EXPANDAG Concrete Demolition Powder is HSCA (High Strength Cracking Agent) expansive mortar formulated for reinforced concrete demolition, generating 120–130MPa expansion pressure — 30–40 times the tensile strength of high-strength concrete. It separates concrete from rebar cleanly without explosives, noise, or vibration. Standard HSCA-2 grade operates at 10°C–25°C ambient; use HSCA-1 (25°C–40°C) for hot climate operations. Recommended borehole spacing in reinforced concrete: 20–30cm, tighter than rock applications, to account for rebar interference with crack propagation. No blasting permit required — suitable for urban demolition near occupied buildings, bridges, and waterways.
Non-Explosive Concrete Demolition Powder | Silent Cracking Agent for Reinforced Concrete
Product Specifications:
Brand: EXPANDAG (Hezhou Topking Rock Drill Equipment Co., Ltd.)
Model: HSCA-2 (Standard Grade — recommended for most concrete demolition projects)
Temperature Range: 10°C to 25°C (use HSCA-1 for 25°C–40°C hot climate operations)
Key Function: Silent, vibration-free demolition of reinforced concrete structures.
Primary Target: Urban areas, building foundations, bridge piers, and structural columns.
The Professional Choice for Urban Demolition
EXPANDAG Concrete Demolition Powder is the safest solution for breaking reinforced concrete and foundations in city centers. It is 100% silent and vibration-free, allowing contractors to separate rebar from concrete without heavy machinery or noisy jackhammers. This formulation of EXPANDAG's HSCA Expansive Mortar system is engineered to exceed the tensile strength of reinforced structures while maintaining clean, controlled fracture planes.
Urban Demolition: HSCA vs. Traditional Methods
| Feature | EXPANDAG HSCA Silent Agent | Jackhammers / Blasting |
|---|
| Noise Level | Noiseless | Extreme Noise |
| Vibration | Zero Vibration | High Risk to Adjacent Structures |
| Dust | Dust-Free | High Dust Pollution |
| Permits | No Blasting License Required | Strict Regulations |
EXPANDAG HSCA Temperature Grade System
| Model | Temperature Range | Regional Recommendation |
|---|
| HSCA-1 | 25°C to 40°C | Summer / Middle East / Africa demolition |
| HSCA-2 (This Product) | 10°C to 25°C | Standard / temperate climate demolition |
| HSCA-3 | -5°C to 10°C | Winter / cold climate demolition |
How to Separate Rebar Efficiently
Unlike traditional demolition that crushes steel and concrete together, HSCA expands within pre-drilled boreholes, creating wide cracks that separate concrete from rebar reinforcement cleanly. This enables efficient steel recycling and reduces manual labour on demolition sites.
Typical Demolition Scenarios
Controlled demolition of reinforced concrete pillars and columns
Bridge deck removal and pier demolition in sensitive waterways
Indoor building renovation where vibration could damage adjacent structures
Large-scale concrete foundation breaking for highway expansion projects

(Controlled cracking effect on high-strength reinforced concrete foundation)
Matched Drilling System
For reinforced concrete, precise drilling is required. EXPANDAG recommends using EXPANDAG Hand Held Rock Drills with 32mm–38mm bits to create the optimal borehole pattern for reinforced concrete applications.
Concrete Demolition FAQ
Q: Can HSCA Really Break High-Grade Reinforced Concrete?
A: Yes. HSCA generates 120–130MPa expansion pressure — 30–40 times the tensile strength of high-strength concrete (typically 2–5MPa). This pressure exceeds reinforced concrete's resistance significantly, producing controlled fracture for easy mechanical removal and rebar separation.
Q: What Is the Best Hole Spacing for Reinforced Concrete Demolition?
A: 20–30cm spacing is recommended for reinforced concrete — tighter than the 30–50cm used in rock applications. Denser hole patterns ensure crack propagation reaches full depth and exposes rebar completely, accounting for the rebar's interference with the fracture plane. See our borehole spacing guide for full calculation method.
Q: Is It Safe to Use HSCA Inside Existing Buildings?
A: Yes. As a vibration-free concrete breaker, HSCA produces zero seismic shock to adjacent structures, unlike hydraulic hammers or blasting. This makes it suitable for indoor renovation, heritage building work, and demolition near occupied structures where structural micro-fracture damage must be avoided.
Q: How Long Does Concrete Demolition Powder Take to Crack Concrete?
A: Visible cracks typically appear within 4–6 hours under standard conditions (10°C–25°C with HSCA-2). Full structural separation usually occurs within 24 hours. Ambient temperature and concrete density both affect timing — see the EXPANDAG grade selection guide for temperature-specific timing.
Q: How Much HSCA Powder Is Required Per Cubic Metre of Concrete?
A: Approximately 10–15kg of powder per cubic metre of reinforced concrete. Exact quantity depends on borehole diameter, spacing, and rebar density. Use the HSCA dosage calculator for project-specific estimates.
Q: How Can I Prevent a Blowout During Concrete Demolition?
A: Match the HSCA grade to ambient temperature at the time of filling — HSCA-2 for 10°C–25°C, HSCA-1 for 25°C–40°C. Use the correct 28–30% water-to-powder ratio by mass, and never fill boreholes that have absorbed solar heat without checking wall temperature. See our full blowout prevention guide.
Q: Can HSCA Be Used for Horizontal Drilling in Concrete Walls?
A: Yes. For horizontal or overhead boreholes, use a slightly thicker slurry consistency and plastic grout sleeves (cartridges) to ensure the agent remains in full contact with the concrete throughout the reaction period.
Q: Is Silent Cracking Agent Environmentally Safe for Urban Areas?
A: Yes. HSCA is non-toxic and produces no dust, noise, or harmful fumes during the reaction. It is the standard solution for demolition in high-density residential zones, near hospitals, schools, and heritage structures where blasting is prohibited or restricted.
Q: What Is the Shelf Life and Storage Requirement for EXPANDAG HSCA?
A: Shelf life is 12 months when stored in dry, cool conditions below 40°C in intact sealed packaging. Avoid moisture exposure — CaO begins pre-hydrating on atmospheric moisture contact, which reduces expansion pressure. Partially used cartons should not be resealed and stored.
Q: Why Choose EXPANDAG for Concrete Demolition Powder?
A: EXPANDAG manufactures HSCA in three temperature grades (HSCA-1, HSCA-2, HSCA-3) with verified CaO purity >=90% and batch test documentation available on request. Factory-direct supply in 20kg cartons and 1-tonne FIBC bulk bags, with technical support on borehole spacing and grade selection for reinforced concrete applications. Export experience across Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
For hot climate operations, see HSCA-1 High-Temperature Grade. For winter demolition, see HSCA-3 Cold Weather Grade.
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