Concrete sawing, purpose, tools, and techniques

Concrete sawing is a process of cutting or sawing through concrete surfaces using specialized equipment such as diamond blades or wire saws. 

Purpose of concrete sawing

1. Create precise cuts or openings in concrete surfaces for the installation of plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.
2. Create expansion joints to prevent cracking or damage due to temperature changes or settling.
3. Remove damaged sections of concrete or concrete structures that need to be replaced.
4. Cut concrete walls or floors to create new doors or windows or enlarge existing openings.
5. Cut concrete slabs for access to underground utilities, such as sewer lines or electrical cables.
6. Create decorative patterns or designs on concrete surfaces, such as for flooring or sidewalks.
7. Saw through thick or reinforced concrete in demolition projects.
8. Modify or adapt existing concrete structures to new uses or designs.
9. Cut through concrete for repair or maintenance work on existing structures, such as roads or bridges.
10. Saw through concrete to create trenches for drainage or to lay pipes or cables.

Tools used in concrete sawing

Saw blade

The saw blade is the main cutting tool used in concrete sawing. The blade can be made from different materials such as diamond, carbide, or abrasive, depending on the type of concrete being cut and the sawing method used.

Power saw

Power saws are used to power the saw blade during the cutting process. Different types of power saws may be used depending on the sawing method used, including hand-held saws, walk-behind saws, and specialized saws such as wire saws.

Water source

In wet sawing, a water source is used to cool the blade during the cutting process and to reduce the amount of dust produced. The water source can be a water hose or a specialized water pump.

Techniques involved in concrete sawing

Concrete sawing can be done using different techniques, including wet sawing, dry sawing, and diamond wire sawing.

1. Wet sawing

It is a method of cutting concrete using a specialized saw blade that is cooled with water as it cuts. This method helps to reduce the amount of dust produced during the cutting process and helps to keep the blade cool, which can extend its lifespan. 

The water used in wet sawing can also help to reduce the risk of heat-related damage to the concrete surface being cut. Wet sawing is commonly used in indoor settings where dust control is a concern.

2. Dry sawing

It is another method of cutting concrete using a saw blade, but instead of water, the blade is cooled with air. This method is often used in outdoor settings where dust control is less of a concern. 

Dry sawing produces more dust than wet sawing and can be more damaging to the blade, but it is generally faster than wet sawing and may be preferred in certain situations.

3. Diamond wire sawing

It is a newer method of cutting concrete that uses a wire with diamond beads attached to it to cut through the concrete. The wire is threaded through a pulley system and rotates at a high speed to cut through the concrete. 

Diamond wire sawing is commonly used in situations where other cutting methods are not possible or practical, such as cutting through very thick or heavily reinforced concrete. It can also be used to make very precise cuts or to cut complex shapes or designs into concrete. 

Diamond wire sawing is typically more expensive than other cutting methods, but it can be more efficient and produce less waste.