Wire Sawing
Wire sawing is a concrete-cutting method that uses a continuous steel cable fitted with diamond beads. The wire is wrapped around the concrete structure and driven by a hydraulic or electric machine, allowing it to cut through concrete, reinforced concrete, steel, and even very thick structures.
How it works
- Holes are drilled through or around the structure.
- The diamond wire is threaded through the holes.
- The wire is connected into a loop.
- The drive unit pulls the wire at high speed.
- The diamond beads grind through the concrete and reinforcement.
When Wire Sawing Is Used
Bridge Demolition and Modifications
- Cutting bridge piers and abutments.
- Removing bridge deck sections.
- Controlled demolition where vibration must be minimized
Very Thick Concrete
- Walls thicker than a wall saw can handle.
- Massive footings and foundations.
- Dam structures.
Large Structural Removals
- Lift shafts.
- Stairwell openings.
- Removal of entire concrete sections for crane lifting.
Irregular Shapes
Unlike a track saw, a wire saw isn’t limited to straight cuts. It can cut:
- Circular sections
- Columns
- Piles
- Complex shapes
Wall Saw vs Wire Saw
Wall Saw | Wire Saw |
Straight cuts on a track | Can cut almost any shape |
Faster setup | More setup required |
Excellent for walls and slabs | Best for very thick concrete |
Typical depths up to ~700–1000 mm depending on equipment | Virtually unlimited depth |
Common for penetrations and openings | Common for major demolition and heavy infrastructure |
Advantages
✅ Cuts extremely thick concrete
✅ Cuts through heavy reinforcement and structural steel
✅ Low vibration and low noise
✅ Precise and controlled
✅ Can be used underwater in some applications
Example
If you needed to remove a 2 m × 3 m section of a bridge pier that was 1.2 m thick, a wall saw would likely reach its limits. A contractor would often:
- Core drill corners or access holes.
- Thread a diamond wire through the structure.
- Wire saw the section free.
- Lift it out with a crane.
That’s why many high-end concrete-cutting companies that own systems like Pentruder, Husqvarna Construction, or Tyrolit also invest in wire saws—the combination covers almost every concrete-cutting scenario from small penetrations to major bridge and infrastructure projects.
