Equipment for cutting concrete - the choice and use

The most effective equipment for cutting concrete and its drilling, with which it is possible to process concrete structures, is drilling and cutting diamond machines. In addition, it is used during sampling of concrete, rock samples and other construction activities.

Drilling holes

Diamond drilling equipment or wire saws allow making holes of different diameter in the monolithic concrete (25-1200 mm). If the latter lies in the range of 20-502 mm, the depth to which it is drilled, can reach several meters. For circular cutting, diamond segments are soldered to the crown.

Tip: after using this equipment, you can really save on the further processing of the holes.

Methods and tools

Such a tool for cutting concrete can be used both during the “dry” process and with the use of water. The latter method is used in cases when it is necessary to reduce the amount of dust appearing. Therefore, the “wet” drilling technology is applicable even during the repair of exploited premises.

If the wall is very thick, cable cutting of concrete is used.

The design of such a tool consists of three mechanisms:

• power plant;
• a rope on which diamonds are applied;
• pulley, it is under the influence of the power plant drives the rope itself.

In addition, the design also stands out the diverting rollers, with which the necessary shape of the cut is achieved. The instruction allows the mechanism to work even in small openings with a diameter.

The drive on a similar mechanism can be both hydraulic and electric.

This equipment is used during work on:

• cutting beams and columns;
• expansion of door openings or windows;
• arrangement of openings for communication systems;
• disassembly of various designs.

Also, cable cutting of reinforced concrete can even be applied:

• during underwater work;
• in conditions when it is necessary to reduce noise to the minimum value.

Cutting a horizontal surface to a depth of 320 mm

В случаях, когда ведутся работы с дорожным покрытием или же осуществляется пропил ниш в различных перекрытиях, наиболее эффективными оказываются швонарезчики. Такие инструменты создают в бетонных конструкциях технологические или температурные швы (см.также статью «Бетонные мини заводы – конструкция и преимущества»).

Tip: using this equipment, you can minimize the likelihood of cracking, as it does not create a serious load on the coating.

The basis of this tool is the frame on which the engine of various types is mounted:

• petrol;
• diesel;
• electric unit.

A shaft with a belt drive that leads to a device that regulates the depth of the slice is supplied to the engine. Most modern models are equipped with an O25.4 mm shaft for seating discs. In addition, the structure of some seamers includes a water tank for cooling the latter.

There are also self-propelled and manual seam cutters. The first ones are more complex in design and also quite large, which excludes the possibility of their use in a small area.

Tip: if during the work related to the reconstruction of the premises, you are faced with a problem - the need to destroy the surface without damaging the reinforcement, in this case, use concrete cutters. They will help to divide the structure into several parts.

There is also laser cutting of concrete, the thickness of which is up to 40 mm. At the same time the equipment of 8 kW is applied.

Laser cutting of concrete walls is a developing technology based on the use of gas-discharge CO₂ lasers. Currently, the industry is gradually moving away from bulky devices, offering consumers portable options.

Cutting concrete walls up to 540 mm in depth

If you have to do a huge amount of work or to cut fairly thick walls, the best option would be a wall saw. The basis of its design is a durable frame, to which the transmission and diamond cutting disk are attached.

Simple models produce electric, but high-power machines use oil stations, which are connected to hydraulics.

The diamond cutting disc itself consists of two main elements:

• strong base in the form of a steel plate of a certain diameter;
• diamond segments.

To cool the hydraulics used running water. On average, the diamond should receive about 10 liters of water per minute.

Tip: the higher the hardness and reinforcement of the section being cut, the more intense the cooling should be.

At the same time, water prevents otpaivanie diamond-containing elements, and also removes waste materials from the epicenter. In some situations it is possible to use a water vacuum cleaner, which will divert water from the place of work.

Guide rail together with stepless speed control allows you to achieve a high level of precision cutting.

A similar tool is used during:

• reinforcement with metal structures;
• cutting of the bases, facades, crossbars;
• cutting through openings;
• cutting structures of monolithic type;
• corner diamond cutting;
• dismantling of structures and facilities;
• when cutting works in close proximity to the floor, ceiling or wall.

Cutting concrete surfaces up to 250 mm thick

For work that is carried out in residential premises with surfaces whose thickness is less than 250 mm, manual cutting machines are used. The cutter itself is the same diamond disc, which moves due to the force imparted to it by means of a gasoline or electric motor.

If access to the cutting surface is possible on the one hand, the maximum cutting depth with your own hands using an electric cutter is 125 mm. With access from both sides - 250 mm. This tool does not give exhaust gases, so it can be used even in rooms that do not have ventilation systems.

In addition, water supply is possible for the tool, which reduces the amount of dust.

The cutting depth for the gasoline cutter is slightly higher (150 mm - with access from one side, 300 mm - from both). Such tools are powerful, but during their work exhaust gases are formed.

Conclusion

For the dismantling of structures made of concrete, as well as the manufacture of openings in the walls, various mechanisms and tools are used. The article described them in detail, taking into account the possible maximum depth of cut.

The video in this article will help you find additional information on this topic.