Nuclear Power Plant Applications

Cement-based materials are widely used in infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, dams, and nuclear power plants, but they can deteriorate under harsh conditions, including chloride exposure, poor casting quality, and overloading. The removal of damaged or contaminated concrete is therefore a critical requirement, particularly in the decommissioning of nuclear power facilities. Laser scabbling has emerged as an effective method for removing surface layers of concrete with high precision, while laser cutting enables the removal of larger cement volumes. Furthermore, laser ablation is being investigated as an alternative technology for eliminating contaminated concrete of significant thickness (up to ~76 mm), offering a promising solution for safe and efficient nuclear decommissioning.