring it / take it in the end it may not be faster

I myself also have constant thoughts about explosives. M. b. Will it be faster if you use a hammer drill to make holes in one line, then the chisel, wedge and block will crack?

2isbist Deep cut with a grinder - metal wedges - sledgehammer - someone's mother. Normal Soviet technology. Mother can be replaced by Tajiks.

Ancient quarry workers did this: drill holes along the chip line, insert plugs of dry wood and soak them with water.

sansan21 wrote: 2isbist Deep cut with a grinder - metal wedges - sledgehammer - someone's mother. Normal Soviet technology. Mother can be replaced by Tajiks.

In my opinion, the most optimal option. Finding explosives is problematic (if you take not Chinese fire pits, but specifically explosives) Wedges take a long time (until they get wet, how long will it take).

Can I call an excavator with a hydraulic hammer? He will break it down in 1 day and take it out right away (approximately 11,000 rubles)

Half a day for a cube of concrete - yes, my friend, you're crazy - either the concrete is very bad or the workers are too agile or the tool is superb.

Humble yourself. Usually, from GOOD concrete (which is undermined, split with expanders and dissolved in acid, etc.), the most hard worker manages to break off a maximum of a couple of handfuls of fragments with a chipper per day. Sparks fly, that's YES, but he doesn't shoot the bastard.

So rejoice - you are incredibly lucky.

o_e wrote: Ancient quarry workers did this: drill holes along the chip line, insert plugs of dry wood and soak them with water.

no, we used quicklime. This thing will ruin everything. If they make the “wrong” concrete, then even the foundations are torn. It squeezes water out of the wood with good force, and the stone does not split.

isbist wrote: it takes half a day to make one block

So the day after tomorrow there will be nothing left.

There is such crap - NRS - a non-explosive destructive agent - powder, something with lime, like. Not in short supply, not expensive. In the summer it works well, holes are drilled with a diameter of about 40 mm, the LDC is poured - the concrete breaks. We also use hydraulics, but you can’t use it at home..

I offer my own option:

1. Buy picks from a jackhammer
2. Drill Smaller in diameter than the peak
3. A heavier sledgehammer
4. Drill holes in the concrete and then drive spikes into them. and the concrete cracks.

Yessss. they are still craftsmen. Did you read Russian folk tales as a child? Or the Internet from the cradle? Excavator, pit nearby, funeral of cubes. What's easier?

IPSIV I would also bury it to a depth of 2 meters using an excavator. Cheapest of all.

"BUILDING MATERIALS" Moscow region. Gypsum, silicate stones, oil paint, red lead, white putty, super gypsum, SIGB (lime mixture for mining and drilling, analogue of NRS-1), quicklime lump. Address: 140080, Moscow region, Lyubertsy district, pos. Kraskovo, st. Karl Marx, 117

Tel. : (095) 5015400 Fax : (095) 5571782 (095) 5572244 (095) 5573090

Production of our own non-explosive destructive agents Supplier of non-explosive destructive agents of imported and domestic production. NRS-1, NRV, Maxdindamite Cement, SIGB, etc. Moscow tel.

Try it, it might work.

Georgi61 wrote: I would also bury it to a depth of 2 meters using an excavator. Cheapest of all.

how much is an excavator today?

2Do Home Yourself Which one exactly, where should he go/where should he be taken, how much work will be done and many other factors, given that this is the nearest available mechanic, which affect how much it will cost you. Let’s say your excavator is already working in a cottage village (or let’s say it will be, here you need to monitor the moment), then you can try to negotiate with the foreman or the machine operator himself, it will be cheaper, or in a settlement not far from you there are machine operators and besides, they sit without affairs. This is one situation. If they are heavily loaded, if they are greedy (there are such people) or lazy (he will sit idle and pick his rotten teeth instead of going a couple of kilometers away and earning money for the dentist).

2datchnik I mean, they give so much advice, as if an excavator is like going for milk

About three years ago, I didn’t have to be nearby, but I had to transport it from far away (on a platform?) so it would have turned out to be a golden pit for several days, killed and spat

Yes, during the discussion, the author probably managed to use the already existing method :-))

I broke 5 blocks in 3 hours. Which I am very happy about.

I can share the technology.

Nearby (10 cm) I made 2 holes in the block with a hammer drill (I have a drill with a diameter of 16 mm and a length of 25 cm). I inserted 2 chisels (so that they looked along the same line). And with a 5 kg sledgehammer, alternately using one chisel and then another.

