LEARNING CENTER WIRE SAWING PROJECTS Project: BRP Nuclear Plant Project: Basin Electric SCANNING INFORMATION Scanning: Uses Scanning: Capabilities Scanning: Radar Vs. X-Ray SCANNING PROJECTS Project: Amway Grand Plaza Project: Apple Ridge Project: Dean Foods Project: FSU Project: JCI Project: Sturgis School SCANNING REFERENCES Reference: Marbach Reference: Kent Companies Reference: JDH Wire sawing is a technique that originated in quarries to extract stone. It has proven to be an ideal choice for removal of thick sections of concrete. A multi-strand cable with diamond segments is threaded through a series of pulleys and is continuously pulled through the concrete. Since virtually no concrete structure or cross-section is too large to cut, wire saws are used where other cutting methods are impractical. The only restriction is the lifting and removal specifications of the job. Wire sawing is ideal for removing large sections of heavily reinforced concrete, such as piers, towers and bridge sections, and cutting concrete in areas where work space is restricted. A wire saw consists of a multi-strand cable with diamond segments that are threaded through a series of pulleys attached to a drive wheel that is powered by a hydraulic power unit. The combination of the spinning wire and constant pulling force cuts a path through the concrete and steel reinforcement. A typical wire diameter is 3/8 inch (10 mm). Wire saws can cut in any orientation, vertical or horizontal. Because the length of wire can be made to virtually any length, the cutting depth is unlimited. Project Profile: British Nuclear Fuels Work at a decommissioned nuclear power plant in Charlevoix, Michigan was contracted by British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) and performed by Diamond Drilling with the use of a wire saw. Several large blocks of concrete with a steel liner were cut in order to make room for the future removal of the plant's main reactor. The blocks of concrete were sawed into 15,000-18,000 lbs. pieces and contained 1 inch diameter rebar. In preparation for wire sawing several 4" diameter holes had to be drilled first, some as deep as 27 feet. The sawing was accomplished in eight weeks using two two-man crews and a foreman. The capability of the wire saw, in combination with the expertise of a professional CSDA cutting contractor, allowed this project to be completed in time and under budget.