Overload describes the overstress of tools, hydraulic systems, and assemblies beyond their intended operating limits. In demolition, deconstruction, rock excavation, and natural stone extraction it leads to efficiency losses, unplanned downtime, and increased wear. Especially with concrete crushers and pulverizers as well as hydraulic wedge splitter, overload can develop insidiously: through short-term load peaks, unfavorable contact points, incorrect hydraulic settings, or material properties that alter the load path.
Definition: What is meant by overload
Overload refers to the action of forces, pressures, moments, or thermal influences that exceed the permissible limits of a component. It can occur static (excessive sustained load), dynamic (impacts, vibrations), or thermal (overheating). In hydraulic demolition tools, overload manifests as excessive operating pressure, impermissible lateral forces, torsion or buckling, as well as oil overtemperature. Consequences include accelerated fatigue, permanent deformations, cracks, seal wear, and activation of safety devices such as pressure relief valves. Full utilization of rated output is not overload; overload begins when safety margins and design limits are exceeded.
Causes, symptoms, and consequences of overload in demolition technology
Overload often arises at interfaces: tool–component, hydraulic power pack–drive, material–structure. Typical causes include incorrect hydraulic parameters, unsuitable tool selection, unfavorable attack angles, undetected reinforcement, or anisotropic rock fabric. Symptoms include delayed response, pronounced deceleration up to standstill, unusual noises (valve whistling), excessive heating, visible edge chipping on cutting edges, hairline cracks in joint areas, and oil leakage. In the long term, this leads to shortened maintenance intervals, increased spare parts demand, and safety risks.
Hydraulic causes
Pressure relief valves set too high, pressure spikes from abrupt valve closures, hoses that are too long or undersized (pressure waves), contaminated filters (flow losses), or an unsuitable combination of hydraulic power pack and consumer generate overpressure. With the concrete pulverizer, this appears as slow closing, strong heating, and early valve activation. With the hydraulic wedge splitter, pressure overshoot can jam the wedge and damage seals.
Mechanical causes
Skew pull, side loading, and torsion occur when the tool is not applied perpendicular to the surface, when components yield unevenly, or when the tool is used as a lever. For the concrete pulverizer, thickness and reinforcement ratio are decisive; biting too deeply into overly massive cross-sections without stepwise nibbling produces load peaks. For rock splitting cylinders, boreholes that are too small in diameter or insufficient depth lead to wedge jamming and excessive ram loads.
Thermal causes
Long full-load phases, high ambient temperatures, and insufficient cooling cause oil overheating. Decreasing viscosity reduces lubrication, accelerates seal aging, and promotes cavitation. The result is loss of efficiency and further overload phenomena.
Understanding hydraulic overload: pressure, flow, and valves
Hydraulic force results from pressure and effective area (F ≈ p · A). What is decisive is the coordination of the hydraulic power pack (pressure level, flow rate) and the tool (piston area, valve architecture). Pressure limits the maximum force, flow determines the speed. Pressure relief valves protect against overpressure but require correct adjustment and regular function checks.
- Pressure management: Keep pressure as close as possible to the manufacturer’s specification; values that are too high cause material fatigue, values that are too low reduce performance and encourage misuse.
- Flow matching: A flow rate above design leads to throttling losses and heat; too little flow results in slow movements and longer load durations.
- Hose routing: Short hoses with suitable nominal diameters reduce pressure spikes; clean couplings prevent flow separation.
- Filter and oil condition: Clean media prevent valve sticking that can trigger load spikes.
- Temperature control: Operate oil within the optimal temperature window; overtemperature damages seals and reduces strength.
Overload on the concrete pulverizer: typical scenarios and remedies
For the concrete pulverizer, overload often stems from uneven structural support, hidden prestress, or high-strength reinforcement. A low-load working method reduces peak loads and increases process reliability.
Properly assess reinforcement and member thickness
Assess member thickness, concrete strength, and reinforcement ratio before first bite. Instead of a deep, force-intensive single bite, apply several shallower bites. Do not “tear along” rebar with the crushing force of the jaws; separate it deliberately, e.g., with steel shear or Multi Cutters, before the concrete is fully severed.
Avoid lateral forces and twisting
Apply the tool perpendicular to the surface, choose contact areas as flat as possible, and watch for twisted kinematics. Do not lever. Uneven removal (weaken edges first, then sever the core) prevents jamming and reduces torsion in the joint area.
Size hydraulic power packs correctly
Operate hydraulic power units within the specified pressure/flow window. Check tightness after changing couplings; micro-leaks cause performance loss and provoke longer full-load phases. Do not readjust pressure relief valves “on speculation”; incorrect settings are a major source of overload.