The pieces were separated approximately 25 cm wide, but the most interesting thing was that the block cracked to the ground. Then separate the lump pieces with a crowbar.

It would probably be even more effective if the drill was longer.

isbist wrote: I broke 5 blocks in 3 hours. Which I am very happy about.

I can share the technology.

Nearby (10 cm) I made 2 holes in the block with a hammer drill (I have a drill with a diameter of 16 mm and a length of 25 cm). I inserted 2 chisels (so that they looked along the same line). And with a 5 kg sledgehammer, alternately using one chisel and then another.

The pieces were separated approximately 25 cm wide, but the most interesting thing was that the block cracked to the ground. Then separate the lump pieces with a crowbar.

It would probably be even more effective if the drill was longer.

Congratulations! Which is exactly what I suggested! The method is effective.

The topic is very interesting, I also have blocks at my dacha, not concrete but granite and the sizes are very similar, can anyone recommend what?

michael(S.-Pb) wrote: Production of our own non-explosive destructive agents Supplier of non-explosive destructive agents of imported and domestic production. NRS-1, NRV, Maxdindamite Cement, SIGB, etc. Moscow

Is this available in St. Petersburg? How does it work on granite?

A through tunnel under a boulder. In winter, put a log there and light a fire for a couple of days. When it burns out, use cold water. Then disassemble it at least manually.

If there is no danger of fire or swamp, then it is possible in the summer, probably. But in the summer you will definitely have to keep an eye on it.

VTB! wrote: A rough tunnel under a boulder. In winter, put a log there and light a fire for a couple of days. When it burns out, use cold water. Then disassemble it at least manually.

It’s not realistic in winter, the roads are poorly and rarely cleaned. Bonfires, blowtorches, drills, wedges, wooden plugs, this is all for suckers, they have already passed. The only thing that really works is digging, which is how I personally buried three blocks, there are three more left, there is nowhere to dig them, under them there are blocks of no smaller size.

WEREG wrote: three boulders are buried

This is if the goal is to get rid of it. What if it’s for valuable building materials?

Bonfire, blowtorches, drills, wedges, wooden plugs, it's all for suckers

The fire is from below - and for a long time. And blowtorches. It's like using a lighter.

Above, there was a question about removing granite blocks (or similar in strength, including those from high-quality concrete) from the site.

Pound them - . Well, in short, you understand.

At the moment, for such situations, there is the only acceptable and not particularly burdensome way - to make holes and then “tear” the monolith along them using LDC (simple lime is absolutely not suitable). LDC - search for those who need it.

How to make holes? - An oxygen spear. Briefly - an oxygen cylinder + a half-inch pipe stuffed with wire. - EVERYTHING is on fire. Incl. and in granite you get the most excellent holes.

1 oxygen cylinder - 1 drill hole. And then if you're lucky. Think.

Sometimes it’s easier to dig up and bury it so that it doesn’t loom before your eyes.

Destruction of concrete: methods. use of powder.

Often, when constructing or reconstructing a facility, it is necessary to first destroy dilapidated reinforced concrete structures. But the fact is that this material has increased strength, otherwise it would not be able to support the structure. Dismantling in this case is not an easy task, so they can also use a couple of options, as well as destroying concrete with ultrasound or chemicals.

How to reduce a concrete layer to a certain thickness?

It happens that the screed was poured too thick, and because of this, after repair, a piece of furniture or some structure, for example, a column, may not fit. It is impossible to trim a column; it is easier to trim concrete, but how to do this when the material is very hard? In order to destroy only a certain layer of concrete, for example, 2 centimeters, it is necessary to use a special attachment for an angle grinder, which limits the size of the disc. It’s not easy to get such an attachment, but they appear periodically in construction supermarkets. The nozzle is put on the disk, after which the depth of the slots is set. Before cutting, concrete must be saturated with water to avoid dust, but do not forget about electrical safety measures. Then, when the surface looks like a chocolate bar, you need to use a puncher to break off all the pieces one by one. The surface can be leveled with the same angle grinder, only with a so-called diamond cup.

Non-specialized information

Let's look at fairly commonly used methods that will help you understand how to destroy a cement foundation with your own hands:

Tip: when dismantling reinforced concrete structures, cutting reinforced concrete with diamond wheels of the required density helps a lot.

In order to understand which method is suitable for a particular case, you need to familiarize yourself with each in more detail.

