Temperature fluctuation affects materials, hydraulic systems, and workflows in demolition, cutting, and rock operations. Between hot summer operation, cold winter start-up phases, and rapid shifts, thermal stresses arise, friction and flow properties change, and different fracture mechanisms occur. For applications with concrete pulverizers, stone and concrete splitters, combi shears, multi cutters, steel shears, tank cutters, and the associated associated hydraulic power units, a solid understanding of these influences is crucial to work in a predictable, safe, and material-friendly manner—from concrete demolition and special deconstruction through gutting works and cutting all the way to rock excavation, tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, and special operations.
Definition: What is meant by temperature fluctuation
Temperature fluctuation refers to time-varying temperature swings acting on components, materials, or operating media. They can occur slowly (diurnal amplitudes) or rapidly (thermal shock), act locally or across an entire component, and range from moderate differences to extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Decisive are not only minimum and maximum values, but also the fluctuation frequency, the temperature gradients across the cross-section, and the moisture conditions, because these influence material behavior in concrete, steel, and rock.
Mechanisms and material behavior under temperature fluctuation
Temperature fluctuation leads to thermal expansion or shrinkage, changes toughness and brittleness, and affects pore water dynamics. In concrete, repeated freezing and thawing can weaken microstructures; in rock, anisotropic fabrics (bedding, joint systems) alter crack propagation; in steel, the toughness–brittleness transition shifts. For demolition and splitting processes this means: crack initiation and propagation, cutting forces, and splitting pressures vary with the temperature state and the moisture content of the material.
Concrete and reinforcement
In concrete, thermal strain, moisture, and pore structure interact. Freeze-thaw cycles promote microcracks and edge spalling, which can facilitate the engagement of concrete pulverizers but also produce unpredictable fracture paths. Heated concrete often shows higher ductility in the mortar structure, yet severe heat increases creep tendency and the risk of damage to the matrix. Reinforcing steels change their yield strength and toughness with temperature, which can influence cutting parameters of steel shears and multi cutters.
Rock
Rocks respond differently depending on mineral composition and jointing. Granite and basalt may exhibit brittle cracking under rapid temperature changes; slate and sedimentary rocks show direction-dependent split planes. Dry, cold conditions increase brittleness and favor wedge- and cylinder-based splitting with stone and concrete splitters as well as stone splitting cylinders; warm, moist rocks dissipate more energy, which can require higher splitting forces.
Steel components and attachments
Steels on tools and attachments retain their load-bearing capacity within their design spectrum, but friction, damping, and sealing behavior in the system change. At low temperature, oil viscosity and vibration damping rise, while in heat, thermal expansion and softer elastomers affect tolerance chains. This demands adapted operating parameters of the hydraulic power packs.
Influence of temperature fluctuation on hydraulic systems and tools
Hydraulic power packs, hydraulic hose lines, hydraulic valves, and sealing systems react sensitively to cold, heat, and rapid shifts. Cold starts increase hydraulic oil viscosity and thus pressure spikes, while high ambient temperatures accelerate oil aging and can increase the tendency to cavitation. Changing conditions influence cycle times, peak pressures, and thus the effectiveness of concrete pulverizers, stone and concrete splitters, combi shears, multi cutters, steel shears, and tank cutters.
Hydraulic power packs
Controlled warm-up of the system reduces viscosity peaks and protects seals. Adequate oil reserve and effective cooling mitigate temperature peaks under continuous load. With strongly changing climates, inspection intervals for filters, hose lines, and screw couplings are advisable to detect thermally induced settling behavior early.
Tools at a glance
- Concrete pulverizers: In cold conditions, teeth often bite more aggressively, yet the risk of brittle spalling increases. In warmth, ductility in the mortar rises, which may require longer hold times while clamping.
- Stone and concrete splitters as well as stone splitting cylinders: Cold, dry rocks often split more controllably; with warm, moist material, additional splitting cycles may be necessary.
- Combi shears and multi cutters: Temperature influences kerf, friction, and power demand when switching between concrete and steel.
- Steel shears: Low temperatures can reduce the toughness of some steels, which favors cutting while increasing the risk of unforeseen cracking in clamping areas.
- Tank cutters: Temperature management is essential to stabilize material behavior and process safety in industrial environments; heating adjacent structures must be avoided.
