Bridge & Structural Refurbishment
Bridge and structural refurbishment work frequently involves the removal and replacement of existing fasteners within ageing steel structures. Many bridges and industrial structures were originally assembled using hot-driven structural rivets, which were intended as permanent fixings and present significant challenges when repair, upgrade, or replacement work is required.
Refurbishment contractors must often remove rivets and drill new fixing holes in confined, exposed, and difficult site conditions (See HMT's Rivet Removal Guide here). In these environments, controlled and predictable drilling methods are essential. Portable, modular holemaking systems provide a faster and safer alternative to traditional impact-based rivet removal, allowing contractors to remove existing fasteners and prepare steelwork accurately for modern structural fixings during refurbishment and strengthening projects.