Accessing Powerlines Or Plumbing Under A Concrete Slab Without Damaging The Concrete
It is not uncommon for powerlines and plumbing to be run under a floor or concrete slab with the intent that it will be there forever. If you have to reach those lines to make repairs or for some other reason, getting to them without removing the entire slab is critical. A concrete slab cutting service can help you get to the lines without replacing the whole floor or slab.
Preparing the Slab
Before the concrete slab cutting service arrives on the worksite, you need to clear the slab's surface or floor so there is no debris that the saw could kick up. Sweep the area where the cuts will be made and wash the area down with clear water to remove the dust and fine particles sitting on the floor.
Once the slab is clean and dry, mark out the floor for the cuts you need with marking paint so that the operator can see them while they are cutting through the slab. The cutting process will generate some concrete sludge as the dust band water mix while the saw is cutting, so a bright-colored marking paint can make it much easier to follow the marks or lines on the concrete.
Cutting the Slab
The concrete slab cutting service will use a large rotary saw to cut the concrete. The blade on the saw uses diamond chips on the teeth to cut smooth lines through the hard concrete, and the blade must be continuously cooled to ensure it is not damaged as it is cutting.
The operator cutting the floor will often make several passes over the concrete to ensure the cuts go all the way through the material, allowing you to remove it more easily when you are ready. If the slab is exceptionally thick, it may require the cutting service to use a larger machine with an extremely large blade to make the cutting easier. In rare cases, the blade used could be as large as seventy-two inches in diameter.
Removing the Slab Section
Most concrete slab cutting services do not remove the concrete after cutting it. The slab is cut, then you will need a crew to break up the section coming out and remove the material. Often a skid steer loader and a jackhammer are used to break the material and get it out of the hole.
Once the work under the slab is complete, you can pour a new concrete section to repair the floor. When the concrete slab cutting is done correctly, the remaining concrete will retain its strength. The new concrete can be joined with the original slab to ensure the floor is as strong as it was before cutting. For more information, contact a concrete slab cutting service.
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