Tools and Tips in Removing Concrete Slab

concrete slab removal

Breaking up concrete yourself might seem an impossible task, yet doing it yourself would save you a lot of money. You would not need to hire a removals company.

Begin with confidence that you don’t need any special skill to demolish and remove concrete slabs. All you need is some careful planning, the right tools, and some degree of caution.

Below is our guide to break up slabs into smaller pieces, cut through steel reinforcements and remove and dispose of the debris properly.

Concrete Removal and Demolition Service in Melbourne

Start by Evaluating Repair VS Complete Removal

It is best to remove concrete completely  when dealing with the following situations on your slab, sidewalk, patio, or driveway;

FROST HEAVE

This occurs when part of the concrete is pushed up because of frosting in colder regions.

MULTIPLE CRACKS

deep and wide cracks typically occur in extreme climatic conditions.

concrete cracks

SETTLED CONCRETE

Caused by improper preparation of the sub-grade.

In some cases though, repairing might be a great option. It entails less work and less expensive. The following are a few situations where repairing might be a wiser option;

THIN CRACKS

Small hairline cracks that don’t show any sign of settling can be easily repaired.

thin cracked

SUNKEN CONCRETE

Sunken parts of a concrete slab caused by heavy equipment that was placed on the slab can also be corrected through repair. 

Keep in mind that sometimes complete removal and replacement is better because of some persistent issues that still show up even after you repair the damage.

In this case, repair costs might start to pile. Hence it will be better to just remove and replace the concrete.

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Get the right tools

If you hire a contractor, they will definitely come with more sophisticated tools. Two common tools contractors use are the Bobcat and the jack hammer.

The Bobcat is equipped with a hydraulic or pneumatic breaker attachment that helps to “thrash” the concrete. The contractor is also likely to bring a roll-off dumpster to haul away the broken concrete

Tools you should be looking at

Having a contractor that has these tools means you don’t have to buy them. You can always rent them for the project.  Instead, you can  focus on two smaller but very effective tools: the sledge hammer and the jack hammer.

THE SLEDGE HAMMER

This is your primary tool to remove the concrete. A few measured blows using a 12 lb. sledge hammer can crack most concrete slabs easily.
sledge hammer

This  works particularly well on narrow concrete slabs measuring four inches or less in thickness. You should be able to find one online for not more than $50.

THE JACHAMMER

Jackhammers are pneumatic hammers, meaning they are operated by air. They are heavier than sledge hammers, weighing about 90 lbs. But they are also more effective on thicker slabs.

concrete removal

Since jackhammers are also more expensive, you should consider renting rather than buying one outright.

Rental jackhammers come with an assortment of bits. You only need the chisel-point bit. It’s pointed head concentrates the hammer’s force on a small area, cracking the concrete faster than wider bits.

Additionally, don’t try to drill it into large pieces of concrete. Otherwise, the jackhammer will literally stick in the concrete. It will take a lot of time getting it out.

The idea is to move it no more than 2-3 inches into the slab and have a helper pry up with a long bar as you tear up the concrete.

Dealing with steel meshes and rebar

Many slabs contain a steel mesh reinforcement for it not to crack. These meshes can double or even triple the time it would take to crush the concrete slab.

This is why you should work on smaller pieces rather than big concrete pieces. On the smaller sections, you can cut the mesh with a bolt cutter.

For concrete slabs that contain rebar, use a reciprocating saw and metal blade or an angle grinder and metal cut-off wheel. 

A few more tips…

Plan for disposal

Concrete can’t go into a trash can. You’ll need a larger, stronger equipment to carry the pieces. Some concrete recycles usually pick it for free or charge a small fee, though you’re likely to pay additional fees if the concrete contains steel or mesh.
concrete removal

As for hauling, you can always count on a sturdy wheelbarrow to get you through. For this, use heavy-duty wheelbarrows or a powered one. Smaller ones would easily give in to the weight.

concrete removal

You’ll need more than one pair of hands

You need help with the lifting. Ideally, have a duo break up the concrete and two to four others haul the rubble away. If you can have more people, that’s better.

Safety first

Wear protective clothing to prevent rubble projectiles from cutting your skin and wear protective goggles. Also protect your ears with noise cancelling headphones.

