Category: Concrete Cutting

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.

Concrete cutting is a messy business, literally. Concrete dust can take over if you are not careful. Concrete dust is very harmful to the body and can cause irreversible damage to your lungs. 

It can also cause severe damage to your eyes if you do not wear the appropriate eye protection. This and more are the reasons why wet cutting is the best way to cut concrete. 

It causes less damage to the concrete saw blade, produces less dust and is much safer for the saw operator and people within the vicinity.

There are several reasons why it is crucial to have a steady supply of water when cutting concrete. Here is our list.

1). Dust Control

Water keeps the dust from becoming airborne and keeps it from getting inhaled or getting into your eyes. This will save you and the people around you immense health risks. Wet sawing concrete is the safest way to cut concrete.

However, you will need a steady supply of water through a water hose or spray jets to ensure that the disk blade is constantly sprayed with water so the dust particles don’t become and airborne.

2). Heath And Safety Reasons 

Having enough water supply while cutting concrete keeps the concrete saw operator and the workers around him safe from inhaling crystalline silica which can cause severe and irreversible damage to the lungs.

Spraying water on the concrete blade while cutting also keeps dust particles from entering the eyes causing severe eye damage.

3). Keeping The Concrete Saw Blade Cool

Cutting through concrete is tough for the saw blades. Concrete is a hard and sturdy material. Cutting through concrete takes its toll on concrete blades. It can cause overheating which can cause the blades to crack or break.

Keeping the blades cool with the constant spraying of water while it cuts through concrete will minimise the effect of wear and tear and will significantly improve or prolong the lifespan of the blade and the concrete saw in general.

4). Environmental And Legal Guidelines

Concrete cutting in enclosed areas must only be done by wet sawing. Dry sawing concrete in this area can cause suffocation from the dust, lung damage, and many other fatal effects.

5). Reduced Noise Pollution

Wet sawing produces less noise from the concrete saw because the water keeps it relatively quiet.

This is important especially if you are working in enclosed spaces or buildings where there are other businesses and people who could be inconvenienced by the noise.

6). Preventing Flying Debris

When cutting concrete, small and sometimes large particles of concrete can fly through the air.

With a steady jet of water being sprayed on the blade, the water will ensure that any concrete that breaks off while cutting goes straight to the ground away from you and the people you work with.

7). Keeps The Space Clean Before, During And After Cutting

A steady supply of water while cutting helps keep the floor and work area clean and safe for everyone.

The water can be used to clean up before you start sawing the concrete, during, and especially after the work is done. 

Important Reminders:

• Always check if the hoses are connected securely. Check for cracks, breaks or cuts.
• Adjust the nozzles so that the water goes directly onto the blade generously and wets the cutting area as well.
• Always inspect the concrete saw blade before using. Make sure it is in good condition and is maintained regularly. 
• Always wear your Personal Protective Equipment or PPE from head to toe. Safety first!

Cutting concrete is not a job that should be done yourself if you do not have the experience, the skill, or the training to do it.

Handling concrete saws is challenging and pose so many health risks like losing a limb or worse still, fatally harming yourself. 

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.

Cracking on concrete is normal especially in the first 30 days while the concrete is settling or curing.

If the weather conditions are ideal and your contractors do it right, the cracking should be unnoticeable.

Before we discuss ways to keep driveway concrete from cracking, it is important that you understand why concrete cracks.

• Shrinkage – the water in the concrete evaporates as it hardens causing it to shrink. When it shrinks, the concrete cracks. Some people add too much water to their concrete mix because it is easier to apply. However, if the concrete dries too quickly, it also shrinks and cracks.
• Weather – the weather plays an important role in how well concrete cures. Extreme weather (too hot or too cold, too to dry or too wet) and rapid temperature changes affect the concrete and can cause severe cracking.
• Incorrect spacing of control joints – concrete joints are placed to anticipate and prevent cracking of the concrete. When they are not properly placed and spaced, they don’t work properly which means that cracking will still occur.

Preventing Concrete Driveway Cracking

Concrete is one of the most durable and long-lasting building materials available. You just have to make sure that you follow the proper procedures so it is done right to avoid cracking and other damage.

Here are some things you can do during and after the concrete is poured to avoid mistakes and reduce cracking in the future.

Let the concrete cure properly. Cement (the binding ingredient in concrete) takes a long time to cure so concrete naturally takes a long time to cure. It takes 28 days for it to be completely cured.

Cement needs moisture while curing to fully achieve its maximum strength. This is why concrete cracks easily when it is drying, whether is it drying slowly or quickly.

It will help to spray the concrete with water a few more times a day for seven days so it does not dry up too easily. If the weather is too hot, spray more often.

This will help the cement to gradually build its strength without cracking until the concrete is fully cured.

During cold weather, there is no need to spray on water, instead, cover the concrete to keep it from the cold weather for seven days.

After the seven day period, the concrete should be dry and strong enough not to be affected by harsh weather conditions.

Add control joints. Even if concrete is cured properly, there is still a chance of cracking. Temperature changes and drying can still cause it to crack. This is why control joints are crucial.

Control joints anticipate the cracks by putting strategic cracks in advance. These are intentional weak spots to direct future cracks.

Control joints are done in three ways:

• They can be made while the concrete is still wet using a concrete grooving tool.
• You can insert joint strips made of flexible wood fibres during the pouring process.
• Concrete cutting. You can cut them a few hours or a day after the concrete is poured using a diamond saw.

While the first two options are okay but the best way to add control joints is by cutting them in using a concrete saw a day after the concrete is laid.

Cutting concrete must be timed so that you do not cut too soon or too late. When you cut too soon, it will not work since the concrete is still wet.

When you cut too late, the joints will be rendered useless because the concrete has most likely already cracked.

Use the proper amount of water in the concrete mix. Do not be tempted to add more water than what is required just because it is easier to apply concrete when it is wet.

More water content in the mix means more shrinkage. More shrinkage means more cracks. Make sure the base is compact. Concrete cracks because of soil or ground movement.

Avoid this by making sure the ground where you will pour the concrete is compact and can securely support the concrete slab.

Use reinforcements. Concrete is strong on its own but you can make it ten times stronger by using rebar or steel reinforcements.

Adding steel reinforcements is not complicated and can easily be done. Yes, you may spend extra money on the rebar but this will make up for the cost of fewer cracks and much stronger concrete.

Concrete driveways take on heavy loads and regular traffic. It is important that you keep it strong and crack-free.

Although small unnoticeable cracks are okay, larger ones can damage the integrity of your concrete. Consult your structural engineer on the proper ways to cut concrete to prevent cracking.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.