Reinforced concrete can be found in many buildings and floors. Like regular concrete, it is a very strong material, but it also contains steel reinforcement which makes it even stronger.
So, can you cut reinforced concrete? Yes. By using the correct methods, concrete cutting specialists can cut through reinforced concrete and the steel bars within it. There are several ways to cut concrete, so the right method will depend on the job and the thickness of the material.
Why Is It Hard to Cut Reinforced Concrete?
Concrete is already a hard material to cut. When steel reinforcement is added, this can make the job more challenging.
As the reinforcement sits within the concrete, it can also be difficult to know exactly where the steel is positioned. Concrete cutting specialists use specialist equipment designed to cut through both materials accurately.
Will Diamond Cutting Cut Concrete and Rebar?
Diamond cutting can be used for both standard and reinforced concrete. With the correct blade and equipment, it is possible to cut through the concrete and steel reinforcement.
However, the equipment needs to be suitable for the specific job, including the thickness and position of the concrete.
How Do You Cut Reinforced Concrete?
There are several methods of concrete cutting, and the right one depends on the project. For example, cutting a concrete floor may require different equipment to cutting a wall.
Floor sawing, track sawing, wire sawing and diamond drilling can all be used for reinforced concrete. The job should be assessed first to determine the most suitable method.
When Would You Use Floor Sawing?
Floor sawing is used to cut horizontal concrete surfaces. It can be used for reinforced concrete floors, slabs and road surfaces.
If you need to cut through a concrete floor, floor sawing may be the most appropriate option. Different saws are available depending on the required depth and the size of the job.
What Is Track Sawing?
Track sawing is another method of concrete cutting and is commonly used on concrete walls.
The equipment allows accurate, straight cuts to be made through reinforced concrete. This makes it useful when creating openings for doors, windows and other structural alterations.
When Should You Use Wire Sawing?
There may be situations where the concrete is too large or difficult to access with other cutting methods. Diamond wire sawing can be used in these circumstances.
A diamond wire is passed through or around the concrete before cutting through the material. This method is often suitable for larger sections of concrete.
Can You Drill Through Reinforced Concrete?
Sometimes you may need to drill through reinforced concrete rather than remove an entire section. For example, an accurate hole may be required for pipework, cables or other services.
Diamond drilling can create accurate holes through concrete and reinforced concrete. Different drills and core sizes can be used depending on the opening required.
Should You Cut Reinforced Concrete Yourself?
Cutting reinforced concrete isn’t simply a case of picking up a saw and starting to cut. There are several factors that need to be considered first.
Dust and slurry may need to be controlled, while the concrete sections that are removed can be extremely heavy. More importantly, cutting load-bearing or structural concrete without understanding its purpose could cause serious damage.
For substantial concrete cutting work, using experienced professionals means the job can be assessed and the appropriate equipment selected.
Concrete Cutting Specialists in Essex
As you can see, you can cut through reinforced concrete with the correct specialist equipment. Different cutting and drilling methods can be used depending on the concrete and the requirements of the project.
At KSS Diamond Drilling, we provide diamond drilling and concrete cutting services throughout Essex. Whether you need floor sawing, track sawing, wire sawing or diamond drilling, our team can help determine the right approach for your project.
Speak to KSS Diamond Drilling today to discuss your concrete cutting requirements.
