Have you ever wondered if you can cut reinforced concrete slabs? Or better yet, have you ever wondered what reinforced concrete even is?

Reinforced concrete consists of a matrix that is composed of bars, wires, strands, and other materials that help provide additional strength for concrete. However, because it is composed of these additional parts, many people often wonder if continuous reinforcement can be cut. 

If you’ve had these questions in your head, then we’re here to talk all about it! If you want to learn more about what reinforced concrete is and if they can even be cut, then please keep reading below to learn more. 

What Is Reinforced Concrete?

First, let’s discuss what reinforced concrete actually is. Reinforced concrete is concrete that has embedded steel bars or welded wire fabric when the concrete is freshly made. You can often find reinforced concrete used on construction projects.

As previously mentioned, the main purpose of reinforcing concrete is to provide additional strength for points in concrete where it is needed. The steel helps provide tensile strength where the concrete is in tension like in slabs or beams. 

Steel also helps provide compressive strength for concrete columns and walls. It can also provide extra shear strength over and above concrete beams. 

So, while reinforced concrete may be embedded with rebar and other components such as steel wire meshes, it is not impossible to cut. You just need the right tools and the right professionals alongside you. 

Can Continuous Reinforcement Concrete Slabs Be Cut

Cutting Reinforced Concrete

In terms of cutting reinforced concrete, there are specialised tools that you can use. The most common tools to use are diamond blades or a concrete wet cutter, which are both known to be quite efficient and effective at cutting concrete. 

Diamond blades, in particular, are specifically designed to cut through the hardest materials, which is why they are compatible with cutting reinforced concrete.

Situations, where you find yourself needing to cut reinforced concrete, can be for either repair or replacement purposes. 

Here are a few types of sawing that can be performed for cutting reinforced concrete:

1). Diamond Wall Sawing

Diamond wall saws can be used to cut off or reduce sections of reinforced concrete walls if you plan to form doors, escalators, or lift shaft openings. Because it is both lightweight and has easily transportable components, it can be used for multi-storey buildings on walls or floors that are up to 700 mm in depth.

Diamond wall saws also have flush cutting capabilities, meaning that they can cut tight, parallel walls or floors quite easily. 

2). Diesel Powered Floor Sawing

With diesel-powered floor sawing, you will be able to cut reinforced concrete (or even asphalt) with clean and straight cuts that are up to 500 mm in depth. 

This method of floor sawing can cut per linear metre to separate or straighten rough areas of concrete slabs. It may also be used to cut the perimeter of openings and the internal area into sections, which can then be lifted out and removed. 

Expansion joints can also be formed in new concrete floors, with cuts that can have widths of 3 mm to 20 mm.

3). Powered Floor Sawing

This method of sawing makes use of powerful electrical floor saws. These saws are primarily used for internal cutting works. 

Powered floor sawing is ideal for protected spaces such as hospitals, chemical or food production facilities, or populated areas such as offices or shopping centres. 

Can Continuous Reinforcement Concrete Slabs Be Cut

Who Can Cut Reinforced Concrete?

While it is possible for you to handle minor cutting jobs, it is always best to leave major concrete cutting jobs such as reinforced concrete cutting to the professionals.

This is attributed to a variety of reasons, the main ones being that they have both the expertise and skill of cutting all kinds of concrete.

Professionals also have knowledge of what types of tools and equipment are best for both cutting reinforced concrete itself and the type of cut you are looking for.

As such, it is always important to leave major jobs such as this to the professionals to avoid dangers, hazards, and unwanted consequences in the future. 

Final Thoughts

Cutting reinforced concrete is considered a major job but it is not impossible. There are various methods and tools that can be used in order to fulfil this job.

However, it is always best to seek a professional service to cut reinforced concrete for you. If you need a concrete cutting service, please call us today at MEGASAW.

We have over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete cutting services all over Melbourne. Our experience is your guarantee!

Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or leave an inquiry.