Category: Concrete Cutting

Concrete cracks are fairly common. In fact, sometimes they are even considered inevitable occurrences. Concrete cracks are so common that they have actually been classified into 6 common types. If you would like to learn more about this, then please keep on reading below!

1). Plastic Shrinkage Concrete Cracks

The plastic state of concrete is the state before it hardens. In this state, it is still full of water. However, when the water evaporates, it can leave behind large voids between the solid particles. These empty spaces are weak spots of concrete that are prone to cracking. 

Plastic shrinkage cracks can happen on concrete slabs or walls, but they often happen at the reentrant corners, or corners that point into the slab. They also occur in the middle of circular objects such as pipes, plumbing fixtures, drains or manholes. 

Plastic shrinkage cracks are also very narrow and barely visible. However, the cracks do not only exist on the surface. Rather, they can extend throughout the thickness of the concrete slab.

Control joints may be introduced into the concrete slab in order to prevent plastic shrinkage concrete cracks. 

2). Expansion Concrete Cracks

Expansion concrete cracks are caused by heat. When heat expands the concrete, it can push outwards against anything, and the expanding force can lead to concrete cracks. This is where concrete cutting comes into the equation.

Expansion joints are commonly cut into the concrete as a point of separation between static surfaces. They primarily act as shock absorbers to help relieve the stress that the expansion force may exert on the concrete. This can ultimately help prevent cracking. 

3). Heaving Concrete Cracks

Heaving concrete cracks occurs when the ground freezes and lifts up a couple of inches before thawing and settling down. The ground movement caused by freezing and thawing can result in concrete cracks. If the slab cannot move with the ground, it will crack.

Tree roots also exhibit the same effect on concrete. If a tree root is located in close proximity to a concrete slab, it can lift it and cause it to crack. Hence, this is something to consider before laying out concrete slabs.

4). Settling Concrete Cracks

Settling concrete cracks occurs when the ground settles beneath a concrete slab. This happens when a void is created in the ground underneath the concrete surface. This is more prone to occur if the soil underneath is not compact enough or if tree roots decompose. 

All of these things can lead to concrete cracks, especially if the base or ground where the concrete slab will be placed is unstable, not compacted and unprepared.  

5). Cracks Caused By Overloading The Slab 

Even though concrete is a strong material, it too has its own limits. Concrete cracks can also occur if the concrete slab is overloaded. 

Different concrete mixes specify that they have different strengths. While overloading concrete slabs is not super common, what is more important is the issue of excess overload on the ground beneath the slab. 

Excessive weight on the slab, especially after heavy rain, can press down on the slab and cause it to crack. This is common for homeowners that place large recreational vehicles or a dumpster on their driveway. 

6). Cracks Caused By Premature Drying

There are actually two types of cracks that are caused by premature drying.

The first type of crack is called crazing cracks. They are fine surface cracks that sort of looks like spider webs or cracked glass. Crazing cracks occur if the surface of the concrete slab loses moisture too rapidly. They are not usually a concern for structural issues, though.

The other type of crack is called a crusting crack. They often occur during the concrete stamping process where textures or patterns are added to concrete surfaces. If the top of the slab dries quicker than the bottom on, say, a windy day, then this can cause crusting cracks.

Once the stamp is applied, it can pull apart the surface near the stamped areas and cause small cracks around the outside edges. Similar to crazing cracks, crusting cracks are not a point of structural concern. 

Summary

While there are many types of different cracks in concrete, it may be hard to pinpoint exactly which type of concrete crack it is. It is important to consult with an experienced professional who will not only be able to identify what crack you are dealing with but to help suggest solutions by which these cracks can be remedied. 

If you need concrete sawing performed safely and reliably, be it commercial or residential, please call us 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.

Cutting concrete slabs can be a very arduous job. Aside from making sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment, it is important to make sure that all safety precautions are in place before cutting concrete.

One safety precaution you must always take before concrete cutting is to consult with a structural engineer. Structural engineers will be able to help assist your construction project and ensure there are no hazards or errors in the process.

Since concrete cutting can be a dangerous job, talking to an engineer beforehand is imperative. If you want to learn more about why you should consult with an engineer before cutting a concrete slab, please keep on reading below.

