If you’re in the mining or construction industry, it’s inevitable that your project will require the expertise of concrete coring (core drilling). Diamond drilling, in particular, has revolutionised the core drilling world and has become an integral part of the construction process.
But you may be wondering what is concrete coring all about? Why do you need core drilling? What machines do you use for core drilling? What purpose does core drilling serve in the construction industry?
And that’s okay. It’s not common to find someone or a resource that manages to answer everything about concrete coring, especially in Australia. There’s also some confusion pertaining to the purpose of core drilling and what it is actually used for.
So today, in this article we’re going to answer all the questions you may have on this hot topic. By the end of it, you’ll have a better understanding of the subject and how your project may need core drilling. Here’s what we’ll be covering:
What is concrete core drilling?
Concrete coring is a core drilling technique that involves drilling cylindrical holes into concrete structures (floors, walls and ceilings) to accommodate new conduits, plumbing piping, HVAC ducting, reinforcements and other systems.
Various environments may have restricting factors, such as noise-sensitive spaces such as hospitals, healthcare facilities or schools. In this instance, core drilling produces less noise and vibrations than hammer drilling
Revolutionary, diamond core drilling
These days, you may hear the term diamond core drilling being thrown around. How does this differ from conventional core drilling methods?
Traditional core drilling methods the equipment to use a hammering motion, without the use of a diamond drill bit, operators were subjected to a lot of risk factors, including random projectiles of concrete, rock or ore being shot out sideways from the drill point. Conventional drilling methods also put a large amount of stress on the machinery and risk damaging the equipment.
Diamond Core Drilling is a revolutionary method that has allowed for more accurate, faster and more efficient core drilling that doesn’t cause any damage or vibrations throughout the surrounding area.
Utilising a diamond drill bit, Diamond Core Drilling is significantly more efficient with minimal mess, while eliminating the risk of cracking or damaging to surrounding structures. Various types of machinery can be used in all types of environments to drill holes of diameters from as small as 10mm to as wide as 800mm.
When is core drilling needed?
Concrete coring is utilised for a variety of purposes. Commonly used in construction, one of its main purposes, is to make way for new electrical conduits and cables, plumbing piping, reinforcement (starter bars, hold down bolts, and storage units), which may be necessary in-home extensions or commercial fit-outs.
Core drilling is generally needed to create openings through existing concrete or brick structures for the following applications:
- Plumbing in Building high-rise buildings
- Large structures
- Plumbing piping
- HVAC systems
- Electrical conduits
- Routing cables
- Commercial fit-outs
- Vertical concrete drilling
- Bollard installation
What is a diamond drill?
Diamond concrete core drills are most commonly used when coring out concrete structures. The drill bit typically consists of a steel tube that is impregnated with diamond beads on the drilling end. The open end of a diamond drill bit allows for a solid cylinder of rock, concrete to move up through the drill bit to be removed from the hole.
How does a diamond drill work? The diamond drill bit is slowly rotated with gentle pressure while it is lubricated with water or specialised cooling liquids to prevent overheating.
Compared to conventional core drilling equipment, diamond core drill bits are far more superior, with improved accuracy, reduced mess, noise and dust-free, and keep vibrations to a minimum. This is vital in the construction industry to help prevent flaws and reworks, especially when you’re dealing with architectural and structural elements.
What is inverted drilling and when is it needed?
As the name suggests, inverted drilling is core drilling upside down through the underside of a concrete structure and is typically used in applications where access from above is restricted.
Inverted core drilling applications can include ceilings, walls, bridges, tunnels and road surfaces, as well as coring cylindrical holes to allow for cables, plumbing piping, electrical wiring and HVAC systems.
Depending on the structure and environment various types of equipment from brands such as Husqvarna, WEKA or Stihl, are used to drill holes of diameters from as small as 12mm to 800mm at any depth through walls and floors in existing concrete, brick and stone structures.
See us in action here:
Dry core drilling vs wet core drilling
For the most part, wet core drilling is more commonly used for its efficiency and ability to drive the drill bit faster through concrete structures than traditional core bits. With a hollow centre, this helps remove a core from a surface or structure, leaving behind a perfect hole and cleaner surface. In addition, there are fewer fragments left behind on the surface and helps control the amount of dust produced by flushing out the cuts with water.
Applications of wet core drilling
- Plumbing
- Electrical conduits
- Air conditioning and refrigeration
- Masonry for piping
- Drilling into concrete structures or surfaces (walls, floors and ceilings)
Advantages of choosing Diamond Cut Concrete for all your core drilling needs
We consider sensitive environments
With the use of diamond drill bits, we are able to core drill into existing concrete, brick or stone structures with minimal dust and noise. This means we are able to operate in sensitive environments such as hospitals or schools. Dusty environments can have damaging effects not only on operators but on staff and patrons in the area and may cause illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis, silicosis, asthma and other respiratory complications. We employ a wide range of core drilling machinery and equipment suited for any work environment, ensuring the safety of all.
Maintain structural integrity
Attempting to drill holes and make cuts in existing structures can have damaging effects on the buildings overall structural integrity if not done correctly. We operate the latest in diamond core drilling and GPR scanning technology to ensure all cuts and openings are done in a safe and effective manner to maintain structural integrity.
Absolute precision every time
When it comes to discussing the architectural elements of a structure and core drilling, accuracy remains the most important factor in preventing future flaws and reworks. What may start as small inaccuracies in holes and openings can eventuate into much bigger problems, resulting in extra time and money being spent to resolve the issue. We use high-quality diamond drilling equipment and techniques to accomplish every task with absolute precision.
Safety is our top priority
As part of our ongoing commitment to upholding a safe worksite, we continually invest in the latest dust control equipment and techniques to effectively minimise and reduce dust exposure on every project.
With an active Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association Australia (CSDAA) membership, we ensure all our operators and staff are dedicated to providing the safest work environment for everyone on site.
We conduct a safety evaluation of the risk of the job with every project before implementing necessary methods of dust control, including wet cutting, respiratory protection and high powered wet vacuums to collect all the slurry. Our qualified and experienced teamwork to the highest standards of safety to deliver rock-solid results that meet all your project needs.
Contact Diamond Cut Concrete today
We cut straight, we cut safe and we cut on time.
