How do you know if hydrodemolition is the right method for your bridge deck replacement? TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 to explore when it is most appropriate. Presenters went over the pros and cons of using hydrodemoliton, provide insight into best practices, discuss the different forms of removal, and identify decision-making tools on when to use hydrodemolition versus other removal methods. Presenters also discussed the long-term performances of bridges that have undergone such a replacement, and the processes, challenges, limitations and environmental issues when using hydrodemolition.

This webinar was organized by TRB’s Standing Committee on Innovative Highway Structures and Appurtenances and features research from NCHRP’s Domestic Scan Successful Approaches for the Use of Hydrodemolition for Partial Depth Removal of Bridge Decks.

The slides and recording are available.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Challenges and benefits of hydrodemolition: Cheryl Hersh Simmons, Utah Department of Transportation
2. Forms of removal practices: John Belcher, Michigan Department of Transportation
3. Decision making and recommendations: Paul Pilarski, Minnesota Department of Transportation
4. Water control: Nicholas Clark, Utah Department of Transportation
5. Question and answer session: Moderated by Cheryl Hersh Simmons, Utah Department of Transportation

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Determine when hydrodemolition is appropriate for deck replacement
2. Identify best practices in using hydrodemolition for bridge deck replacements.

Professional Development Hours

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.