Compressed Air Applications in Construction

Favoured for their power, durability and efficiency, pneumatic tools require a reliable source of compressed air for optimal performance. The dependability, efficiency, and in some cases quality, of the compressed air supply will further impact pneumatic tool productivity and service life. 

Typical pneumatic tools: breakers, hammer drills, impact wrenches, nailers, screwdrivers, chisel hammers, drills

Many trenchless technologies require compressed air in repairing, replacing and installing underground utilities. For optimum performance some applications will require air treatment. Pressure and flow are additionally critical factors impacting the efficiency, performance, and suitability of an air system for a specific application.  

Typical applications: impact moling, fibre blowing, sewer rehabilitation

Compressed air is pivotal in achieving good concrete compaction in shotcreting and concrete vibration. For optimum results, the compressed air supply must reliably meet the pressure and airflow required, delivering cool and condensate-free compressed air. Shotcreting additionally requires technically oil-free air.  

Typical applications: shotcreting, concrete vibration

Many surface preparation and cleaning applications rely on compressed air, such as sand- and dry ice- blasting. For maximum productivity and equipment longevity, these applications require a constant supply of cool, condensate-free and technically oil-free compressed air that consistently meets the compressed air pressure and airflow requirements.

Typical applications: sandblasting, dry ice blasting, floor stripping, sanding & grinding

Compressed air is often used for applications like surface painting, plastering shell walls, and installing blown-in insulation, where pneumatically powered equipment is favoured for its efficiency and speed in getting these finishing jobs done.  

Typical applications: blown-in insulation, grouting, plastering, surface painting

Pre-construction of major structures typically start with geotechnical drilling to assess the strata. Compressed air is required to transport the cuttings to the surface in a process which is referred to as flushing. When a DTH (Down-The-Hole) drill is being used, compressed air will also often be required to operate the drill.  

Typical applications: air flushing, DTH drilling