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what is concrete cutting?

Concrete cutting is a process of controlled sawing, drilling and removal of concrete performed by people who have been trained using special saws. Concrete sawing is used to repair existing features and structures such as pavements that are often cracked, sunken and need repair.

• Wall Sawing - Cuts openings such as doors or windows in concrete walls

• Slab sawing and or also referred to as flat sawing - A process used to cut horizontal flat concrete surfaces such as pavement, floors, and bridge decks.

• Core Drilling - Is the process of drilling perfectly round holes through floors and concrete walls.

• Curb Cutting - This is when concrete sawing is applied to repair a cracked, sunken, or stained driveway or pavement.

DANGERS OF CUTTING CONCRETE: IS CUTTING CONCRETE DANGEROUS?

There are always dangers when cutting concrete but if you’re using the right professionals that follow safety guidelines you always minimize those risks.

• Misuse of Tools which can result in Injury and or Slips Trips & Falls

• To Prevent Rebar & Post Tension Cables from experiencing structural damage

• Electrical Wires from electric shock

• Concrete Particles such as dust and flying aggregate

CONCRETE CUTTING SAFETY: HOW DO YOU REDUCE THE RISK OF THE ABOVE?

The first step in reducing the risk is to always wear proper PPE. You should also have proper training on the type of machinery that is being used, so hiring the right company that has professionals is one way to reduce the risk of injury.

• The other thing to think about is when to saw cut concrete. For example, weather conditions can also determine when to saw cut concrete. In hot weather conditions you can start about 4 hours after the concrete is poured however in colder weather you would have to wait at least 12 hours to make sure the slab is ready. Risk is reduced by having concrete scanning done beforehand.

• When doing concrete scanning you want to call a private utility locator that is professionally trained in using ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators. They will inspect concrete slabs, floor pads, or walls to detect the location of rebar, conduit, post tension cables, and more before you cut or core.

• How do you mark concrete for cutting to be read? During the concrete scanning your Project Manager will mark the utilities found with chalk, tape, or keel. The rebar locations can be marked on the concrete in the field or the GPR data can be simultaneously recorded on the computer for further analysis, processing and plotting on site maps back in the office. After concrete scanning there will be a report of the scope of work explaining what utility markings have been found.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL COMPANY TO HANDLE CONCRETE CUTTING / SAWING / SCANNING?

• When cutting concrete especially wall sawing it will require a high degree of precision and thorough knowledge of building practices.

• When doing concrete scanning you want to call a private utility locator that is professionally trained in using ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators. They will inspect concrete slabs, floor pads, or walls to detect the location of rebar, conduit, post tension cables, or more before you cut or core. You will also want the Project Manager to use industry-leading equipment for concrete scanning from suppliers such as GSSI or Proceq.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PRACTICES IN CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL CONCRETE CUTTING SERVICES COMPANY?

• You will want to research the company, ask for references and look to see if they’re involved with associations within the industry. Watch the video below for more information.