Services Provided By Engineers

Engineers, especially structural engineers, are trained to have vast knowledge and skill sets that can be applied to anything manufacturing and construction-related. Some functions and services of an engineer include:

• Studying project reports
• Preparing or designing structural drawings and designs
• Supervising construction work progress
• Giving advice on repairs, maintenance, or alterations of existing structures
• Assess factors that can affect the integrity of a structure

While these functions are generally applicable to various construction disciplines, this is most especially applicable for concrete cutting.

Structural engineers can consult on various construction situations. For example, they can help advise on renovations that involve building additions, door or window modifications, loft conversions, retaining, removing, or altering walls, and many more.

They can also conduct structural damage inspections. Structural engineers can help identify issues and how to resolve them. Some indications of structural damage may include cracked walls, sagging ceilings, uneven floors, window cracks, and more

These construction issues are indications of structural damage and are also just a few of the reasons why concrete cutting will actually need to be carried out. As such, consulting an engineer is recommended if you want to obtain a professional opinion on how to safely carry out these concrete cutting procedures. 

Risk Management Made Easy With Engineers

One of the primary services that engineers may offer you, however, is risk management. Concrete cutting certainly carries its fair share of risks.

While there are various associated risks with concrete cutting, one of the main risks of concrete cutting can be accidentally cutting unforeseen obstructions This, in turn, can lead to some serious damage safety-wise, resource-wise, and finance-wise.

As such, engineers can help provide advice on how to avoid these kinds of risks. They may suggest solutions such as conducting a concrete scanning test to help detect any unforeseen obstructions embedded in the concrete.

Other Benefits Of Involving An Engineer

Aside from the main benefit of increased risk management, engineers can help your construction project in many ways. 

One of them is to help you avoid unnecessary costs. If you are cutting concrete and you accidentally cause structural damage, this can lead to some serious repercussions cost-wise and resource-wise. Engineers will be able to foresee these events and help you prevent them from happening.

Engineers can also ensure that you do not have to start from scratch. They can help advise you on which areas are safe for concrete cutting or if there should be any modifications to your concrete cutting plan.

Most importantly, engineers will ensure that you are cutting concrete within the proper laws, regulations and rules. This is especially due to the requirements of the Australian Standards and Building Code of Australia. 

So, while engineers can help prevent detrimental risks from occurring, they are capable of providing advice on how to avoid long-term consequences from happening. Therefore, consulting an engineer before cutting a concrete slab is more than necessary.

Summary

Consulting an engineer before cutting concrete is an imperative procedure that you must perform. Engineers are trained and skilled to have widely developed skills to help give you the best advice for your project. 

Moreover, engineers can help anticipate risks and provide solutions to avoid them. This is important because these risks can compromise workplace safety, finances, and resources. 

However, engineers can also provide many more benefits for your concrete cutting project. Seeking their advice can help ensure that your project goes well and does not suffer any long-term damage. 

If you need concrete sawing performed safely and reliably, be it commercial or residential, please call us 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.

Concrete cutting is not only a strenuous and messy job but a dangerous one too. There are many hazards that accompany concrete sawing.

However, the difficult part is that these hazards can often be overlooked. As such, it is important to take all the necessary precautions before cutting concrete. 

If you want to learn more about what features of concrete sawing in Melbourne can be dangerous, and how to minimise the risks, then please keep on reading.

Inhaling Crystalline Silica

Concrete contains a compound that is known as crystalline silica. It is also commonly found in materials such as sand, quartz, slate, and flint. When this compound makes contact with air, it can become a very dangerous health concern. 

Airborne crystalline silica can put workers at risk of developing silicosis, which is a lung disease caused by the accumulation of silica dust inside the lungs.

It causes the formation of scar tissues which negatively affects the lung’s capacity to take in oxygen. 

Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as filter masks is especially important when it comes to cutting concrete. Using a wet cutting method can also help control the dust and silica that may fly through the air as you cut concrete.

Push-Back, Kick-back, or Pull-In

These words sound like a mouthful, but they can be very dangerous forces that come with cutting concrete.

Kick-backs happen when the saw thrusts up and backward, push-backs happen when the saw thrusts right back, and pull-in happens when the saw pulls the worker towards the blade. 

Depending on cut depths, these forces can lead to serious injuries especially when you use quick cut concrete saws and hand-held saws.

They can also wrench the saw from its fittings, which makes it freely run on the ground. This can be quite dangerous for anyone who stands in its path.

With this in mind, make sure to pay attention to the rotation angle of your saw. Stay away from this angle when cutting. Try not to use a cutting tool on ladders or cutting concrete on different elevations. 