Using an acidic mixture

Experts know how to destroy concrete without physical effort, and what substance has a detrimental effect on it. Based on this, an acid mixture, which is a material, is often used to dismantle durable reinforced concrete structures.

To remove a small amount of a hard substance from the surface, it is enough to apply a substance on top of it, for example, hydrochloric acid.

Advice: proceed with extreme caution, otherwise you may get burned or cause other injury to yourself.

In most cases, acid is used very rarely in its pure form; a special mixture is prepared for this purpose.

With its help you can:

• dissolve concrete;
• remove it from bricks;
• wash off the residue from the wall.

The mixture contains concentrated acids and inhibitors. The latter are needed to protect other surfaces when processing concrete. For example, if you need to clean a frozen concrete mixer. The mixture will quickly penetrate deep into the material and destroy it; as a result, after some time it will turn into dust, which can be easily swept away with a simple brush.

Tip: you have the opportunity to re-use the mixture if the building material is not completely cleaned the first time.

Destroying reinforced concrete

The methods described above for destroying concrete in this case are not so effective. You will need to contend with a material that is significantly stronger. Using a hammer drill to make holes is simply pointless; therefore, it is better to immediately prepare special devices - wonderful drills with diamond tips.

Only such a tool can do such work. Along with this, you can drill holes at virtually any angle.

Each of the methods for dismantling cement structures outlined above cannot be combined with diamond cutting. The high strength of the material is not a hindrance for the drill; therefore, it will cut through any thickness. The price of the method is high, but it allows you to quickly cope with the task.

Tip: to cut huge cement blocks, you can use a machine with a diamond wire.

Only a specialist can work on it, since it has extremely complex controls. The principle of dismantling is the application of hydraulic pressure after the block is wrapped around the rope. The cutting speed depends on the strength of the concrete. For example, in very difficult cases it is possible to cut through about two meters of structure in an hour.

Along with this, working with simple concrete does not pose any difficulties. It is carried out 5 times faster. The machine is in most cases used for products with a thickness of more than 1 m.

During the work, the following requirements must be met:

• constant cooling of the car mechanism is required , since it quickly heats up due to constant operation;
• There should be a source of cold running water near the workplace . In addition, water also provides unusual protection for the diamond coating, preventing its destruction and washing away excess dust that is formed during work;
• you must have a permanent connection to three-phase voltage , otherwise the equipment will not work.

Reasons for dismantling work and conditions for its implementation

Concrete structures are most often demolished when they have served their purpose or have begun to collapse due to man-made disasters or natural disasters. But there are other reasons why sometimes quite strong structures have to be destroyed.

• Clearing the area for new construction.
• Demolition of structures erected without a design or in violation of technology, and posing a danger.
• Work on redevelopment, reconstruction of buildings and communications.
• Dismantling old objects that do not fit into the landscape.

Since it is not always possible to gouge concrete without prolonged noise, strong vibration, dust and debris, dismantling work can cause serious inconvenience to people - residents of the house, neighbors. And when large objects are demolished, nature and nearby buildings suffer.

Demolition of a wall during redevelopment of a house Source bosch-professional.com

To minimize these negative consequences and avoid conflicts, in each specific case you need to try to choose the optimal methods of destruction. They are mechanical, thermal, chemical. We will not consider explosives, since their use by private individuals is illegal.

Destruction of concrete: methods Using powder Using an acidic mixture

• 1 General information 1.1 The simplest method
• 1.2 Using powder

Often, during the construction or reconstruction of a facility, it is necessary to first destroy old reinforced concrete structures. But the fact is that this material has increased strength, otherwise it would not be able to support the structure. Dismantling in this case is a difficult task, so several options can be used, including destruction of concrete with ultrasound or chemicals.

Dismantling of concrete products with diamond saws

General information

Let's look at commonly used methods that will help you understand how to destroy a concrete foundation with your own hands:

Simple Tools If you are faced with a small obstacle, you can use a sledgehammer or a regular hammer drill, but for particularly difficult places, the equipment should be professional. The method itself is quite difficult and requires physical effort. But it will not be possible to destroy a particularly strong foundation with its help. Special sour mixture The most common method. Non-explosive substances NRS-1 powder. Special diamond wire For breaking reinforced concrete, since conventional methods are not used for this work.

Tip: when dismantling reinforced concrete structures, cutting reinforced concrete with diamond wheels of the required density helps a lot.

To understand which method is suitable for a particular case, you need to familiarize yourself with each in more detail.

