Exposing a shear key so a tilted structure could be corrected
In 2021, a newly erected structure at a petrochemical plant expansion in the Philippines tilted as the ground beneath it settled. Correcting it meant lifting the structure — and lifting it meant first exposing the shear key buried in the concrete connecting the concrete-to-steel structure, without damaging the key or the steel. Dezu removed that concrete by hydro demolition as the specialized subcontractor under an international EPC joint venture and a major Philippine construction company.
Inspecting the exposed connection zone during selective removal, 2021.
Project facts
| Year | 2021 |
| Facility | Petrochemical plant expansion, Philippines |
| Problem | Erected structure tilted from ground settling |
| Scope | Remove concrete connecting the concrete-to-steel structure to expose the shear key for lift and correction |
| Method | Precision hand-lance hydro demolition |
| Role | Specialized subcontractor under an international EPC joint venture and a major Philippine construction company |
Why hydro demolition and not jackhammers?
The shear key and the steel it connects to had to survive the removal — they were the whole point of the exercise. Impact tools transmit shock into exactly the elements that needed protecting and leave microcracks in the concrete that stays. Ultra high pressure water removes concrete selectively, leaves steel untouched, and produces a clean surface for the reconnection after the structure was lifted and corrected.
Who was the delivery chain?
An international EPC joint venture held the general contract, a major Philippine construction company held the subcontract, and Dezu delivered the specialized hydro demolition scope. That chain is a pattern in Dezu's project register: on railway, viaduct, power plant, and petrochemical work alike, international EPCs and joint ventures keep selecting Dezu as the specialized concrete-removal subcontractor.
Structural repair that needs the steel to survive?
See our hydro demolition service, or send drawings and photos for a method recommendation.
The client and delivery chain on this engagement are unnamed here out of respect for their confidentiality. The full project record and client references are available — book a meeting and we will walk you through it.