Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials in the world. It has many advantages, such as its low cost, durability, and ease of installation. Several methods are available for cutting concrete blocks and structures on demolition and construction sites, from bursting and crushing to sawing and drilling. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before deciding which one is best suited to your project.
Saws
Saws are a great way to cut concrete with precision and speed. They come in various shapes and sizes and are often one of the most portable methods. There is no single saw that fits all of the needs of concrete cutting, since there are many types available for different tasks:
Electric or diesel sawing is a type of sawing that is commonly used for large-scale construction projects. This type of saw is powered by an electric motor or a diesel engine and is typically used to cut through thick materials such as concrete foundations or asphalt roads.
Track sawing is another type of sawing that is commonly used in construction projects. Track saws are designed with two parallel tracks that are placed on either side of the material to be cut and act as guides for the blade while it’s cutting. This type of saw is especially useful when cutting long straight lines, as the tracks will keep the blade perfectly aligned throughout the entire cut.
Hand, ring and chain saws are all types of manual saws that can be used in construction projects. They can be a great option if you need to make quick precise cuts without having access to power tools or heavy machinery.
Wire sawing is another type of manual cutting method which uses a wire cable with diamond beads attached along its length to create accurate cuts in hard materials like cutting concrete blocks, brickwork and reinforced steel structures.
Sawing is a very versatile method for cutting concrete and can be especially useful when precision is paramount. At TCC, we created a bespoke diamond saw to successfully move nine valuable murals.
Bursting
Concrete bursting is an efficient and safe method of removing foundations, machine bases, and other areas that may be inaccessible with traditional demolition tools. It uses low vibration and powerful hydraulic bursters to create small fractures in pre-drilled concrete surfaces. These fractures then expand until the concrete splits into manageable sections that can easily be removed from the site without causing excess damage or disruption.
Unlike manual demolition techniques, such as jackhammers and sledgehammers, concrete bursting does not require a large amount of physical labour. This makes it ideal for use in confined spaces or on surfaces where the surrounding environment must remain undisturbed. Furthermore, because the method involves using pressure instead of force to break apart concrete structures, there is no risk of flying debris or concrete dust which could be hazardous to workers onsite.
The process begins by drilling a series of holes into the specific area being demolished. Each hole should be deep enough to accommodate the hydraulic burster and its expansion when activated in order to ensure maximum efficiency of the procedure. Once all holes have been drilled, highly pressurised liquid is injected into each one, forcing them to expand and split apart the concrete layer until it reaches the desired size segments.
Crushing
Crushing is a common method used to reduce concrete into smaller pieces. Concrete crushers provide excellent dust and noise control with no vibration to the user, making them an ideal option for demolition projects. The robust crushing jaws can tackle walls, slabs, and staircases up to a thickness of 450mm in a safe and efficient manner.
For larger jobs, remote-controlled demolition robots can be fitted with concrete crushers. For smaller tasks, handheld versions are available which remain lightweight despite their impressive crushing power. Both options are powered by dependable hydraulic systems which make these machines reliable and easy to use.
Besides being more efficient than traditional demolition processes, modern concrete crushers help to reduce airborne particles, making worksites safer for workers and also reducing environmental impact by producing minimal dust.
Drilling
For concrete cutting projects that require precise and intricate openings, concrete drilling services can offer effective solutions. Stitch drilling is an advanced technology that involves cutting overlapping holes to create openings of any desired shape and size. This method uses hand-held tools as well as large electric or hydraulic rigs for applications involving greater lengths. For example, when creating holes with a diameter ranging from 5mm to 1 metre, stitch drilling provides a cost-effective option that produces successful results.
Another form of concrete drilling is diamond drilling, which also requires specialised equipment and expertise. In this process, small industrial drills are used to cut through hard surfaces such as concrete walls at a variety of depths and diameters. It’s a reliable way to open any size of opening with precision without causing damage to the surrounding environment.
Concrete dowel hole drilling is another method of concrete drilling which makes use of automated machines to rapidly drill holes for dowels inserted into the edges of slabs without needing manual operations. The holes have accurate dimensions according to the width of the slab, enabling faster assembly times with less manpower required during installation processes. By using this approach, it’s possible to reduce labour costs while maintaining high levels of accuracy in terms of hole placement on each slab edge in order to ensure structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
At TCC, we assess each project carefully to determine the most effective methods for each individual job. Each concrete cutting method has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what you are trying to accomplish with your project; however, understanding each option will help ensure you choose the right technique for your particular situation – whether you’re looking for fast removal rates, noise reduction, precision cuts, minimal dust & debris, or something else entirely get in touch to discuss your project.