Destruction of concrete road foundations with a hydraulic hammer

The simplest method

You can use a sledgehammer to crush a small concrete structure into separate pieces. Moreover, the speed of destruction in this case will depend only on your physical capabilities. Therefore, if they are small, you can spend a lot of effort and time on the work.

How to destroy concrete with a sledgehammer

Alternatively, you can drill holes with a hammer drill in several places to reduce the strength of the material, then it will be much easier to destroy. It is believed that even a reinforced concrete slab can be crushed with a sledgehammer, but is it worth doing? Below you will learn about other easier methods.

We use powder

In this section you will learn how to chemically destroy concrete, since quite often chemical powders that do not burn or explode are used to dismantle solid building materials.

The popularity of this method is due to the fact that during the process there is no noise and no excess debris is generated, which can be observed during a regular explosion. NRS-1 powder is usually used, since it has a high fracture force (> 30 MPa).

In the photo - diamond drilling of holes

Below are instructions on how to use it:

• Drill holes with a diameter of 80 mm in the concrete structure, the distance between them is from 560 mm.
• Pour the prepared solution into them - powder with water.
• Wait approximately 48 hours, during which time the chemical will begin to crystallize and begin to destroy the building material.
• After the stated time, in place of the concrete structure there will be only pieces of scrap, which will be taken to the disposal site.
  Advice: for work you may need a service - diamond drilling of holes in concrete with crowns of the required diameter.

Why does concrete crumble?

Concrete can deteriorate immediately after pouring or after a certain period of time. There are several reasons why this happens.

Newly poured concrete crumbles

Factors causing the destruction of fresh concrete:

• during the preparation of the mixture, cement of low quality or expired was used;
• the proportions of the components of the concrete mixture are incorrectly calculated;
• during pouring, a lot of water was added to the solution, which is why the mixture lost the necessary strength;
• the technology for caring for fresh concrete was not followed - in the summer, in the first three days after pouring, the structure must be irrigated with water and covered with film, and in winter the poured mixture must be heated;
• the mixture was not compacted - when the solution is poured into the formwork, it is well compacted so that the structure becomes homogeneous and porosity decreases;
• cracks appear on concrete that has not yet hardened - most likely, this is due to improper installation or deformation during shrinkage.

Old concrete

If the concrete mixture begins to crumble and deteriorate several months after pouring, there is a high probability that water has entered the solution.

The concrete mixture quickly absorbs moisture, so pouring should not be done during rain. If water does get into the solution, at low temperatures it will freeze and expand, thereby beginning to put pressure on the hardened concrete. As the temperature rises, the ice will melt, decreasing in volume. After several such cycles of water conversion, the concrete begins to crack.

There is another side to the effect of water on the mixture. The liquid can simply evaporate, leaving voids in its place, which is why the concrete begins to collapse.

Sudden temperature changes also pose a danger to the mixture. If, when pouring, no additive was added to the solution, but simply increased the amount of added water, this also leads to concrete crumbling.

The state of the concrete mixture is also affected by the chemical processes that occur in concrete. This is especially true for buildings where chemicals are produced. To prevent this problem, it is recommended to use only high quality cement.

Mechanical influences: blows or shocks also lead to the destruction of concrete. Sometimes it crumbles due to subsidence of the soil or its rise associated with increased soil moisture.

Concrete cracks due to improper installation of reinforcing bars. Errors in installation lead to detachment of the protective layer from the reinforcement, which causes cracks to appear. Corrosion of reinforcement also leads to delamination of the concrete layer.

Application of acid mixture

Experts know how to destroy concrete without physical effort, and what substance has a detrimental effect on it. Therefore, to dismantle durable reinforced concrete structures, an acid mixture is often used, which simply dissolves the material.

To remove a small amount of solid matter from the surface, simply pour a substance, such as hydrochloric acid, on top of it.

Tip: Be very careful, otherwise you may get burned or otherwise injure yourself.

Usually, acid is used in its pure form extremely rarely; a special mixture is prepared for this purpose.

With its help you can:

remove it from bricks;

The mixture contains concentrated acids and inhibitors. The latter are necessary to protect other surfaces when processing concrete. For example, if you need to clean a frozen concrete mixer. The mixture will quickly penetrate deep into the material and destroy it; as a result, after some time it will turn into dust, which can be easily swept away with a regular brush.

Tip: you can use the mixture again if the building material is not completely cleaned the first time.

Chemical factors

Violations of the integrity of concrete caused by chemical reactions occur due to processes occurring between binders and the external environment. In this case, alkalis, chlorides and sulfates, carbon dioxide arise, due to which calcium carbonate is formed, leaching water.