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Slab removal can save you money!

If you’re hesitant to remove the concrete on your own,  think of the potential savings.

Depending on where you live, basic removal can cost anywhere from $400 to $600 for a 200 square foot slab of recyclable concrete. The price usually goes up when it’s non-recyclable concrete.

A typical two-car concrete driveway costs between $1,500 and $2,500 to remove and a concrete foundation generally costs up to $5,000 to remove. And, that’s before you include disposal costs which can be between $100 and $500 depending on project.

If you need special equipment for the job, you may have to spend a few more hundred dollars. So, by the time you have even a basic slab removed by a contractor, you could end up spending more than $2,000.

If you do the job on your own, you can save a large chunk of that money, possibly up to $1,000 or more.

 

Final Thoughts

We at Megasaw are always willing to lend a helping hand. With decades of experience in the industry, we have helped many Australians in concrete removal and concrete cutting.

Our customer-focused staff and wide array of tools are exactly what you need to accomplish the job without any hassle. Contact us today and let’s see where we can chip in.

 

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Concrete Removal Techniques: Which Fits Your Needs?

Concrete Removal Techniques

People usually choose to remove concrete when it is damaged and needs to be replaced. But this should be done after all options to repair has been considered. Plus, look at the total cost – now and in the long run.

Think of just repairing the concrete, especially If it only has thin cracks   if it sunk. Tiny cracks can simply be filled up and concealed.

It is, however, beyond repair if you notice the following:

  • There are uneven, wide and deep cracks.

  • Incidences of frost heave. Sections of the concrete are pushed up by the ice that appears in frosty climates.

  • Settled concrete. This is a result of improper preparation of the sub-grade.

Further, you can consider concrete removal if you are changing your property layout, or  there are ongoing infrastructure improvements such as road widening in your locality.

 

Techniques in concrete removal

All concrete removal techniques are designed to reduce air and noise pollution. These include:   

 

  1. Dismantling

This is the most basic method.  When a homeowner uses a jackhammer or sledge hammer to demolish concrete and then haul away the rubble, this is dismantling.

jackhammer.png

In contrast, professional contractors however use concrete cutting tools and a crane to remove the rubble.

Dismantling has little noise, much reduced dust and produce limited damage to structures within the environment.

That’s why renowned Melbourne-based concrete cutting, drilling and sawing contractor Megasaw favours dismantling.

RELATED: Preparations in Removing Concrete

 

Here are some areas where you may utilise concrete saw cutting or robotic hammering.

Wire sawing – needed to remove the wire mesh used to reinforce concrete.

Wall sawing – most appropriate when you are renovating an office or  a house. This is done using the base of a concrete saw.

Flat drilling – suitable for cutting concrete from floors, pavements, bridge platforms or loading docks. A slab sawing attachment is used to make precise cuts by a series of up-and-down movements. This is designed to avoid broken cabling pipes, and other embedded material.

 

  1. Hydro demolition

Water can be used to cut concrete using a variety of devices – mainly robotic demolition equipment and handheld guns.

hydro_demolition.jpg

This technique is more appropriate to use in cities where water is readily available and where vibration from concrete removal is a concern.

Just don’t forget to check and comply with  local regulations regarding water and slurry disposal before you start the process.

 

  1. Pressure bursting

This is most appropriate for creating cracks in precise sections where concrete is unneeded. To remove the concrete, drill holes and apply expensive grout is applied to the drilled holes.  

Then leave the concrete for a few hours.

It will crack. The concrete can then be removed in portions.

 

Conclusion

Each technique is suitable for a particular area but note that other techniques may also be applicable. To get the best results, consider enlisting the services of a seasoned service provider like Megasaw Concrete Removal Service.

 

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Preparations in Removing Concrete

Concrete removal preparations

Concrete Removal Health Risks

Concrete demolition, removal and disposal pose health and environmental risk to you and the neighbourhood.

For concrete removal, the risks include:

 

  1. IRRITATION OF AIRWAYS

This is caused by the dust (airborne particles) produced during concrete removal.

An irritation can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and other disorders of the airways.

 

  1. HISTOPLASMOSIS

This is a lesser-known infectious disease that is contracted when fungus spores are inhaled. These spores are commonly found in bird droppings and bat excrement.