Uneven Or Wet Surfaces

Uneven or wet surfaces can heighten the risk of falling over mid-cut. This can lead to injuries for both yourself and for others.

It may also compromise the quality of the concrete cut and increase the risk of kick-back as previously discussed. As such, make sure you check the concrete surface for this hazard before cutting it.

Worn And Damaged Saw Blades

When cutting concrete, it is imperative that the equipment you use is in top condition. When operating with defective blades, this can lead the blade to wobble and shatter, dispersing fragments through the air.

It is important to maintain your blade and make sure it is not overexerting its force capacities. 

Electricity

Electricity can be a common hazard when it comes to concrete cutting. When managing electric equipment, make sure that everything is properly grounded and insulated. Do not use electric equipment when you are using a wet cutting method.

Toxic Fumes

Toxic fumes are particularly harmful especially if ventilation is not maximised. They can arise from gas motor emissions that contain harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

This odourless and colourless gas can lead to asphyxiation, which is a serious health condition. Make sure to wear the proper filter particulate respirators since they can protect you from dust, fibres, lead fumes, asbestos, and silica.

Cutting Unseen Objects

Sometimes, there may be unforeseen objects embedded in the concrete that can cause serious danger when cut. Some of these may include electric cables and gas or water pipes.

As such, make sure to conduct precautionary measures such as concrete scanning before cutting concrete. Cutting foreign objects may not only damage the construction project but put you and your coworkers at risk.

Final Thoughts

While there are serious hazards that can be associated with concrete cutting, all of these are very avoidable.

Some precautions you can take are to simply wear the proper PPE, properly maintain your cutting equipment, and prep the area to be cut by removing objects that can cause injuries.

The importance of preparing for these hazards are often overseen. However, they are completely necessary not only for a successful construction project but most importantly for a safe working environment.

As such, always make sure you follow the right precautions before performing any concrete cutting activities.

If you need concrete sawing performed safely and reliably, be it commercial or residential, please call us 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.

Have you ever wondered what types of blades are used for cutting concrete? Cutting concrete is considered a very strenuous and vigorous job. Because of this, it is important that the tools and equipment that are used are high quality and in peak working condition.

When it comes to cutting concrete, there are various types of blades that can be used. If you want to learn more about concrete cutting blades and which one is the best, then please keep on reading as we explore the options in more detail below!

The Types Of Concrete Cutting Blades

To the novice, cutting concrete may seem pretty straightforward and that all the blades are pretty much the same. However, nothing could be further from the truth. There are many different types of blades depending on the specific concrete cutting requirements. Generally, you will find that there are two types of blades that are used for concrete cutting:

1). Corundum Masonry Blade

Corundum masonry blades are typically used for short and shallow concrete cutting jobs. However, since concrete is a very hard material to cut through, these types of blades do not usually last very long. They are inexpensive though and are known to be quite precise in their cuts.

2). Diamond Saw Blades

Diamond saw blades, on the other hand, are recognised as the best type of blade for cutting concrete. This is because diamonds are a very hard material and are great for cutting strong materials such as concrete.

Diamond saw blades are also the preferred blades to use for concrete cutting because they can withstand high temperatures from the friction caused when cutting. Because of these two unique characteristics, diamond blades are the ideal blades for concrete cutting.

Generally, there are three types of diamond saw blades that you may come across: 

• Segmented Rim

Despite the durability of diamonds, diamond saw blades can still overheat when cutting concrete. As such, this is something to consider when purchasing a diamond saw blade. A segmented rim blade is an ideal choice if you do not have water to cool down your blade.

Segmented rims are divided into 10 to 14 segments–hence the name segmented blade–with deep grooves located in between each section. These grooves are important because they help regulate heat transfer. If blades overheat, they can warp and cannot be used anymore.

Segmented rims are often used for both concrete and bricks. However, they may not produce the cleanest cuts, which is why they are not recommended to be used on surfaces such as tiles. 

• Turbo Rim

Similar to the segmented rim, turbo rim blades also have sections that contain relief holes for optimised heat transfer. These sections look like a turbofan, which is where they got their name from.

However, they differ in that turbo rims can be run both dry or wet. Additionally, while both turbo rims and segmented rims can cut concrete and brick, turbo rims can also cut harder materials such as limestone. 

Turbo rims can also produce clean cuts since the rim has no breaks, unlike the segmented rims which often produce rough cuts.