Application in concrete demolition and special deconstruction
In concrete demolition, temperature fluctuation affects crack paths, edge integrity, and reinforcement exposure. Parameterization of stroke, pressure, and hold time supports reproducible fracture formation despite changing temperature and moisture conditions.
Concrete pulverizers in freeze-thaw cycles
After repeated freeze-thaw cycles, edge zones of concrete edges are often weakened. Concrete pulverizers grip effectively here, but incremental loading is recommended to avoid uncontrolled breakouts. In warmer phases, tighter re-gripping helps compensate energy losses due to more ductile matrix behavior.
Cutting steel and reinforced concrete in heat
High ambient temperatures lengthen oil circulation and can influence cutting forces of steel shears and multi cutters. Short work cycles with cooling pauses, unobstructed airflow to hydraulic power packs, and a clean cutting line support consistent results.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction as well as natural stone extraction
In rock, the thermal state is decisive: diurnal amplitudes, watering, altitude, and airflow in headings change brittleness and the friction values of joint surfaces. Splitting behavior must be adapted to achieve controlled crack propagation and defined block geometries.
Stone and concrete splitters and stone splitting cylinders
Under cold, dry conditions, the crack network is often fine and brittle, allowing stone and concrete splitters and stone splitting cylinders to work effectively with moderate pressures. In warm, moist environments, higher energy absorption is to be expected; adjusting the splitting sequence (pre-scoring, main split, re-setting) improves separation quality. In natural stone extraction, this supports clean split faces and minimizes scrap.
Temperature management underground
In rock excavation and tunnel construction, temperature gradients are smaller but moisture is higher. A dry borehole, clean wedge surfaces, and stable oil temperatures facilitate reproducible splitting. Air movement and condensate must be considered to avoid slip risks and corrosion on tool holders.
Special operations: extreme temperatures, safety, and planning
In special operations under desert heat, high-mountain cold, or maritime climates, methods, sequencing, and maintenance change. The goal is to limit thermally induced scatter and secure process stability.
Tank cutters in industrial environments
When cutting vessels and pipelines, temperature fluctuation influences material toughness, stress state, and condensate formation. Tank cutters are operated with stable hydraulic parameters; heating adjacent structures should be avoided. Careful atmosphere assessment and adherence to generally recognized safety standards are recommended.
Mobile logistics and transport
Thermal cycles during transport and intermediate storage act on seals, hose bundles, and quick couplers. Protection from direct sunlight, avoiding condensate in couplings, and a visual inspection after temperature fluctuation increase operational safety at the destination.
Maintenance, storage, and quality assurance
Regular care minimizes temperature-sensitive scatter and extends service life. Storage locations with moderate, low-fluctuation conditions are advantageous; protection against moisture and dust reduces consequential damage. For hydraulic power packs, oil management with suitable replacement intervals is sensible.
- Oil condition: Monitor viscosity, water content, and particles; replace in good time if aging effects are apparent.
- Seals and hose lines: After strong temperature fluctuation, check for settling, embrittlement, and seepage oil.
- Tool tips and blades: Inspect cutting edges, teeth, and wedge faces; rework in good time in case of thermally induced wear.
- Couplings: Avoid condensate, use protective caps, clean sealing faces.
Documentation
Recording ambient temperature, component temperature, and humidity as well as operating parameters (pressure, cycle time) supports traceable quality assurance. In this way, trends such as rising oil temperatures or changing splitting forces can be recognized in good time.
Practical checklist for changing temperatures
A structured approach helps control the effects of temperature fluctuation and achieve reproducible results—especially when using concrete pulverizers as well as stone and concrete splitters under different climatic conditions.
- Assess material condition: temperature, moisture, freeze-thaw history, jointing.
- Prepare hydraulics: gentle warm-up, keep cooling paths clear, check filter status.
- Tool selection and parameterization: adapt pressure, hold time, splitting sequence, or cutting strategy.
- Trial cut/trial split: assess fracture pattern and force demand, fine-tune parameters.
- Occupational safety: consider slip and condensate hazards, visibility conditions, protection zones.
- Intermediate check: monitor oil temperature, cycle times, tool temperatures.
- Follow-up and documentation: record results, derive maintenance needs.