Histoplasmosis

Concrete demolition work is the trigger that sends the fungus into the air. Inhaling the fungus causes a variety of symptoms, though it primarily affects the lungs.

Histoplasmosis resembles tuberculosis. The disease gets worse over time and will affect other organs. If untreated, this disease can be fatal.

 

  1. SILICOSIS

Concrete contains silica.

Silicosis

Crystalline silica is quite toxic and causes silicosis, an irreversible and disabling lung condition.  

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Machine Used in Concrete Removal

Professional concrete removal services typically use hydraulic, petrol and electric driven hand saws and road saws to cut sections of the concrete into smaller manageable blocks.

bobcat concrete removalThe concrete blocks can then be removed by a bobcat,  a forklift or simply by hand. They are removed from the site in concrete recycle bins. Slurry produced from the removal can be taken off by using a suitable slurry extraction vacuum.

Concrete removal can also be a do-it-yourself kind of work. There are a number of tools you can use to remove concrete on your own. Here are some of them.

 

  • SLEDGEHAMMER

This would be your concrete demolition weapon.

sledgehammer

Decide whether your sledgehammer will be enough or whether you’ll need a jackhammer by experimenting with a few whacks a few days before your full-scale demolition starts.

If the slab comes out fairly easily then the sledgehammer will be your tool. Otherwise you’ll need to rent a jackhammer.

 

  • JACKHAMMER

This should be much easier since it uses electricity.

When removing concrete, you would only need the bit with chisel-point tip. This bit makes it easy because it concentrates the jackhammer’s force to a single point, making the concrete crack more quickly.

jackhammer

Caveat: Do not try to crack off large pieces, lest the jackhammer get stuck in the slab. It is therefore best to crack the concrete gradually take small bites with the jackhammer to crack the concrete with ease.

 

  • BOLT CUTTER

Slabs typically contain reinforcing steel mesh used to resist cracking,  a big headache at the time of concrete removal.

bolt cutter

For this, crack smaller sections of the concrete and snip the wire with a bolt cutter.

 

Preparations before concrete removal

Anyone can remove concrete, provided he/she is prepared and have the right tools.

Most health risks are brought by dust. But this can be easily countered by wearing the right protective gear.

Here’s what you need to be properly equipped:

  • A heavy duty wheelbarrow

  • 12-lb sledgehammer

  • Pry bar measuring 5 to 6 feet long

  • Bolt cutter

  • A mattock

  • A jackhammer (optional)

The proper gear is composed of the following:

  • A pair of leather gloves

  • Safety glasses

  • Face shield

  • Hearing protection

  • Safety boots

concrete safety gear

You may also need a crew to help you. You can have at least two people break up the concrete while the rest haul away the rubble.

After gathering the necessary equipment and manpower, look to contain flying shrapnel.

One way to do this is by rolling a thick polyethylene over the sidewalk or patio. This will cover the concrete while you hammer it.

Finally, make your disposal plan one week before removing the concrete. One option is enlisting the services of concrete recyclers by searching for ‘recycling services’ on the Internet.

Alternatively, you can rent a trash container for the same. You can find them in the yellow pages.

Provide the waste haulers with the dimensions and thickness of the patio to be removed and let them determine the right container size for your job on their own.

Now that you’re ready, here are some points to note when removing the concrete.

The concrete chunks will typically remain locked together even after breaking them. This will make the surrounding concrete more difficult to break.

Clearing the rubble away after breaking up about 2 to 3 feet portions will make the work much easier.

Above all, ensure you wear a complete protective gear to protect your feet, hands, nostrils, hearing, head and face or eyes from any form of injury. With the right gear, you won’t have to worry about the dangers of demolished concrete.

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When a DIY isn’t an option…

If instead of doing it yourself, choose to hire a company that has a proven record in concrete removal like Megasaw.

 

Why Megasaw Concrete Removal Service?

The company has the equipment, expertise and most importantly the experience to handle any concrete cutting and removal project.

More importantly, MegaSaw technicians take additional precautions to protect the surrounding structures from damage during the concrete demolishing and removal process.

Read more of concrete removal service we offered.