Overload with hydraulic wedge splitter and rock splitting cylinders
hydraulic wedge splitter works with wedge/spreading forces in boreholes. Overload occurs when hole geometry, arrangement, or rock fabric impede crack propagation.
Borehole geometry and wedge care
Select bore diameter, depth, and spacing according to the tool design. Holes that are too tight or too shallow increase the required pressure level. Keep wedges and springs clean and free-running; increased friction causes pressure spikes. Distribute load evenly across hole rows and split sequentially to smooth the load spectrum.
Consider rock properties
Foliation, joint systems, and moisture influence crack propagation. In anisotropic rocks, choose smaller step sizes and adjusted hole spacing. In reinforced concrete, account for reinforcement location; the concrete pulverizer can create preliminary separations to lower splitting forces.
Other tools: combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shear and tank cutters
Combination shears unite cutting and crushing; overload threatens on profiles with walls that are too thick or when biting into components at an angle. Multi Cutters handle different materials; an excessively large cross-section or the wrong material engagement (e.g., spring steel) creates load peaks. steel shear requires sufficient prepositioning and segmented cuts on massive beams; the rule “from thin to thick” reduces resistance. Tank cutters require controlled feed rates and uniform support of thin-walled sheets; buckling creates lateral loads and thus torsion in the tool.
Application areas and typical load cases
- Concrete demolition and special demolition: Composite members with prestress, thick slabs, and heavy reinforcement create alternating loads. Sequence: weaken edges, cut reinforcement, then the core; this lowers peak loads on the concrete pulverizer.
- Building gutting and cutting: Heterogeneous layers (plaster, sheets, sections) cause varying resistance. With Multi Cutters and steel shear, stagger sections to avoid load jumps.
- Rock excavation and tunnel construction: Joint systems and residual stresses lead to unpredictable crack paths. Use hydraulic wedge splitter with adapted hole grids and provide shoring.
- Natural stone extraction: Anisotropy requires smaller load steps. Cool tools regularly and schedule pauses for thermal balance.
- Special operations: Confined spaces, contaminated areas, or structural constraints intensify lateral forces; smaller bites, clear cut paths, and precise hydraulic matching reduce overload risk.
Prevention: planning, operation, and overload protection
- Define load assumptions: Determine material, cross-sections, reinforcement, rock fabric, and support conditions.
- Tool and power pack selection: Choose rated force and cutting capacity with reserve; match the pressure/flow window.
- Parameterization: Set pressure relief, flow, and temperature monitoring; provide pressure gauge locations.
- Trial run: Start with smaller cross-sections; evaluate feedback (noise, temperature, speed).
- Ongoing monitoring: Check oil temperature, valve activation, and surface condition of cutting edges and wedges.
- Readjust: Optimize work strategy, contact points, and cut sequence; never “dial out” overload—eliminate root causes.
Operation and training
Operators should recognize the response of the pressure relief valve and avoid load peaks. Gentle load application, stepwise operation, avoiding lever movements, and setting down in time if stagnation occurs significantly reduce overload. For the concrete pulverizer: better several shallow bites than one deep bite; for the hydraulic wedge splitter: strictly adhere to hole pattern and sequence.
Maintenance and documentation
Inspect cutting edges, wedges, bearings, and seals regularly; signs such as chipping, play in joints, hairline cracks, or oil leakage are early indicators of overload. Secure bolted joints with correct tightening torques. Document oil quality and filter condition. Log events with unusual loads to identify patterns.
Determining and monitoring loads
Practical indicators help avoid overload: pressure gauges for pressure control, flow measurement for motion characteristics, temperature measurement at the tank and on line sections, visual inspection of tool cutting edges and wedge surfaces. A qualitative assessment of operating noises and the tool’s response times supports early detection of load peaks.
Material and component influence: from reinforcement to anisotropic rock
Material properties determine resistance: concrete strength, aggregates, moisture, and reinforcement ratio; in rock, the orientation of joints and foliation. In edge zones of components, load paths differ from the core. An adapted cutting and splitting strategy—weakening edges, targeted separation of reinforcement, staging loads—reduces the likelihood of overload on the concrete pulverizer as well as on the hydraulic wedge splitter.
Safety and responsible application
Overload is not only an efficiency issue but also a safety aspect. Risk assessments, clear work instructions, appropriate personal protective equipment, and regular training are essential. Legal requirements may vary by location; it is advisable to follow generally accepted engineering standards and operate tools within specified operating limits.