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.