• Continuous Rim

This diamond blade is commonly known as the wet cut blade. Unlike the segmented rim and the turbo rim, the continuous rim does not have a built-in heat distribution or fan-like features. It is cooled down by having water flowing over it.

Flowing water not only helps prevent the blade from overheating, but it also helps prevent dust from flying around the environment. This helps preserve the lifespan of your diamond blade. 

Continuous rim blades can also produce very clean cuts. They are even capable of cutting through granite, marble, and porcelain or ceramic tiles. However, this blade is also known as one of the slowest cutting.

Summary

When it comes to concrete cutting, the equipment you use is very important. Depending on the job and what kind of material you are cutting, it is important that you employ the right tools to get the results that you expect to achieve.

Generally, diamond blades are regarded as the preferred type of blades to use for concrete cutting. This is because they are made of very hard materials that can withstand high temperatures generated from friction.

There are also various diamond blades that you may choose from, so there is always a blade for your concrete cutting needs!

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.

If you’re involved in construction or renovation, you would know that cutting concrete is a common part of these processes. However, before you cut concrete, it is important that you take the necessary precautions to ensure there are no accidents or mistakes.

One of these precautions is concrete scanning, which helps you decipher whether or not it is safe to cut the concrete area in question.

Concrete scanning can help you save time, save money, and most importantly prevent injuries and possible damage. So, what else should you know about concrete scanning?

If you want to learn more about why you should scan concrete before cutting it, then please keep on reading to learn more. 

What Is Concrete Scanning?

Concrete scanning is the process of scanning concrete by using one or multiple forms of non-destructive technology. Examples of these technologies may include a cover metre, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR), a ferroscan tool, and even an ultrasonic scanning instrument. 

These tools are designed to penetrate the ground in order to locate embedded objects and other structural anomalies within the concrete. The findings of the non-destructive tests (NDTs) will be interpreted by highly skilled engineers and professionals who will be able to notify you of the safety conditions of cutting the concrete in question. 

Most of the time, you can receive the findings and results of the NDTs in 3D images and real-time at the construction site, which can be considered very convenient. 

Additionally, concrete scanning can gather information from areas including bridges, roads, buildings, runways, concrete slabs, car parks, and much more.

1). Concrete Scanning Helps Detect Possible Obstructions

The most important advantage of concrete scanning is that it can detect the presence of obstructions within the concrete. With concrete scanning, you will be able to detect things such as:

• Electrical conduits, whether they are plastic or metallic. If you accidentally cut an electrical conduit or utility line, then this can pose an incredible safety hazard and can be very costly. This can also lead to power outages and service loss. 
• Rebar and post-tension cables. Cutting these cables can pose serious injuries to your workers, and can cause debris to fly around causing further damage. Cutting rebar and cables can also cause structural damage to a building, which will impact your project and lead to high repair costs.
• Objects embedded in the concrete
• Water lines, including leaks
• Radiant heating lines, including leaks
• Steel reinforcement and information such as depth, spacing, and diameter

All these obstructions, if left undetected, can lead to safety hazards, costly repairs, and structural damage, all of which will not only affect your construction project but endanger your workers as well. 

2). Concrete Scanning Can Inspect Concrete Structure

With concrete scanning, you can inspect the structure of concrete, and any anomalies that may come with it.

Concrete scanning can measure the thickness of the concrete, estimate the elevation and spacing of the concrete slab, and detect voids, air pockets, or concrete corrosion, all of which can lead to serious structural damage to the building and the concrete if it were to be cut.

Concrete scanning is also useful when it comes to identifying the load-bearing capabilities of a certain concrete structure. This will give engineers and designers alike an idea of where they can and cannot drill to avoid costly and harmful consequences. 

3). Concrete Scanning Leads To A Safer Working Environment

It is important to place the safety and wellbeing of your workers first and foremost. After all, your construction project will not be made possible without them. 

One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your workers is to perform concrete scanning in order to identify the presence of obstructions and other structural defects that can lead to serious consequences. 

With concrete scanning in place, you will ensure both a safer working environment and a successful construction project. 

Final Thoughts

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.

Road saws are powerful tools that can easily cut concrete, asphalt, masonry, brick, and other hard, solid surfaces. And, aside from its unmatched efficiency, the benefits of using road saws are quite undeniable.

If you want to learn more about road saws and what their benefits are when it comes to cutting concrete, then please keep on reading.

What Is A Road Saw?

