Optimization of hard metal lamellae for the decontamination of concrete surfaces

The application of rotary hoes for large-area decontamination of concrete surfaces has shown to be an appropriate method. Star-like hard metal lamellae are implemented into the machines that can remove up to 3 mm of the concrete surface. The durability of these tools is dependent on the rotational speed of the electric motor, the concrete strength and the travel speed. The nuclear building structures consist mainly of normal concrete with high compression strength decreasing the usual durability. An efficient decontamination requires long tool lifetimes and economically profitable tool cost. The optimization of the hard metal lamellae under nuclear boundary conditions was the topic of the project.