Hydraulic Bursting

Hydraulic Bursting: A Practical Guide for Property Owners, Contractors and Facility Managers Introduction Hydraulic bursting is a powerful, non-explosive concrete demolition technique that has gained widespread adoption across Canada and the U.S. Whether you’re a property owner planning a foundation removal, a contractor tackling old retaining walls, or a facility manager overseeing plant upgrades, understanding hydraulic bursting can save time, reduce costs and minimize disruption. What Is Hydraulic Bursting? Hydraulic bursting uses high-pressure hydraulic pumps to insert a steel piston (the “burster”) into pre-drilled holes in concrete or rock. The piston expands, creating radial fissures that fracture the material into manageable pieces. Unlike jackhammers or explosives, hydraulic bursting works quietly, precisely and without vibration damage to adjacent structures. How Hydraulic Bursting Works 1. Planning and Site Assessment • Inspect site conditions—buried utilities, soil type, structural proximity • Determine hole pattern, depth and piston size based on thickness/material 2. Drilling Holes • Use rotary-percussion drills to bore holes at predetermined intervals (typically 300–500 mm apart) • Hole diameter ranges from 32 mm to 38 mm for most applications 3. Inserting the Hydraulic Burster • Place the collapsible burst head into the hole, connect hoses to a high-pressure pump • Apply up to 700 bar of pressure to expand the head and split the concrete or rock 4. Material Removal • Fractured pieces fall away or are easily removed with a mini-excavator or skid steer • Repeat process until target area is fully demolished Key Applications • Foundation and footing removal • Retaining wall demolition • Trenchless pipe replacement and utility openings • Rock excavation in confined or urban spaces • Controlled demolition in sensitive environments Advantages of Hydraulic Bursting • Controlled, non-explosive demolition—ideal for urban areas, hospitals, schools • Low noise and near-zero vibration—protects adjacent structures and equipment • Reduced dust and debris compared to jackhammering or blasting • Trenchless capability—maintains surface integrity for sidewalks, driveways and floors • Environmentally friendly—no chemical explosives or harmful fumes Hydraulic Bursting vs. Traditional Methods Feature Hydraulic Bursting Jackhammering Explosive Blasting Noise Level Low High Very high Vibration Impact Minimal Moderate to high Very high Dust & Debris Low High High Safety Concerns Lower (no explosives) Moderate (risk of hand-arm vibration) High (blast risk, fly rock) Utility Protection Excellent Poor to moderate Poor Cost & Efficiency Competitive in medium to large projects Slower progress, higher labor cost High regulatory/insurance cost Safety and Environmental Considerations • All work must comply with local regulations (OSHA in the U.S., provincial regulations in Canada) • Conduct a thorough underground utility locate before drilling • Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE): eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots • Implement dust control measures—water mist or dust extractors • Plan debris removal to prevent site contamination Estimating Costs Hydraulic bursting costs depend on: • Material hardness and thickness • Hole drilling time and equipment mobilization • Project scale and accessibility • Debris removal and disposal requirements On average, hydraulic bursting can be 10–20% more cost-effective than jackhammering on medium to large concrete demolition projects, thanks to faster cycle times and lower labor requirements. Choosing the Right Contractor When selecting a hydraulic bursting service provider, look for: • Proven experience in your region (Canada/USA) and similar project types • Proper licensing, insurance and safety certifications • In-house drilling and hydraulic equipment to avoid subcontracting delays • References or case studies demonstrating successful outcomes • Clear, written proposals outlining scope, timeline and costs Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is hydraulic bursting suitable for all concrete thicknesses? A: Yes. Piston sizes and hole patterns can be adjusted for slabs as thin as 100 mm up to structural walls over 1 m thick. Q: How close can bursting be to existing structures? A: With minimal vibration, bursting can be performed safely within 300 mm of sensitive foundations or utilities, pending a structural assessment. Q: What is the typical work cycle time per hole? A: Including drilling and bursting, each hole takes approximately 5–10 minutes, depending on material hardness. Q: Can bursting be used indoors? A: Absolutely. Low noise and dust make it ideal for interior renovations, basement demolitions and plant shutdowns. Conclusion Hydraulic bursting offers a reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional concrete demolition and explosive methods. Its precision, low vibration and versatility make it the method of choice for property owners, contractors and facility managers across Canada and the U.S. Ready to simplify your next demolition project? Contact our team today for a free consultation and discover how hydraulic bursting can deliver safe, cost-effective results tailored to your site.