A road saw can be a hand-held tool or a large walk-behind saw that is generally self-propelled. Its source of power can range from gasoline, electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic pressure. 

Road saws are unique because they have diamond saw blades, which can easily cut through concrete, asphalt, and stone by generating great amounts of friction. Diamond saw blades are also capable of cutting straight lines in varying depths. 

Road saws are often used to cut road sections in order to create a way or provide access to underground pipes or cables.

They are also used to insert controlled expansion cuts in freshly laid concrete or green concrete. Expansion cuts are cuts that control cracks in concrete that occur from expansion and contraction.

What Makes Road Saws Unique?

In comparison to other concrete saws, road saws have higher engine power, which means they have more torque to quickly cut through concrete surfaces. They also often contain tracking control, which allows cutting in straight lines to be quick and easy.

Additionally, the saw blades of road saws are larger compared to the standard hand-held concrete saws, which means they can create deeper cuts. 

Another reason why road saws are unique is that they can be controlled with an instrument panel, which is in charge of controlling every aspect of the cutting mechanism. 

Likewise, road saws have a control panel, which can control the direction of the cut, the depth of the cut, and the rpm, which is how fast the blade spins. 

What Are The Benefits Of Road Saws?

You might be wondering what the benefits of road saws are. Well, here are a few of them!

1). Road Saws Are Efficient

Road saws are efficient because the diamond blade allows it to cut concrete faster than any other type of concrete saw. 

Moreover, not only are road diamond blades easy to operate and control, but they are capable of cutting quick, straight lines at any depth, which makes accomplishing your project all the more efficient.

Road saws are capable of cutting through any solid surface, which makes it the perfect instrument for your construction needs. 

2). Road Saws Are Ideal For Road Maintenance

Because road saws can work quickly, they are the best types of saws to use. This is because you will be able to quickly repair or maintain a road without having to work during the busiest times. The overall time of cutting concrete is cut down significantly. 

Road saws also have reduced noise, which makes it the ideal tool to use for cutting concrete especially if you are working in, say, an urbanised area that is full of people.  

Constructing roads can be quite challenging, but with a road saw, struggles such as working on busy roads and working in a densely populated area are made much easier. 

3). Road Saws Are Versatile

Did you know that road saws can also be used indoors? That’s right! Road saws are versatile because they can work both indoors and outdoors. 

You can use road saws indoors if you are remodelling, mending cracked floors, and doing other related construction projects. And, since road saws are able to cut through any hard surface, you are not limited to where you can use it!

4). Road Saws Can Retrofit Pipeline Facilities

Reconstructing pipeline facilities requires a lot of time to accomplish. However, with road saws, this will be made much easier, because its powerful blades can reduce the time to reconstruct pipeline facilities in half!

However, make sure to take the necessary precautions before doing this. It is important to consult with a professional who can advise you on how to proceed appropriately. 

Summary

Road saws are the best tool to use if you want to cut any type of hard surface. They are efficient in that they work quickly and can create precise cuts, but they are also versatile in that you can use them indoors or outdoors.

Road saws will undoubtedly provide you with a more comfortable working experience, ensuring that you are able to accomplish your construction project quickly and effectively.

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.

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.

Concrete cutting is an incredibly difficult task. Many concrete cutting jobs are accomplished by using specialised equipment such as a diamond-tipped saw blade, a common tool that is used to carry out concrete cutting. 

What is a diamond-tipped saw blade, and how does it cut concrete? If you want to learn more about this, we have created a guide in the article below to help you. 

What Is A Diamond Tipped Saw Blade?

A diamond-tipped saw blade is a commonly used tool to cut concrete. It is distinguished by its diamond coated blade tip, though these are not the sparkling jewellery store diamonds you may be familiar with.

Instead, these synthetic diamonds are actually produced by manufacturers at lower costs. It is imperative that the diamonds be strongly attached to the blade, or else it won’t be as effective.

Because of this, there are several methods by which fine diamond crystals can be bonded to the cutting edge of the blade. These are as follows:

1). Vacuum Brazing – this process occurs by welding the diamonds to the edge of the blade inside a special furnace.

Since the diamonds are only placed on the outside of the blade, once the vacuum brazed blade wears down it does not expose any new diamonds.

Diamond blades made from this process are known to have lower price points. 

2). Sintering – This is a process that makes use of pressure and heat to press the diamonds into the metal. This is known to produce stronger bonds in comparison to vacuum brazing.