The amount of destructive chemicals generated depends on:

• concentration of carbon dioxide in the ambient air;
• level of industrial pollution;
• features of the operation of the structure.

As a result of an increase in the alkaline environment, the protective film of the reinforcement is destroyed and metal corrosion occurs. Around such places, concrete swells, delaminates and may even break off. As a result, oxygen and moisture gain access to even more internal area of ​​the structures and destruction continues. Corrosion resulting from exposure to carbonate causes the most extensive deformations.

In order to prevent such a situation, it is necessary to repair cracks and diagnose materials for the presence of carbonate. This check is carried out using a phenolphthalein color test: after applying such a solution, concrete that has not been exposed to harmful effects turns red, and damaged concrete takes on a different color.

Diagnosis of concrete destruction by carbonates is based on a color test. After applying a 1% phenolphthalein solution, non-carbonated concrete turns red, carbonized concrete does not change color.

Another chemical process that disrupts the structure of concrete is leaching. It occurs under the influence of water, especially if it contains sulfuric or carbon dioxide. Diagnosis of this process can only be carried out visually - there are no other methods. If a process harmful to concrete has begun, aggregate without cement stone will be visible.

Chemical cracking of concrete can occur due to the presence of anhydrides and gypsum (natural impurities) in the solution. Analysis of violations can only be carried out in laboratory conditions.

A separate type of chemical destruction occurs under the influence of sea salt. Such structural disturbances are detected in a laboratory or color test.

Some aggregates may contain silica, which causes chemical deterioration of concrete.

In this case, a gel is formed, which expands very strongly, causing cracks, swelling and breakthrough of individual areas. Such violations can be determined visually - damaged concrete swells and cracks under pressure coming from the inside.

Destroying reinforced concrete

The above methods for destroying concrete in this case are not so effective. You will have to contend with a material that is much stronger. Using a hammer drill to make holes is simply pointless, so it is better to immediately prepare special devices - powerful drills with diamond tips.

Only such a tool can do such a job. In this case, you can drill holes at almost any angle.

Rope cutting of reinforced concrete products

Any methods of dismantling concrete structures described above cannot be combined with diamond cutting. The high strength of the material is not a hindrance for the drill, so it will cut through any thickness. The price of the method is high, but it allows you to quickly cope with the task.

Tip: to cut large concrete blocks, you can use a machine with a diamond wire.

Only a professional can work on it, as it has rather complex controls. The principle of dismantling is to use hydraulic pressure after the block is wrapped around the rope. The cutting speed directly depends on the strength of the concrete. For example, in particularly difficult cases, about 2 m of structure can be cut through in an hour.

Equipment for dismantling concrete products

At the same time, working with ordinary concrete does not cause difficulties. It runs 5 times faster. The machine is usually used for products with a thickness of more than 1 m.

During operation, the following requirements must be observed:

• constant cooling of the machine mechanism is required, since it quickly heats up due to constant operation;
• There should be a source of cold running water near the workplace. In addition, water also serves as a kind of protection for the diamond coating, preventing its destruction and washing away excess dust that is formed during the work;
• you need to have a permanent connection to three-phase voltage, otherwise the equipment will not work.

What to do if concrete crumbles or crumbles

Repairing a cracked concrete structure should begin immediately, with the smallest crack. Otherwise, subsequent repairs will cost more and will take longer. It must be taken into account that cracks in the foundation will soon lead to cracking of the walls. To begin repair work, it is necessary to first determine the cause of the destruction.

If concrete crumbles due to moisture ingress, take the following measures:

• the surface is cleaned of amorphous residues;
• cracks are covered with new cement mortar;
• After the solution has dried, the surface is treated with a primer that penetrates deep into the cement.

It is important to ensure that the cement gets as deep into the cracks as possible; to do this, they can be slightly widened. Otherwise, the bottom of the cracks will not be held together.

Deep cracks are filled in several layers. The thickness of each does not exceed 2 cm and is applied only after the lower part has completely dried.

To cover small cracks, a mixture of sand and cement is used, and for deeper cracks, special cement compositions are used.

If the cracks are deeper and larger, the structure will have to be dismantled and refilled. Refilling is carried out in stages using reinforcement. Start with those areas that are subject to the greatest load. Reinforcement increases the strength of a concrete structure.

The degree of destruction and methods for its elimination can only be determined by a qualified specialist.