From Superinnovators 10/11/23. This article is in TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) format which is popular in the innovation community and provides a bullet summary of information.
- Introduction to rubblisation: Rubblisation is a construction and engineering technique that transforms existing concrete into rubble at its current location, saving time and transportation costs. It is primarily used in road construction and decommissioning nuclear power plants.
- Industry leader: Antigo Construction, a US-based specialist, employs the MHB Badger Breaker® for concrete pavement breaking. This company, leveraging expertise in pavement technology, offers solutions like rubblising and cracking & seating.
- Timeline and development: The rubblising technique for concrete has been around since the 1990s, offering an innovative solution in pavement technology. Antigo’s MHB Badger Breaker® represents a significant advancement in this field, providing efficient and environmentally friendly pavement breaking.
- How the MHB Badger Breaker® operates: The MHB Badger Breaker® is a self-propelled, multi-head concrete pavement breaker. It features hammers mounted laterally in pairs, each pair attached to an independent hydraulic lift cylinder, delivering 1,000 to 8,000 foot pounds of breaking energy and cycling at 30 to 35 impacts per minute.
- Addressing the challenge of deteriorating pavements: This innovation addresses the challenge of deteriorating concrete carriageways. Techniques like rubblising convert concrete pavements into a semi or fully flexible base for asphalt overlay, extending their life without the need for removal or replacement.
- Benefits and impact: Rubblising with the MHB Badger Breaker® offers significant benefits: it’s cost-effective, reduces contract periods, optimises costs, and minimises carbon emissions. For instance, rubblising a concrete surface is 52% less expensive than removing and replacing it, and it significantly reduces road reconstruction time.
- Future prospects and expansion: Antigo Construction continues to innovate in pavement technology, with plans to expand their range of services and further improve the efficiency and environmental friendliness of their solutions. The future of rubblisation looks promising, with potential applications in various infrastructure projects.
