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Cut the asphalt: the why and how
Do you have a project that involves cutting asphalt with your floor cutter? It is essential to understand what specifications you need to consider.
Asphalt cutter discs
The first essential step before cutting asphalt is to make sure you have the right equipment . Contrary to what is common, a pneumatic hammer is not the right tool for this job. Its vibrations could in fact weaken the surrounding surface. Using a diamond blade for asphalt will give better results.
Cutting asphalt requires a specific diamond blade. Diamond blades for concrete, granite or ceramic are not functional for this process because they have a bond that is too soft. Since asphalt is soft and abrasive, it is necessary to have diamond blades with a hard bond.
With a diamond blade for cutting asphalt, the segments wear out during the cutting phase. The exposed layer composed of metal powders and synthetic diamond abrades the material and as soon as it loses its effectiveness, the lower layer comes out and starts working again. The wear of the blade exposes new diamond layers that guarantee optimal performance.
Diamond blades for asphalt are to be used wet because they allow lubrication and cooling of the tool.
Asphalt Cutting: When is it Necessary?
Asphalt cutting is always necessary for its replacement or repair. It is frequently used for the replacement of worn parts or for the breaking of potholes. Today the greatest amount of asphalt cutting is done for the laying of optical fiber.
When a road surface needs to be replaced, for example, a pavement cutter and the tools needed to fill the potholes are needed.
Cutting Asphalt in Three Steps
Learning how to cut asphalt is very simple and relies on experience and knowledge of these three simple steps. Whether you are replacing a patch of asphalt or filling a pothole the steps are as follows.
Step #1 – Clean the area
Clean the cutting area by removing large and small debris. This step allows you to work safely. Debris can be a major obstacle for your diamond blade.
Step #2 – Mark the cutting lines
Asphalt cutting should be done where the surface is still in good condition. Don't just cut the damaged area: widen your cutting area as much as possible to obtain solid and consistent edges.
Step #3 – Cut Asphalt
Set the cutting depth of your diamond blade . You can check the depth needed at the roadside to understand the depth of the surface. Proceed with your first straight cut. Once done, lift the blade and reposition the machine to make the following cuts.
NB never turn the machine with the diamond disc inside the cut. This is the main cause of breakage of diamond disc segments.
Done: You are now ready to remove the damaged piece.
Laying of cables and optical fibre
When cutting asphalt for fiber optics or cables of any kind, your only concern is to make a straight cut. With the use of a diamond blade you will not have problems with material breaking inside the cut. Cut, lay and cover.
Repairing potholes in asphalt
One of the most common reasons for cutting asphalt is to repair a pothole . Although it may seem presumptuous, the job is quite simple. Once the area has been properly cleaned and cut according to the previous steps, it must be cleared again of debris from the cutting phase. If the area is wet, it is necessary to wait for it to dry by dabbing the surface before patching. Once the surface is ready, begin laying the bituminous material: first against the edges and then towards the center. Level everything with an aluminum straight edge. Do not overdo this step: raking too much could cause coarse material to rise to the surface.
If it is essential to know how to cut asphalt, it is essential to know how to maintain it and what are the techniques for repairs. Preventing further damage and cracks is the best solution to avoid complete replacement of the surface.
For all the information needed for the use and choice of professional diamond blades for asphalt, do not hesitate to contact us at ales@lanordsrl.it
