Concrete Cutting

It is critical to assess the age of the concrete when trying to ascertain the correct blade type.

Stage 1

Approximately 10 hours after the concrete pour, the concrete is considered green. This is the best time to cut a concrete slab to prevent cracking from expansion after it has cured. At this stage the concrete has not cured or set and the sands and granules have not properly set into the binder or cement. When sawing in this type of application the slurry or debris rolls around in the cut above the segment area. This starts to wear the core. edge uses a deep draft segment that eliminates this abrasive action as it throws out the new slurry that is made with each revolution of the blade.

Stage 2

When the concrete is approximately 24 hours old it is more set or cured. The sand is more tightly held in the mortar making the concrete less abrasive during cutting. A slightly softer bond is required but some abrasion can take place

Stage 3

After 24 - 72 hours the concrete is semi-cured. The sand is quite tightly held in the mortar thus reducing the abrasive properties of the concrete. A softer bond than on either stage 1 or 2 is required.

Stage 4

After 72 hours the concrete is considered cured. The abrasive sands are tightly held in the mortar making the concrete less abrasive to cut. When cutting the density and amount of steel should also be taken into consideration as well as the type of aggregate. As with all other cutting operations a certain amount of experience is needed as aggregate size, hardness and the amount of steel in the cut together with the atmospheric conditions and weather will add a variance to the correct usage and cutting properties of the application.

Generally, as with other sawing, drilling and grinding operations, harder aggregates require softer bonds, softer aggregates require harder bonds. More dense materials require softer bonds, less dense materials require harder bonds. More steel in the cut requires softer bonds, less steel requires harder bonds.