Ground thawing and heating
Ground thawing – Rely on AMP’s expertise for the toughest challenges of winter
Finland’s harsh winters often create major obstacles for the construction industry: deep frost and heavy snow can make groundwork and building projects nearly impossible to carry out. As specialists in winter maintenance, AMP makes it possible to keep projects running all year round through efficient ground thawing that quickly and safely melts frozen soil, preventing unnecessary and costly delays.
Our HeatWork ground thawing units use liquid-based heating technology powered by diesel combustion engines, making them completely independent of the power grid and suitable for use anywhere in the field. The machines are both energy-efficient and highly reliable, providing a cost-effective solution for everything from excavation and foundation work to concrete pouring. With multiple thawing units in our fleet, we help you avoid unnecessary downtime and ensure your project stays on schedule, no matter the weather.
At AMP, we are experts in winter maintenance and well accustomed to the extreme conditions of the Finnish climate. We combine long-standing experience with a versatile fleet of machines – from ground thawing to steaming and high-pressure washing – enabling us to tackle every challenge.
Applications for our ground thawing units
HeatWork HW 3600 and HW 1800
We deploy our HeatWork HW 3600 and HW 1800 units in a wide range of projects where efficient ground thawing is essential to keep work progressing during winter conditions. These units allow us to quickly thaw frozen ground at construction sites and large-scale infrastructure projects, providing precise control over temperature and soil conditions.
Typical applications for our ground thawing units include:
- Thawing ground in preparation for excavation, pipeline installation, or trenching
- Frost protection for materials, foundations, and structures
- Melting snow and ice from foundations, formwork, and reinforcement
- Controlled curing of concrete and preheating for winter casting
- Heating and drying of buildings, halls, and work areas
- Preheating concrete before membrane installation
- Thawing roofs and surfaces prior to roofing or paving
- Frost protection for backfill materials, sand, piping systems, and cable installations
- Removal of ice and snow from ground and construction surfaces
Our fleet: ground thawing and heating
Our fleet includes the following machines for ground thawing and heating: HeatWork HW 3600, HeatWork HW 1800, CliWi HC 500, and two CliWi HC 300 units. Together, they allow us to meet a wide range of needs on construction and infrastructure projects, from smaller tasks to large, demanding assignments. The machines are flexible and easy to move between sites, ensuring that we can always provide fast and efficient service when it’s time to thaw the ground and keep work progressing without interruptions.
Maximum heat output: 103 kW
Heatwork HW 3600
THAWING
Pump capacity 3900l/h
Liquid temperature: 100°C
Thermal efficiency: 94%
Maximum heat output: 70 kW
Heatwork HW 1800
THAWING
Pump capacity 2100 l/h
Liquid temperature: 100°C
Thermal efficiency: 94%
Heat output: 55 kW
CliWi HC-500
HEAT CANNON
Fan capacity: 6900 m3/h
Noise level: < 69 dB, Power: 4.2 A
970 W – single phase / 230 V
Heat output: 30 kW
CliWi HC-300
HEAT CANNON
Fan capacity 2370 m3/h
Noise level: < 56 dB, Power: 1.6 A
370 W – single phase / 230 V
Frequently asked questions about ground thawing and heating
We are experts in winter maintenance and always ready to tackle the toughest challenges winter can bring. With our wide range of services and years of experience, we help keep your projects moving all year round.
What are the benefits of ground thawing with HeatWork?
The advantages of using HeatWork for ground thawing are many. HeatWork’s Frost heater units are highly efficient, capable of thawing 30 to 70 cm of soil per day. They are energy-efficient, easy to operate, and portable – making it simple to move them between different sites. In addition, the machines are safe, reliable, and cost-effective.
How AMP thaws frozen ground
Step 1: Heating pipes
Heating pipes are laid out across the area to be thawed, and heated liquid circulates through the hoses to gradually warm the ground and melt the frost.
Step 2: Insulation mats
The pipes are covered with insulating mats to maximize heat transfer and minimize heat loss, making the process both more efficient and faster.
Step 3: Thawing process
Thawing occurs at a rate of approximately 30–70 cm per day, depending on the type of soil. Melting snow and ice further facilitates and accelerates the process.
Step 4: Automation
The machine operates independently until the thawing is complete, meaning you don’t need to monitor the system continuously.
Why are HeatWork ground thawing units a good choice?
HeatWork thawing units are a reliable and efficient solution for ground thawing. The machines provide high heat of up to 100 °C and are available with boiler capacities ranging from 35 kW to 103 kW, allowing for fast and controlled thawing of frozen ground. Thanks to their high pump capacity, HeatWork units can thaw 30 to 70 cm of soil per day, depending on soil type. The equipment can also cover areas of up to 200 m² or a trench of 160 meters in a single day, making them both effective and flexible for a variety of projects.
Which machines do we use for ground thawing?
For our ground thawing projects, we use two powerful units: the HW 3600 and HW 1800. The HW 3600 is highly efficient and ideal for larger projects, while the HW 1800 is slightly smaller, offering flexibility and fast setup when needed. Together, they allow us to thaw frozen ground quickly and reliably, regardless of conditions.
Which construction heaters do we use for heating and site warming?
For heating and site warming, we use the CliWi HC‑500 heat cannon and two CliWi HC‑300 heat boxes. The HC‑500 is powerful and ideal for larger spaces where fast and even heating is required. The two HC‑300 heat boxes are more compact and flexible, perfect for smaller areas or targeted heating. Together, these machines allow us to provide efficient site heating for projects of all sizes.
Where do we operate?
We are based in Ostrobothnia, but as specialists in winter maintenance, we provide services such as steam de-icing, high-pressure washing, ground thawing, and site heating to companies across Finland.
What winter maintenance services does AMP offer?
For winter projects, AMP provides a complete range of maintenance services that keep construction and industrial projects running smoothly, even in cold and challenging conditions. Our equipment and expertise make it easy to manage snow, ice, and frozen ground safely and efficiently.
Our winter services include:
- Steaming
- High-pressure washing
- Dry suction
- Material blowing
- Ground thawing
- Heating
AMP: A reliable partner for tough winter challenges
AMP is an established service company with extensive experience in industrial maintenance and cleaning, serving clients in the wind power, heavy industry, and construction sectors. Since 2003, we have delivered efficient maintenance services and are known for our reliability and professionalism.
We offer a wide range of services, including high-pressure washing, steam de-icing, dry suction excavation, material blowing, wind power maintenance, as well as ground thawing and heating. We can quickly deploy the right expertise and equipment regardless of project size to ensure effective solutions, dependable service, and fast response when it really matters.
Contact us for reliable ground thawing, wherever and whenever you need us
Need to thaw frozen ground quickly? We’re ready to respond 24/7, all year round. Our experienced team arrives promptly with the right equipment, providing efficient ground thawing, heating, and frost protection, no matter where or when you need us.