H3 Construction CTO/CIO/CHO Eloy Ramirez recently answered general questions about concrete saw cutting and its purpose in commercial projects. 

Q: What are the primary reasons for saw cutting in construction? 

There are several types of saw cutting processes. We do a lot of flat sawing. The purpose of flat saw projects can vary from removing old concrete, creating space for new concrete structures, or creating openings in concrete for pipes or other utility installations. Flat sawing is also applied to excavation projects, especially when installing something new or searching for existing structures within older buildings. 

We also offer hand-sawing services, which involve creating smaller openings from one to four feet. These openings are made in the ground or on a wall and serve as access points for HVAC units, conduits, piping, or cabling. In most cases, fabricated walls don’t have the necessary openings. Once the walls are in place, the customer determines where the air needs to flow or where cable access should be placed. We then proceed to cut these designated areas. This process enables other companies to carry on with the project.

Q: How does the purpose of saw cutting concrete differ between new construction projects and renovation or repair projects?

New construction projects are generally more predictable. These buildings are usually recent, so we have a good understanding of what to expect from their concrete structures. There are often detailed specifications to follow in these cases.

Working with older buildings is a bit like being a detective. An example is our work on the Dallas County Courthouse. When we needed to create openings in the building’s substructure, we encountered much denser rock and thicker concrete than commonly used today. This situation required us to investigate and explore before we cut. 

With newer buildings, you can rely on the construction drawings to guide you. However, older buildings often have less documented construction history and might have had concrete applied in a less structured manner. Because of this, the operators often need to put in more effort and skill to complete the work. That’s the primary distinction between working on newer and older buildings.

Q: Can you explain the role of expansion and control joints in concrete cutting?

Concrete appears solid to the naked eye, but undergoes expansion just like any other material due to the laws of physics. When exposed to heat, concrete expands. You can notice this, especially during the summer, when doors don’t close correctly. 

We manage the inevitable cracking that occurs in concrete with strategically placed control joints. Concrete, reinforced with structural rebar, will naturally develop cracks over time. While not all cracks are problematic, they can become an issue if they grow too large and affect the structural integrity. By creating a control joint, we intentionally weaken the concrete along a specific line, making it more likely to crack there instead of a more problematic location. 

It’s about acknowledging that concrete will crack and expand at some point, so we choose to guide these natural processes to occur in specific, manageable locations rather than unpredictably or in places where it’s undesirable.

Q: How does the purpose of cutting concrete change for decorative or artistic applications, and what are some creative ways to use concrete cutting in design? 

We’ve undertaken decorative and artistic saw cutting projects, primarily when the goal is to match an existing structure’s aesthetics. Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth have commercial buildings with existing decorative features that require maintenance or repair. Instead of covering them up with concrete, we take a more nuanced approach.

During previous projects, we’ve collaborated with clients to identify specific materials used in their existing structures, such as brick or glass types. Identifying original materials enables us to work together to find similar materials or even source the original ones. In some cases, we’re capable of reinstalling these materials ourselves. For instance, when we worked at Six Flags, we colored the concrete to match the desired aesthetic. While our primary focus isn’t on decorative concrete work, we have the skills to perform decorative cutting to preserve the original appearance.

H3 Construction in-house concrete saw cutting equipment

There are different types of saws, each with distinct purposes and uses for specific materials and cutting requirements. H3 Construction’s in-house specialty equipment and expert crews mean we can efficiently create the cuts needed for every project while ensuring new work matches design requirements or restoring decorative aesthetics. From small saws for tight internal spaces to large diesel rigs for new construction, H3 Construction can take on all your concrete saw cutting needs. 

Contact us today to learn more about our commercial concrete services.