Did you know that there are multiple ways you can cut concrete? Concrete cutting is a highly specialised task, and these different methods revolve around the type of concrete you plan to cut.
If you are about to venture into a construction or renovation project that may involve cutting concrete, it is important you are aware of what these methods are.
In this article, we’ll be talking about three common methods of cutting concrete, namely: slab sawing, wall sawing, and wire sawing.
You will also discover how these three methods differ from each other, along with what specific tools each method makes use of.
1). Slab Sawing
Slab sawing, which is also known as flat or road sawing, is the process of cutting flat and horizontal concrete surfaces such as driveways and house slabs.
Typically used in this process is what’s known as a slab saw, which can come in various designs.
For example, a slab saw can be a walk-behind machine that has a blade positioned on a spindle, while other slab saws can be more heavy-duty riding saws.
Slab saws are mainly distinguishable for their diamond blades, which are known to quickly and precisely cut concrete. In fact, diamond blades are so effective that they can even grind concrete to dust!
Diamond saws are also primarily chosen because they require less water in comparison to other types of concrete cutting blades.
Additionally, many slab saws function on diesel, propane and even electric sources.
2). Wall Sawing
While slab sawing involves cutting horizontal concrete surfaces, wall sawing primarily involves cutting vertical concrete surfaces.
It can be used to cut doors, windows, and openings for structures such as elevators, separation cuts, and stair openings. Generally, they cut through walls, roofs, floors, beams, and footings.
In fact, sometimes wall sawing may be used in lieu of slab sawing. For example, wall sawing can be used for any angled floor surfaces.
However, similar to slab sawing, wall sawing makes use of diamond blades, specifically diamond blades on a track-mounted system which can create both vertical and horizontal cuts.
These blades usually run on electric power, which is known to be lighter and easier to use, or hydraulic power, which is known to be more powerful.
3). Wire Sawing
The last method of concrete cutting is wire sawing, which is more applicable for large-scale projects or for areas that cannot be accessed with other types of concrete cutting equipment.
This method makes use of wire saws which are composed of thin wires embedded with diamonds.
Wire saws are capable of cutting through reinforced rebar, retaining walls, steel-encased concrete, and even steel nuclear reactors and metal engine blocks!
Other key features of wire sawing is that it is non-percussive (meaning it doesn’t vibrate), which means it can make more precise cuts.
They can also create horizontal, vertical, irregular shapes, and angled cuts of circular openings with unlimited cutting depth.
Summary
The different methods of cutting concrete depend on what type of concrete you are cutting. Is it horizontal concrete? Vertical concrete? Or is the concrete unable to be cut from these other methods?
If you’re looking to cut horizontal concrete surfaces, then slab sawing is the one for you while cutting vertical concrete surfaces are best suited to wall sawing.
These two types of concrete cutting make use of diamond blades that are known to be very precise in cutting concrete.
However, if slab sawing and wall sawing don’t work out for you, then you can resort to wire sawing, which makes use of thin wires covered in diamonds.
Wire sawing can pretty much cut any concrete and create any type of cut that you want, no matter how hard it is.
For all concrete cutting needs, be it commercial or residential, call us at MEGASAW. We have over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete services in Melbourne. Our experience is your guarantee!
Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.