3). Laser Welding – This is recognised as the most efficient attachment method, as the precision of laser welding is quite unparalleled.

This process makes use of a laser welding process to fully bond the diamond particles together with the metal’s molecular structure.

Diamond blades made from laser welding are known to last up to 35 per cent longer compared to a sintered blade.

Diamonds are actually the hardest material on earth, which is why they are capable of cutting through hard materials such as concrete. 

What Happens When A Diamond Blade Cuts Concrete?

The hardness of the concrete is almost unmatched to the hardness of diamonds. In fact, when you use a diamond-tipped saw blade to cut concrete, it can easily grind the concrete into dust.

Diamond-tipped saw blades can operate at incredibly high speeds, which means the cuts are more precise and clean. 

One the diamond crystals begin to smooth, they will start peeling and cracking away to expose a new layer of fresh and rough diamonds underneath (though this does not apply to diamond blades made from vacuum brazing).

Diamonds embedded in the edge of the blade also help preserve the blade itself from being rapidly worn out.

What Diamond Tipped Blade Should I Choose?

Choosing the right diamond-tipped saw blade involves the consideration of various factors, given that diamond blades come in different bonding types, diamond sizes, and cutting capacities.

The hardness of the concrete you plan to cut, for example, is an important factor to consider as this can affect the integrity of your blade. 

For example, if you are planning to cut concrete that has not yet fully cured, it is best to choose a diamond blade that has a stronger bond.

This is because soft concrete can wear out diamonds more slowly, and a harder bond marks sure that the diamonds remain in place. On the other hand, a blade that has a weaker bond can wear out and lose its diamonds. 

The size of the diamond crystals is also another factor to consider. If you plan to cut through very hard concrete in a short amount of time, then it would be best to use a blade with smaller diamond crystals. 

Summary

In the industry of concrete cutting, diamond-tipped saw blades are a common device that is used to effectively and precisely cut concrete.

This is because diamond is the hardest material on earth, which makes it capable of easily grinding concrete to dust.

Choosing the right diamond-tipped saw blade for you means that you should consider factors that mainly revolve around the hardness of the concrete you plan to cut.

From here, you can decide what type of bonded diamond blade you will need, along with what size diamond crystals are appropriate. 

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.

Concrete cutting is one of the toughest jobs in construction. But it has to be done. The work can be made easier with the use of the right tools and equipment.

That is why professionals use only top of the line concrete saws that will make the light work of the job and also keep it accident-free.

Concrete saws are an everyday essential for construction and masonry work. Different types of saws are used for different purposes and different types of sawing techniques are also used.

This study will show you a list of different concrete saws professionals use depending on the application, type of concrete materials and other factors.

Methods Of Sawing

The two most common methods of sawing concrete are:

• Dry Sawing – This type of concrete sawing does not use water. You just cut through the concrete as it is. This method produces more dust which is a big health risk because inhaling concrete dust particles can cause severe irreversible damage to the lungs. Concrete dust contains crystalline silica that can cause scarring in the lungs and also damage the eyes.

• Wet Sawing – Wet sawing uses water to keep the concrete saw blade cool and prevent the dust from becoming airborne. As such, it is a highly recommended and more environment-friendly sawing technique. It is also better for people’s health.

Types Of Concrete Saws

The two most common types of concrete saws are:

• Hand-Held Concrete Saws – These are small light-weight handheld or portable concrete saws that are easy to handle, carry and move around. These are used for cramped and hard to reach areas. Handhelds have lower horsepower than bigger saws and are slow in cutting but they can do the job.

• Walk-Behind Concrete Saws – these are bigger units that require the operator to hold it from behind when using because they are heavier and larger. They are not as easy to move around and maneuver but they have high horsepower and are very fast in cutting concrete.

Chain Saw and Ring Saw

Chain saws and ring saws are ideal for smaller projects because they are compact and easy to handle. They can work well in cramped and hard to reach areas.

They can be used for cutting walls, bricks, concrete pipes, and floors. Professionals in construction and masonry work use chain saws and ring saws regularly for hard to reach areas in bigger projects.

Floor Saw

Floor saws are used to cut flat surfaces like floors, concrete slabs, footpaths and roads. They are also used for joints, trenching, and demolition.

Floor saws are very stable but large and heavy so they can only cut through flat surfaces.

Wall Saw

Wall saws are used for vertical surfaces like making openings in walls usually during renovations, extensions and even in new construction.