 

Conclusion

Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional concrete removal service, adequate preparation is necessary to ensure the best results and minimal health and environmental harm during concrete removal.

 

World’s Most Wonderful Concrete Projects

With recent technologies like what we use in concrete cutting and core drilling have found creative ways to use concrete.

And why not? Polished concrete is durable and and beautiful, making it a popular building material. No wonder that even before this rise in popularity, concrete was chosen to be part of the most impressive structures in the world. It has long been the most durable, ubiquitous and flexible building material.

World’s Most Wonderful Concrete Projects

Let’s take a look at the world’s most wonderful concrete projects.

Petronas Towers

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: this pair of towers is perhaps the most renowned exemplar of what structural design can make out of concrete.

Petronas Towers are the most famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The towers were the tallest buildings in the world last 1998,  before losing that recognition in 2004. They are still the tallest twin towers in the planet though.

Each tower has 88 stories. They are built of reinforced concrete and a facade of glass and steel.

The buildings are erected on thick concrete foundations, supported by the partly limestone and partly soft rock environment. With 104 concrete piles ranging from 197 to 374 feet in depth, the twin towers have the world’s deepest foundations.

This formed a 15-foot thick foundation weighing 35,800 tons and solid enough to hold the two towers in position. This foundation was the world record holder for the largest concrete pour until 2007.

Petronas Towers also feature a number of handsome architectural details such as rounded corners and Islamic art and design, all made of hardened concrete.

Grande Dixence Dam

This is a dam in Switzerland. It’s the world’s tallest gravity dam, made of concrete.

Grande Dixence Dam fuels a total of four power stations supplying about 400,000 households with adequate power.

This Swiss dam measures 935 feet in height and is 2,297 feet long. It also contains just about 212 million cubic feet of concrete.

Hyderabad Metro Rail, India

Still under construction, the Hyderabad Metro Rail project is projected to cost a total of over $2 billion upon its completion.

This elevated rail transport system is a major illustration of contemporary use of reinforced concrete to build a public utility structure.

It measures 46-miles in length and will completely modernize the entire region. The system will feature elevated stations every kilometre. They are expected to handle about 15 million riders.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

This is one of the most famous bridges in the United States of America. The Bay Bridge connects the eastern and western parts of Maryland State, and bridges the urban and the countryside.

This extensively long over-water structure is made of steel at the top, but features numerous concrete supports through its entire length.

o-CHESAPEAKE-BAY-BRIDGE-facebook.jpg

Image Credit to Huffington Post

Sections of the bridge near the shores are also made of concrete. Chesapeake Bay Bridge includes a suspension span 3,200 feet over the western portion; and a through-truss cantilever to the eastern section.

Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon, conceivably designed by Apollodorus of Damascus in 126 AD, stands out to date as a chef-d’oeuvre of concrete handicraft.

pantheon.jpg

Image Credit to planetware.com

The building’s Corinthian columns and decorative marble at the lower heights, coupled with the pure circular oculus beaming with patterned lights at the top are a true work of genius.

To top it all, it is unglazed, yet retains and ambience or pure lustre from the bottom up. This is perhaps what makes the whole work of concrete in this structure truly magnificent.

Three Gorges Dam, China

It took 17 years of work and $28 billion to construct the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest dam. It is also the most powerful but most expensive hydroelectric project ever built.

ThreeGorgesDam-China2009.jpg

Image Credit to en.wikipedia.org

The amount of concrete that went into this mega dam is virtually incomprehensible. This multibillion dollar project on China’s Yangtze River is 595 feet tall, 131 feet wide, and well over 7,600 feet long.

Bank of London and South America

Italian-Argentinian architect Clorindo Testa used concrete to make something that resembles the skeleton of a dinosaur from the outside. Around it are neo-classical facades that succeed in achieving a civilised look.

ec09c364b10859c88e2a2acdb42d1905.jpg

Image Credit to architizer.com

The structure also features a perforated carapace that lets sunlight into the interior space.

Wrap-up

These are just a fraction of the breathtaking structures made of concrete the world over. They have stood the test of time and some have remained inimitable.

Considering the continually increasing adoption of concrete, we can expect it to be one the biggest things in structural art and design.