Share
3 professional techniques for cutting and drilling reinforced concrete.
How do I cut reinforced concrete? Specialists use different techniques based on the specific job at hand. In this article, we'll analyze the six main techniques. A summary of these techniques will help you learn which tools and machinery to use.
Concrete cutting technique with holes (core drilling)
- The ability to use diamond in powder form in various grain sizes has allowed us to develop tools for cutting heavily reinforced concrete. Diamond, its crystals, and metal blends are essential for ensuring precise cutting according to the needs of the job site. Nord produces diamond drill bits and core bits suitable for any material, such as stone, concrete, reinforced concrete, and abrasive materials. This versatility makes diamond tools highly cost-effective and increasingly used by demolition contractors, contractors, artisans, and workshops.
Some customizations of the diamond core bit for reinforced concrete allow for truly unique applications. Dry coring , for example, using manual loaders. Another level of customization is the cutting depth. We produce core bits up to 2 meters high for coring highly reinforced concrete structures. There are no limits to the production of diamond core bits with custom diameters. The largest diamond core bit we have produced is approximately 1800 mm for coring prestressed concrete shafts.
Designers are also considering diamond core drills and bits for cutting reinforced concrete walls. For this very reason, core drill manufacturers are offering solutions with increasingly longer guide strokes. The same applies to guide widths to accommodate large-diameter diamond core drills.
The latest core drills on the market also have remote control systems to speed up the core drilling process and reduce costs.
Cutting technique with wall saws and diamond blades
- Diamond blades were developed for the marble industry using bridge saws. This is the industry that inspired reinforced concrete demolition professionals. The speed and precision of diamond tools have almost completely replaced traditional abrasive blades. Cutting reinforced concrete with diamond blades has been a proven practice for years.
Even more interesting is the relentless race to evolve this tool. Each manufacturer is modifying the formula for its diamond segments to offer faster and more durable solutions. To date, cutting reinforced concrete using diamond blades and wall saws remains the most cost-effective solution in terms of time and cost.
How to cut reinforced concrete thicker than 500 mm? The advantage of straight-line cutting on concrete with diamond blades lies precisely in the cutting thickness. Nord produces diamond blades for reinforced concrete up to 2200 mm in diameter.
However, the thinness of the core, the maneuverability of the tool on the construction site, and the use of smaller diameters for pre-cutting operations limit its effectiveness. For cutting reinforced concrete over 700 mm, the use of diamond wire and the associated machinery is currently more cost-effective.
Wall cutting machines
When it comes to reinforced concrete cutting machinery, we can say that electric motors are replacing hydraulic ones. Ergonomics, quick disassembly, weight, and ease of speed adjustment are just some of the advantages of electric-powered wall saws. The new electric-powered machines also require two hoses to operate (a power hose and a water hose).
Another positive note is all the accessories available with these types of machines: stands, tracks of various lengths, quick couplings for installing the machine and last but not least the remote control.
Reinforced concrete cutting technique with diamond ring cutters
This reinforced concrete cutting technique is relatively new and is gaining popularity. The diamond ring, typically 350 mm in diameter, is activated by a two-point peripheral system. It may seem similar to the technique described above. However, a diamond ring for reinforced concrete allows you to cut up to a depth of 260 mm. The same depth can be achieved with wall saws and a 600 mm diameter blade.
If you have any questions or concerns about using diamond blades or drill bits for reinforced concrete, please feel free to contact us at sales@lanordsrl.it.