They are used to create windows, ventilation ducts, and doors. Wall saws are also called track saws. They are secured into the target area using a track-mounted system. Wall saws cut accurately and produce precise clean lines.

Wire Saw

Wire saws are made of diamond-laced cables that are pulled through the area that needs to be cut. Wire saws are ideal for small to large projects.

Wire saws can cut through rebar and reinforced concrete. They are also used to cut through awkward spaces and shapes.

Not all concrete that requires straight cuts so if there are curves or irregular shapes that need to be cut, using a wire saw is the best option. 

Safety Reminders:

• Always choose top of the line or proven brands when choosing a concrete saw to use.
• Before and during use, always check your saw’s fluid level if you are using a petrol-powered concrete saw.
• Regularly check concrete chains to make sure they are well lubricated.
• Check the blades and make sure that they are in good condition and don’t have any damage. 
• Do not exert too much pressure on the concrete saw. Just guide it along the marked areas and let the concrete saw do its work.
• For wet sawing, make sure that you have enough supply of steady water for the entire duration of the job.
• Keep onlookers and unauthorised people away from the site, due to the dust, debris and the noise.
• For electric saws, connect it to grounded outlets only.

Concrete cutting is vital to the construction process and becomes much easier when you understand the equipment you are using and the materials and characteristics of the concrete you are cutting.

That is why it’s best if you let the professionals do the hard work for you. If you are looking for the most experienced and trustworthy concrete cutting service in Melbourne, look no further than MEGASAW.

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

For all concrete cutting needs, be it commercial or residential, please call us today on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.

Concrete cutting is not just a challenging job that requires experience and professional skills, you also need in-depth knowledge of how concrete works.

That’s why you really should leave it to the professionals when it comes to concrete cutting.

Even the most experienced hands end up making mistakes sometimes. Keep in mind that cutting concrete can cause cracking.

Professional services may not completely avoid cracking and breakage but they can minimise this from happening in order to preserve the structural integrity of the concrete.

How Deep Can Your Cut?

When it comes to the maximum depth allowed in cutting concrete, there is no definite figure but experts recommend cuts to range from a quarter to a third of the thickness of the concrete slab.

This means you can cut about 6 to 7cms for a 20cm concrete slab. 

Why Not Cut More than ⅓  of the Thickness?

It is important to keep the cut within the recommended depth. Concrete slabs especially ones used for flooring, pathways, and roads take heavy traffic and heavy loads on a regular basis.

If you cut concrete too deep, the interlocking will not be sufficient enough to for transfer of heavy loads. On the other hand, cutting the concrete too shallow will result in random cracking.

Before cutting concrete, it is still crucial that you consult a structural engineer and get sound advice on the appropriate depths and distance of the cuts.

Getting appropriate structural engineering specifications is a critical step in cutting concrete and in construction in general.

Other Considerations In Cutting Concrete

Aside from the depth of the cuts, there are three important factors to consider when cutting concrete slabs.

1. Spacing Between Cuts – You can not just make random cuts. You have to figure out exactly where the cuts will be made and how far are you going to space each cut. Most professionals recommend spacing concrete cuts two to three times the overall thickness of the concrete. So a 20cms thick concrete slab can have cuts spaced 40 to 60cms apart. 
2. Position Of The Cuts – Cutting concrete needs planning. You need to figure out where to make the cuts and plant them right so that the cuts are continuous and you are not cutting on areas with continuous steel reinforcements. Accidentally cutting through rebar and steel reinforcements can damage your saw and impact the strength and structural integrity of your concrete. Making too many cuts without proper spacing will also result in severe cracking which will cost you a lot of money in maintenance and repairs.
3. Choosing The Right Tool To Use – There are so many kinds of concrete saws and equipment you can use. Choosing the right one that will fit your technical skills, the application, the type of concrete to cut, the hardness of the concrete, etc is important. Deciding whether you will do dry sawing or wet sawing is also an important decision. However, it’s important to note that experts recommend wet sawing for most indoor and outdoor cutting.

The main reason why you cut concrete is to anticipate and prevent random cracking. It is important to do it right because mistakes can make the cuts useless and can lead to more concrete damage than just cracking.

Before you do anything, plan the job and ALWAYS consult your structural engineer. Although concrete cutting can be done without expert services, we highly recommend getting professional help.

By doing so, you save a lot of time and money not to mention headaches and significant mistakes. Professionals can get the job done in a timely manner within your budget with fewer errors. 

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.