Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3.5.4 Attached mechanical demolition
tools (optional)
The simultaneous use of mechanical tools and microwave heating has been
suggested by a number of inventors to improve selective demolition effi-
ciency and energy savings and for reducing associated emissions. It has been
debated that microwave heating may result in softening of the concrete so
that it can be removed using considerably smaller mechanical forces.
3.5.5 Control unit
The control unit is the heart of the microwave-assisted demolition system
and is responsible for monitoring and controlling the demolition process
based on the information provided by the user as well as the feedback from
a network of sensors used to monitor the performance of the various com-
ponents. The main responsibilities of the control unit include selecting the
appropriate microwave frequency, microwave power, and heating duration
to achieve the desired depth and rate of demolition, monitoring the perfor-
mance of various components in the system to ensure optimal performance,
monitoring the safety of the operator by monitoring the amount of pos-
sible leakage, and identifying potential faults in the system. In automated
microwave-assisted selective demolition systems, the control unit is also
responsible for controlling the movement of the applicator.
3.5.6 Robotic arm
To improve the safety of operators, extending potential working hours,
and eliminating the need for training and hiring of skilled operators,
microwave-assisted systems could be designed to operate automatically by
including remote operational and robotic features. A robotic arm is basi-
cally a mechanical arm that can be programmed to move the microwave
applicator along a predefined route. The control of the robotic arm requires
the use of navigation systems such as laser scanners for locating of obstacles
and walls and for measuring the demolition depth achieved before moving
the applicator is moved to the next location.
3.6 WORKING PRINCIPLES OF MICROWAVE-
ASSISTED SELECTIVE DEMOLITION
OF CONCRETE
A number of examples of successful experiments verifying the capabilities
of microwave heating for potential uses in the demolition of concrete were
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